How Much Does Baklava Cost?

Last Updated on February 4, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and held together with syrup or honey. This melt-in-your-mouth delicacy traces its origins back hundreds of years to the former Ottoman Empire and remains beloved across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures today.

But with such decadent ingredients, many wonder – how much does baklava cost? In this article, we’ll explore the average prices, cost factors, and purchasing options to help you get this gourmet treat for the best value.

How Much Does Baklava Cost?

Across most grocery stores and bakeries in the United States, baklava costs between $12 and $30 per pound. The price typically depends on the brand, ingredients, and whether you’re buying pre-packaged baklava or freshly made in-store. At mainstream grocery chains like Safeway or Kroger, a 16-ounce pre-packaged baklava costs around $15 to $20.

In Mediterranean markets and specialty bakeries, freshly prepared baklava is more expensive, averaging $25 to $30 per pound. You may also find classic baklava sold individually, usually for $2 to $4 per piece.

High-end gourmet or artisan baklava can cost even more, upwards of $50 per pound.

For a rough estimate, plan on spending around $20 per pound or $3 per piece for good quality baklava from a specialty shop. However, many factors from ingredients to location can influence the price.

The Baklava Shop offers baklava at these prices:

• Valentine’s Day Variety Box: $25.00
• Nut Free Baklava Pack: $21.00
• Mix Baklava – Mixed Salted & Roasted Nuts: $10.00
• Four Seasons Blend – Boom Town Coffee Item: $15.00

One Bite Sweet sells Baklava for $25.00.

You can also find Baklava on Amazon for the following prices:

• Baklawa Baklava with Walnuts, 28-30 Pieces: $24.50
• Baklawa Pistachio Baklava with, 16 Pieces: $16.99
• Baklawa Assorted Baklava, 36 Pieces: $36.95
• Baklawa Baklava with Pistachios, 37 Pieces: $37.99

Factors Affecting the Cost of Baklava

Several key factors affect the price of baklava:

Ingredients

The ingredients that go into baklava play a big role in cost. Filo dough, nuts, butter, and honey are all relatively pricey components. Baklavas made with premium ingredients like pistachios rather than cheaper walnuts, or acacia honey instead of regular honey, will demand a higher price.

Preparation Method

Baklava made completely from scratch using hand-rolled filo dough and artisan methods will cost more than mass-produced varieties. Likewise, baklavas with delicate, paper-thin layers take more time and skill, increasing cost.

Geographic Location

Where you buy baklava also impacts price. Baklava costs more at specialty shops in metro areas and coastal regions versus places with lower costs of living. Prices are also higher when purchasing imported baklava from its country of origin.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a donut, a birthday cake, or a funnel cake.

Purchasing Options: Bakeries vs. Online Stores

You can buy baklava either from local bakeries or order online. Each option has pros and cons.

Local bakeries offer the benefit of freshly made baklava with better taste and texture. You can see and smell the pastries in person. However, selection is limited to what that bakery makes onsite. Prices tend to be higher than online.

Online stores provide greater convenience and allow you to order from baklavas from other regions or countries. Drawbacks include having to pay shipping costs and receiving baklava that isn’t as fresh. Make sure to check delivery timelines andbakery reputation.

For occasional indulgences, local bakeries may provide the best experience. But for regular enjoyment or bulk orders, online baklava delivery offers wider access at more affordable costs.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Interested in making your own baklava at home? Here’s a cost breakdown:

• Filo dough: $3 to $5 for a 1-pound package
• Nuts (walnuts or pistachios): $5 to $10 per pound
• Butter: $3 to $4 per pound
• Honey: $4 to $8 for 12 oz. bottle
• Spices and flavorings: $1 to $3

The ingredients to make around 30 pieces of baklava will cost $20 to $30. This brings the price per piece between $0.65 to $1.00 – considerably less than store prices. However, homemade requires more hands-on effort. Overall, making your own baklava can save money if you have the time and baking skills.

How to Choose Quality Baklava

When buying baklava, keep these signs of quality in mind:

• Ingredients – Look for fine, crisp filo layers and premium nuts like pistachios or walnuts. Avoid fillers like peanuts.
• Appearance – Well-made baklava has a rich golden color and symmetrical shape with clean, neat layers visible along the sides.
• Bakery Reputation – Purchase baklava from an established bakery known for making traditional, high-quality versions rather than mass-produced ones.
• Freshness – Baklava is best eaten within 3-5 days of production. The filo should not be soggy or dripping syrup.

Paying attention to these details will help ensure you get delicious, authentic baklava worth the price.

Specialty and Gourmet Options

Beyond traditional walnut or pistachio baklavas, some gourmet bakeries offer unique artisan versions:

• Flavored fillings – Chocolate baklava or the types with roasted chestnut, fig, or other sweet fillings.
• Decadent ingredients – Luxe options like baklava made with saffron, orange blossom water, or rose syrup.
• Elegant shapes – Mini baklava bites, baklava truffles, baklava cigars rolled in nuts.
• Gift boxes – Elaborate packaged assortments of various baklava flavors and shapes.

These specialty baklavas often cost at least 50% more than standard versions, ranging from $4 to $6 per piece to $60 or more per pound. They make impressive gifts but are a splurge for personal enjoyment.

How to Get Baklava at Lower Prices

If you want to enjoy baklava without breaking the bank, here are some tips:

• Buy larger quantities to benefit from bulk pricing
• Look for sales at grocery stores and warehouse clubs
• Consider making your own baklava from scratch
• Opt for baklava made with cheaper nuts like walnuts
• Purchase baklava from wholesale or big box stores versus gourmet shops
• Order online for better deals, especially direct from bakeries

With some smart shopping, you can savor baklava’s sweet perfection while staying within your budget.

Conclusion

Baklava remains an indulgent treat, with good quality versions costing around $20 per pound on average. Exact pricing depends on many factors like ingredients, preparation, and location.

While specialty artisan baklavas demand premium prices, you can enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth delicacy at more affordable costs by purchasing directly from bakeries, buying in bulk, or making it yourself.

With its rich layers of nuts and syrup, baklava is a worthwhile splurge for special occasions or a budget-friendly dessert with the right strategies. Either way, this iconic Middle Eastern pastry is a sublime taste of honeyed perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does baklava cost in Turkey?

As the birthplace of baklava, Turkey offers some of the most authentic and affordable versions of this pastry. At local bakeries throughout Turkey, high-quality baklava generally costs between 15-25 Turkish lira per kilo, which equates to $2 to $3 per pound.

Even at more upscale bakeries in Istanbul, prices rarely exceed 30-40 lira per kilo or around $4 per pound. Given baklava’s labor-intensive preparation, these prices are quite reasonable compared to what you would pay for imported Turkish baklava internationally.

Buying baklava in bulk directly from a bakery in Turkey can be one of the most economical and delicious ways for baklava lovers to get their fix of this iconic dessert.

How many pieces of baklava are in a kilo?

Since baklava is often measured in kilos or pounds when purchased in bulk, a common question is how this translates to individual pieces. On average, one kilogram or 2.2 pounds of baklava contains approximately 30 to 40 pieces.

However, the exact number can vary depending on the size and thickness of each piece. Standard baklava portions are around 3 inches square or rectangular. Smaller bite-sized pieces may be 2 inches or less.

Thicker baklavas with more filling will also have fewer pieces per kilo. When purchasing an entire tray of baklava that weighs multiple kilos, expect roughly 120 to 150 pieces for a 4 to 5 kilo tray.

While sizes vary, you can generally estimate each baklava piece to be about 25-35 grams. So if you love baklava, buying it by the kilo is an economical way to enjoy this sweet pastry.