How healthy is Turkish coffee?
Is Turkish coffee healthy? Yes, for most people. Turkish coffee scores 24/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 38 kcal and 74 mg magnesium. Turkish coffee is finely ground coffee simmered with water in a cezve and served unfiltered with its foam. A small cup is strong but low in calories; with medium sugar it adds about a teaspoon of sugar. 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). Turkish coffee ranks higher than 24% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Magnesium46%
- Potassium6%
- Iron2%
- Protein1%
- Vitamin C1%
- Calcium0%
- Vitamin E0%
- Fiber0%
- Vitamin A0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat1%
- Added sugars40%
- Sodium1%
Raw NRF9.3: 56 minus 43 = 13. 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 Turkish coffee?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 38 kcal | 25 kcal | |
| Protein | 0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 9.2 g | 6 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 7.7 g | 5 g | |
| Added sugars | 7.7 g | 5 g | 10% |
| Fat | 0.2 g | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Omega-3 fats | 0 g | 0 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg | 0.1 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | <0.1 mg | <0.1 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K | <0.1 µg | <0.1 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Folate | 0.9 µg | 0.6 µg | 0% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 1.9 mg | 1.2 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | <0.1 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 106 mg | 69 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 74 mg | 48 mg | 11% |
| Zinc | <0.1 mg | <0.1 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 13 mg | 8.4 mg | 0% |
Estimated from the standard recipe below, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Values rounded.
What is in a standard Turkish coffee?
We estimate Turkish coffee from this standard recipe (one serving, about 65 g cooked), using USDA values for each ingredient. Home and restaurant versions vary. USDA has no Turkish coffee, so the coffee is modeled with restaurant espresso, the closest strong brew. Sugar is medium sweet (orta şekerli), about a teaspoon; plain (sade) Turkish coffee has almost no calories.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coffee brewed in a cezve (finely ground coffee and water) | 60 g |
| Sugar, medium sweet (orta şekerli) | 5 g |
Why is Turkish coffee good for you?
- 48 mg magnesium in 1 cup (fincan, about 65 ml), 11% of the daily value. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
Good ways to use it
- A small after-meal coffee, traditionally with a glass of water
- Ordering it plain (sade) to skip the sugar
What should you watch out for?
- Unfiltered coffee keeps cafestol, a coffee oil linked to higher LDL cholesterol when drunk in large amounts.
- The grounds settle at the bottom; most people leave the last sip.
Which drinks score higher?
Other drinks with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.