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A bowl of pale golden, slightly cloudy broth holds irregular pieces of head meat, with a few glossy, gelatinous pieces visible among them.
●Low GI

Turkish head soup Calories

Traditional meat soup providing protein and collagen

In season: Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

72kcal

GI

20low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

142mg

FIBER · 100 G

0.2g

Quick answer

1 cup (medium) of Turkish head soup (240 g) has 173 calories. That works out to 72 calories per 100 g. It contains 5 g of carbs, 19.4 g of protein, 8.2 g of fat and 0.5 g of fiber. Its 1.7 µg of B12 covers 72% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 20 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Turkish head soup Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 240 g

173

KCAL / 240G

Carbs

5g

· 2% DV

Protein

19.4g

· 39% DV

Fat

8.2g

· 11% DV

Fiber

0.5g

· 2% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 12% · Protein 45% · Fat 43%

Turkish head soup nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (240 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories173 kcal
Total fat8.2 g11%
Saturated fat2.83 g14%
Trans fat0.12 g
Sodium744 mg32%
Total carbohydrate5 g2%
Fiber0.5 g2%
Protein19.4 g39%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Turkish head soup?

ServingAmountCalories
1 cup (medium)240 g173 kcal
100 g100 g72 kcal
1 cup (small)150 g108 kcal
1 serving (medium)250 g180 kcal
1 bottle (medium)300 g216 kcal
1 cup (large)360 g259 kcal
1 serving (large)400 g288 kcal

Calculated from 72 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish head soup

What is Turkish head soup?

Turkish head soup is a traditional soup made by simmering meat from an animal’s head and serving it in the resulting broth. Recipes vary by region and may use different head cuts, seasonings, or a thickened finish.

How is Turkish head soup made?

Turkish head soup is made by cleaning and simmering the head until the meat is tender, then removing and chopping the meat. It is returned to strained broth; some cooks thicken the soup with an egg, flour, or lemon-based mixture.

Does Turkish head soup contain brains?

Not necessarily. Many versions use the meaty parts of the head without brains, while some recipes include them or serve them separately. Ask the restaurant or cook if you need to know whether a particular bowl contains brains.

What is the difference between Turkish head soup and kelle paça?

Turkish head soup focuses on meat from the head, whereas kelle paça commonly includes both head and feet. The names and recipes can overlap regionally, so the actual cuts used matter more than the menu label.

What animal is used for Turkish head soup?

Turkish head soup is commonly made with sheep or calf head, depending on the regional recipe and availability. The meat is simmered until tender, then separated from the bones before it is served in the broth.

Why does Turkish head soup turn gelatinous?

Turkish head soup can set or become gelatinous when chilled because connective tissue and cartilage release gelatin during simmering. This is a normal texture change; warming the soup usually makes the broth liquid again.

What does Turkish head soup taste like?

Turkish head soup has a savory, meaty broth and tender pieces of head meat. Its flavor can be rich, especially when the broth is gelatinous, and garlic, vinegar, lemon, or spices may give it a sharper finish.

How is Turkish head soup traditionally served?

Turkish head soup is served hot, often with garlic vinegar or lemon added at the table. Bread and chili flakes are common accompaniments, while keeping the seasoning separate lets each person adjust the bowl to taste.

How should you store leftover Turkish head soup?

Transfer leftover Turkish head soup to a covered container and refrigerate it promptly rather than leaving it out. Reheat it thoroughly before eating, or freeze portions for longer storage; the broth may firm up when cold.

How do you reduce the smell when making Turkish head soup?

Clean the head thoroughly and discard the first boiling water to reduce strong odors when making Turkish head soup. Simmer it in fresh water with aromatics such as onion or bay leaf, and keep the kitchen well ventilated.

Turkish head soup Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.73µg · 72% DV

B3

4.32mg · 27% DV

B2

0.29mg · 22% DV

B6

0.26mg · 15% DV

Minerals

Selenium

24µg · 44% DV

Sodium

744mg · 32% DV

Phosphorus

206mg · 29% DV

Zinc

3mg · 27% DV

Potassium ⭐

341mg · 10% DV

Turkish head soup Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

20
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

1
Low

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

How to Burn Off Turkish head soup

To burn the 173 calories in 1 cup (medium) (240 g):

🚶

43min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

18min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

24min

Cycling

🏊

20min

Swimming

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

What is Turkish head soup?

Turkish head soup is a traditional soup made by slowly simmering meat from a sheep’s or goat’s head until tender, then serving it in its savoury broth. Recipes vary: some keep the broth simple, while others thicken or season it, often with garlic and lemon.

The result is warming and deeply savoury, with soft pieces of meat and a rich, gelatinous broth. In Turkey it is commonly served hot, with lemon, garlic vinegar or chilli available at the table; Turkish restaurants and soup shops may offer it as a substantial meal. It is protein-rich, with 8.1 g per 100 g. For a lighter serving, add lemon and pair a moderate bowl with salad rather than several rich sides.

How Nutritious Is Turkish head soup?

Nutrient density

High

62/ 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

Medium

46/ 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.

Is Turkish head soup Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally 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 Turkish head soup Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy free
Eggs yes
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Turkish head soup Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not 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

Turkish head soup Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.83g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.55g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.6g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 4.6:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (4.6:1).

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.