Baklava warning ahead of Eid al-Fitr: Turkish experts flag pistachio fraud

A warning from Türkiye’s pastry industry has raised concerns ahead of Eid al-Fitr, with experts pointing to cases where cheaper ingredients are used to imitate pistachio baklava.

Ekrem Keskin, head of the Antalya Chamber of Pastry Makers, said production has intensified before the holiday, with workshops working at full capacity. He warned that some producers may try to cut costs in ways that are difficult for consumers to detect.

“One of the most common tricks is replacing pistachios with other products,” Keskin said. “In some cases, peas are mixed into pistachios. It is very difficult for consumers to understand this from the outside.”

With the approach of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr), production has peaked in Gaziantep, the capital of baklava. Türkiye, March 17, 2026. (IHA Photo)

Pistachio prices drive risky shortcuts

The warning comes as pistachio costs remain high, putting pressure on baklava producers.

Keskin told DHA that pistachio prices currently range between ₺2,000 ($45) and ₺2,500 ($56) per kilogram, which directly shapes retail pricing.

This gap has created a clear difference between baklava types:

• Pistachio baklava: ₺1,750 ($40)–₺2,000 ($45) per kilogram
• Walnut baklava: ₺550 ($12)–₺600 ($14) per kilogram

Market data also shows that a single slice of pistachio baklava can reach up to ₺80 ($2), depending on quality and location.

Keskin said some producers may alter ingredients to stay competitive, especially in products sold outside regulated businesses.

Pistachios harvested in Türkiye, a key ingredient for traditional baklava. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Fake pistachio is hard to spot

Experts say the main issue is detection. The visual similarity between pistachios and substituted ingredients makes it difficult for buyers to identify fraud.

“In some places, peas are mixed into pistachios,” Keskin said. “Consumers cannot easily tell the difference from the outside.”

This makes unregulated production a key risk area during high-demand periods like Eid.

How to avoid low-quality or fake baklava

Authorities urge consumers to be cautious when buying sweets ahead of the holiday.

Key points to consider:

• Choose licensed and reliable businesses
• Look for official chamber signage at the entrance
• Be wary of prices far below market averages
• Avoid products with unclear origin or packaging

Keskin said certified producers follow proper standards and prepare orders in advance to manage holiday demand.

Turkish dessert shops across the country offer a variety of traditional baklava. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Still star of Eid tables

Despite rising prices and fraud concerns, baklava remains the most popular dessert during Eid in Türkiye.

Keskin said traditional varieties continue to attract strong demand, including:

• “sari burma” (rolled syrup-soaked pastry)
• “bulbul yuvasi” (bird’s nest-shaped pastry filled with nuts)
• “kadayif” (shredded filo pastry dessert)
• “midye tatlisi” (mussel-shaped syrup dessert)
• “katmer” (thin-layered pastry with pistachio and cream)

Still, baklava holds its place as the top choice for holiday visits and family gatherings.

The warning reflects a broader pattern seen during peak seasons, where high demand and rising costs increase the risk of product substitution.

Experts say careful purchasing remains the best protection for consumers.

March 19, 2026 07:30 AM GMT+03:00