Knafa

Knafa

Dessert

Item Rating: 56/100

1 serving (150 grams) contains 350 calories, 8.0 grams of protein, 15.0 grams of fat, and 45.0 grams of carbohydrates.

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555.6
calories
12.7
protein
71.4
carbohydrates
23.8
fat

Nutrition Information

1 cup (238.1g)
Calories
555.6
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 23.8 g 30%
Saturated Fat 12.7 g 63%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 47.6 mg 15%
Sodium 317.5 mg 13%
Total Carbohydrates 71.4 g 25%
Dietary Fiber 1.6 g 5%
Sugars 39.7 g
protein 12.7 g 25%
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 238.1 mg 18%
Iron 1.6 mg 8%
Potassium 158.7 mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

⚠️ Contains trans fat
🧈 High saturated fat

Source of Calories

51.9%
9.2%
38.9%
Fat: 214 cal (38.9%)
Protein: 50 cal (9.2%)
Carbs: 285 cal (51.9%)

About Knafa

Knafa, sometimes spelled Kanafeh, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert popular in countries such as Lebanon, Turkey, and Palestine. It is made using thin, shredded phyllo pastry soaked in sweet syrup and layered with soft cheese or semolina-based cream. The dish is often baked to achieve a golden-brown crust. A typical serving of Knafa contains 233 calories, 5 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fat, and moderate amounts of calcium (100 mg). With its combination of dairy and syrup, Knafa is high in sugars and fats, but it also provides essential minerals such as iron and calcium, which come primarily from the cheese and cream base.

Health Benefits

  • Supports bone health due to calcium content (100 mg per serving).
  • Provides protein (5.3 g), which aids muscle maintenance and repair.
  • Contains iron (0.66 mg), contributing to oxygen transport in the body.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains wheat, milk
Suitable for: Vegetarian
Not suitable for: Vegan, gluten-free

Selection and Storage

Store Knafa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.

Common Questions About Knafa Nutrition

Is Knafa high in protein?

Knafa is relatively low in protein, containing approximately 5.33 grams per serving, depending on the specific recipe. While it offers some protein from ingredients like cheese or nuts, it is not considered a high-protein food and should be paired with other sources for a balanced diet.

Can I eat Knafa on a keto diet?

Knafa is not keto-friendly due to its high carbohydrate content, with around 30 grams of carbs per serving. This exceeds the daily carb limit typically allowed on a keto diet, which is around 20-50 grams per day.

What are the health concerns of eating Knafa?

The primary health concerns of Knafa are its high sugar content (16.67 grams per serving) and calories (233 calories per serving). Additionally, it contains around 10 grams of fat, which can add up if eaten in large portions. People monitoring their sugar or calorie intake should enjoy it in moderation.

What is the recommended portion size for Knafa?

A typical serving size of Knafa is around 100 grams or a small slice. Since it is calorie-dense and high in sugar, sticking to one serving is recommended, especially for those watching their calorie or sugar intake.

How does Knafa compare to other Middle Eastern desserts?

Knafa generally has a similar calorie and sugar content to other Middle Eastern desserts like Baklava but is often slightly higher in carbs and lower in fiber. Its distinguishing feature is the inclusion of cheese or cream, which gives it a unique texture and flavor compared to predominantly nut-based desserts like Baklava.

Data Sources & Scientific References

Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.

Additional Authoritative Sources:

Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.