How healthy is simit?
Is simit healthy? Yes, in moderate portions. Simit scores 35/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 316 kcal, 5 mg iron and 9.9 g protein. Simit is a sesame-crusted bread ring dipped in grape molasses before baking: the sesame adds some fat, calcium and minerals, but it is mostly white flour. Source: standard recipe, USDA FoodData Central ingredients.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Simit ranks higher than 35% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Iron9%
- Protein6%
- Magnesium6%
- Calcium4%
- Fiber4%
- Potassium2%
- Vitamin E1%
- Vitamin A0%
- Vitamin C0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat2%
- Added sugars3%
- Sodium6%
Raw NRF9.3: 31 minus 11 = 20. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in simit?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 316 kcal | 348 kcal | |
| Protein | 9.9 g | 11 g | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g | 57 g | 21% |
| Fiber | 3.3 g | 3.6 g | 13% |
| Sugars | 5.5 g | 6 g | |
| Added sugars | 5.3 g | 5.8 g | 12% |
| Fat | 8.1 g | 8.9 g | 11% |
| Saturated fat | 1.1 g | 1.3 g | 6% |
| Omega-3 fats | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin K | 0.2 µg | 0.2 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Folate | 202 µg | 223 µg | 56% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 163 mg | 179 mg | 14% |
| Iron | 5 mg | 5.5 mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 236 mg | 260 mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 82 mg | 90 mg | 22% |
| Zinc | 1.7 mg | 1.8 mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 418 mg | 459 mg | 20% |
Estimated from the standard recipe below, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Values rounded.
What is in a standard simit?
We estimate simit from this standard recipe (serves 8, about 850 g cooked), using USDA values for each ingredient. Home and restaurant versions vary. Grape molasses (pekmez) is modeled as USDA molasses.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bread flour | 500 g |
| Water | 300 g |
| Dry yeast | 7 g |
| Salt | 9 g |
| Grape molasses for dipping | 60 g |
| Sesame seeds | 120 g |
Why is simit good for you?
- 223 µg folate in 1 simit, 56% of the daily value. Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
- 5.5 mg iron in 1 simit, 31% of the daily value. Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
- 11 g protein in 1 simit, 22% of the daily value. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
Good ways to use it
- A street breakfast with white cheese and tomato
- Sharing a ring rather than having two
What should you watch out for?
- It is refined bread, so it is less filling than whole-grain options.
- Eaten with cheese and tea it is a full breakfast, not a snack.
What can you eat instead of simit?
Foods you can use the same way with a higher HowHealthyIs Score.