Fried Kibbeh
An icon of Aleppo and Levantine cooking: a crunchy shell of bulgur and lean meat stuffed with minced meat, onion and walnuts. Its glycemic index is moderate (52) thanks to slowly digested bulgur and balancing protein.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
One or two pieces are plenty as a portion within a balanced meal; have a green salad or cucumber yoghurt on the side to balance the calories and the fat absorbed during frying.
Best preparation methods
Bake them in the oven or an air fryer with a light brush of olive oil for the same crunch without lots of oil.
Important Nutritional Note
For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, it is always recommended to consider the total glycemic load (GL) of the meal rather than relying on the glycemic index alone.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (80 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 285 kcal | 228 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g | 11.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 22 g | 17.6 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 19 g | 15.2 g |
| Fat | 16 g | 12.8 g |
| Dietary fibre | 3 g | 2.4 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Arabic dishes with a glycemic index (24), it ranks 18 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Fried Kibbeh good for weight loss?
It can be included in moderation: it contains 3 g of fibre per 100 g, which supports fullness, and a 80 g portion gives 228 kcal.
How does Fried Kibbeh affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 52 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 80 g portion has a glycemic load of 7.9 (Low), so the effect of this portion on blood sugar is limited.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Fried Kibbeh?
A typical 80 g portion of Fried Kibbeh provides about 228 kcal, 11.2 g protein, 17.6 g carbohydrate, 12.8 g fat and 2.4 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.