1 tablespoon (medium) of Mesir paste (18 g) has 58 calories. That works out to 320 calories per 100 g. It contains 14 g of carbs, 0.3 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 0.4 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

What is Mesir paste?

Mesir paste is a thick, sweet, spice-laden confection associated with Manisa in western Turkey. It is made by blending spices such as cinnamon and clove into a sugary syrup; recipes vary, and the finished paste is glossy, sticky and warmly aromatic. In Turkey it is usually offered in small portions, often with tea or after a meal, and is especially linked to Manisa’s annual Mesir Macunu Festival, where pieces are traditionally tossed to the crowds.

With plenty of carbohydrate and very little fat, Mesir paste is an energy-dense sweet rather than an everyday spread. Its intense sweetness and spice mean a little can go a long way; try it alongside unsweetened tea or enjoy a small spoonful as a treat.

Mesir paste Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

320

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

78g

· 28% DV

Protein

1.5g

· 3% DV

Fat

0.8g

· 1% DV

Fiber

2.2g

· 8% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 96% · Protein 2% · Fat 2%

Mesir paste Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.03mg · 3% DV

0.04mg · 3% DV

0.3mg · 2% DV

0.09mg · 2% DV

Minerals

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

Magnesium

18mg · 4% DV

Calcium

32mg · 3% DV

Phosphorus

22mg · 3% DV

How Nutritious Is Mesir paste?

Nutrient density

Low

25/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

21/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Mesir paste Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

High

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Mesir paste

To burn the 320 calories in 100 g:

🚶

79min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

33min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

44min

Cycling

🏊

37min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Mesir paste Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Mesir paste Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Mesir paste Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Mesir paste Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.3g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.2g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 4.5:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (4.5:1).

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mesir paste

What is Mesir paste?

Mesir paste is a thick, sweet Turkish paste flavored with a mixture of spices and traditionally associated with Manisa. People eat it by itself, spread it on bread, or stir a little into a drink.

Where did Mesir paste originate?

Mesir paste originated in Manisa, in western Türkiye. Local tradition links it to a paste prepared for Hafsa Sultan, the mother of Süleyman the Magnificent, and its distribution later became part of Manisa’s annual Mesir festivities.

What ingredients are in Mesir paste?

Mesir paste is generally made with a sweet base, such as sugar syrup or molasses, and a blend of spices. Recipes may include cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, but the exact ingredients and proportions vary by producer.

Why is Mesir paste thrown to the crowd in Manisa?

Mesir paste is tossed to crowds during Manisa’s spring Mesir celebrations as a long-standing local custom. The event is associated with Nevruz and the story of Hafsa Sultan; catching a piece is festive folklore, not a way to receive a proven health treatment.

Does Mesir paste really contain 41 spices?

Not necessarily. The traditional Mesir paste recipe is popularly associated with 41 spices, but modern recipes and commercial versions can use different blends. The number is an important part of the tradition, rather than a guarantee about every jar.

How do you eat Mesir paste?

Mesir paste can be eaten in small amounts straight from a spoon or spread thinly on bread. Its strong sweetness and warming spice flavor also pair well with tea; some people stir a little into hot milk.

What does Mesir paste taste like?

Mesir paste tastes intensely sweet, with a complex, warming spice flavor that may include notes of cinnamon, ginger, and clove. Its thick, sticky texture is closer to a spread or soft paste than to chewy Turkish delight.

Can you make Mesir paste at home?

Yes, you can make Mesir paste by cooking a sweet syrup with a measured spice blend until it thickens. Avoid scorching the syrup, and add spices gradually; reproducing the traditional texture and balanced flavor can take practice.

Is Mesir paste a medicine or an aphrodisiac?

No, Mesir paste is a traditional sweet, not a proven medicine or aphrodisiac. Its spice blend is part of its culinary and cultural identity, but eating it has not been shown to treat illness or reliably alter sexual function.

Can people with diabetes eat Mesir paste?

People with diabetes should treat Mesir paste as a sugary sweet, since it can raise blood glucose. The suitable portion depends on an individual’s care plan, so a clinician or dietitian can help fit it into meals.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026