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Fermented, low-calorie, high in sodium
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
1 cup (medium) of Unsweetened şalgam drink (250 g) has 20 calories. That works out to 8 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.8 g of carbs, 0.8 g of protein, 0.3 g of fat and 0.5 g of fiber. Its 800 mg of Sodium covers 35% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Unsweetened şalgam drink is a savoury fermented drink associated especially with Adana and Turkey’s south. It is traditionally made by fermenting dark carrots and turnip with salted water and a starter; despite the name, it is not a sweet drink, and this version has no added sugar.
Usually served chilled, it is a familiar partner for kebabs and other spicy, rich meals, both in Turkey and at Turkish restaurants abroad. Its tangy, salty flavour and sometimes lightly cloudy texture cut through rich food. It is low in calories but high in sodium, so if you are watching your salt intake, keep the serving modest or pair it with a less salty meal.
Selected: 100 g
8
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
1.5g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.3g
· 1% DV
Fat
0.1g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.2g
· 1% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 74% · Protein 15% · Fat 11%
Vitamins
Vitamin C
1.5mg · 2% DV
B1
0.01mg · 1% DV
B2
0.01mg · 1% DV
B3
0.2mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Sodium
320mg · 14% DV
Magnesium
7mg · 2% DV
Calcium
12mg · 1% DV
Selenium
0.3µg · 1% DV
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
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.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 8 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
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.
No known major allergens
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
0.02g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.01g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.03g
Omega 6:3 ratio 2:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Unsweetened şalgam drink is a traditional Turkish fermented beverage, usually made with black carrots, salt, water, and a starter such as bulgur flour or sourdough. Despite its name, black carrot is typically its main vegetable.
Unsweetened şalgam drink tastes tangy, salty, and earthy, with a sharp fermented flavor. Its heat varies: some versions are mild, while pepper-spiced versions have a noticeable burn.
Usually, black carrots are the main ingredient, not turnips. Some traditional recipes include turnip, but the name can be misleading, so recipes and commercial products do not all contain it.
It can be enjoyed as a fermented beverage, but it is notably salty, so it is not a good choice to drink freely if you are limiting sodium. Fermentation alone does not make it a health treatment.
It may contain live microorganisms if it has not been pasteurized, but that is not guaranteed for every bottle. Pasteurization can kill live cultures, so the word fermented alone does not confirm probiotic content.
Unsweetened şalgam drink is often served alongside Turkish kebabs, especially Adana kebab, and other savory meals. Its tart, salty flavor contrasts with rich or spicy food; it is commonly served chilled.
Not necessarily. Şalgam drink is commonly sold in mild and pepper-hot versions; the spicy kind can have a strong, lingering kick. Choose a mild version if you want the fermented flavor without much heat.
It is made and served as a nonalcoholic drink, not as an alcoholic beverage. Fermentation may produce trace amounts, but şalgam drink is not comparable to beer or wine.
Keep opened unsweetened şalgam drink tightly sealed in the refrigerator and follow the package’s guidance for how soon to finish it. Discard it if you notice mold, an unpleasant smell, or an unusual appearance.
“Unsweetened” generally means no sugar has been added; it does not necessarily mean the drink contains zero naturally occurring sugars or carbohydrates. Check the ingredient list if you need to avoid added sugar.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.