Halva vs Tahini: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Halva and Tahini have distinct nutritional profiles.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Tahini is higher in protein with 17.8 g compared to Halva's 12.5 g. Halva has fewer calories at 469 compared to Tahini's 570.

Halva and Tahini are both popular foods with unique flavors and uses. This comparison highlights their nutritional differences to help you make informed choices.

What Is the Difference Between Halva and Tahini?

Halva is a sweet confection made from ground sesame seeds or other ingredients, often enjoyed as a dessert or snack. It is dense and typically sweetened with sugar. Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It serves as a key ingredient in dishes like hummus and sauces.

Halva vs Tahini: Nutrition Side by Side

The following comparison provides a side-by-side look at the nutritional aspects of Halva and Tahini.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Halva Tahini
Calories 469 kcal 570 kcal
Protein 12.5 g 17.8 g
Carbs 60.5 g 26.2 g
Sugar 40 g 0 g
Fat 21.5 g 48 g
Fiber 4.5 g 9.3 g
Sodium 195 mg 74 mg

Which Is Better, Halva or Tahini?

For weight loss: Halva has 469 calories per 100 g, while Tahini has 570 calories. Choosing Halva may be more suitable for those focused on calorie reduction.

For muscle and protein: Tahini offers 17.8 g of protein per 100 g, surpassing Halva's 12.5 g. This makes Tahini a better option for those seeking higher protein intake.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Halva contains 60.5 g of carbs and 40 g of sugar, while Tahini has only 26.2 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar. Thus, Tahini is preferable for low-carb or low-sugar diets.

How to Track Halva and Tahini Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes or macros when enjoying these calorie-dense foods. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a health professional for dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Tahini has 17.8 g of protein, while Halva has 12.5 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Halva has 469 calories, whereas Tahini has 570 calories.

What is the fat content in Halva?

Halva contains 21.5 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sugar content in Tahini?

Tahini contains 0 g of sugar per 100 g.

How much fiber is in Halva?

Halva has 4.5 g of fiber per 100 g.

What is the sodium content in Tahini?

Tahini contains 74 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

  • Halva has 469 calories per 100 g.
  • Tahini has 570 calories per 100 g.
  • Halva contains 12.5 g of protein.
  • Tahini contains 17.8 g of protein.
  • Halva has 60.5 g of carbs and 40 g of sugar.
  • Tahini has 26.2 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar.

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