Turkish Spinach & Feta Borek
Turkish spinach börek (ıspanaklı börek) is one of the best-known flaky yufka pastries: a rich filling of fresh spinach leaves, lor or feta cheese and sautéed onion, baked until golden and crisp. It has a low glycemic index (clinically reviewed estimate ≈52), thanks to the dense spinach and protein in the filling.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Have one palm-sized rectangle with a cup of unsweetened Turkish tea and a green salad; a light snack that is ideal for breakfast or a work break.
Best preparation methods
Brush the yufka layers with olive oil and a little milk instead of melted butter and ghee, to halve the saturated fat.
Important Nutritional Note
Spinach provides lutein, magnesium, potassium and iron, an excellent combination for the eyes, the arteries and blood pressure.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (120 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 6.7 g | 8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 20 g | 24 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 17.8 g | 21.4 g |
| Fat | 10 g | 12 g |
| Dietary fibre | 2.2 g | 2.6 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Turkish dishes with a glycemic index (7), it ranks 5 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is spinach börek better for people with diabetes than cheese and potato börek?
Far better: the spinach filling is rich in fibre and almost starch-free, which brings the glycemic index down to about 52.
What is the nutritional value of a typical piece of spinach börek (120 g)?
It provides about 240 kcal, 8 g of protein, 12 g of fat and around 24 g of moderately digested carbohydrate.
How can I avoid heartburn after eating börek?
Avoid fried pastries and keep to oven-baked börek, and squeeze the spinach well before filling.
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.