Calories in Every Nut and Seed, Per Ounce and Handful (2026)

This article details the calorie content of various nuts and seeds per ounce and handful.

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

Nuts and seeds vary in calories per ounce, ranging from 160 to 200 calories. Almonds have 160 calories, while macadamia nuts have 200 calories.

Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense foods, providing healthy fats, protein, and fiber. This article compiles calorie data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and manufacturer labels.

How Many Calories Are in Tree Nuts and Peanuts?

Tree nuts and peanuts are high-calorie foods, providing essential nutrients. Each type of nut varies in its calorie and macronutrient content.

Nut (1 oz / ~28 g) Calories Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbs (g)
Almonds 160 6 14 6
Walnuts 185 4 18 4
Cashews 155 5 12 9
Pistachios 160 6 13 8
Pecans 200 3 21 4
Macadamia 200 2 22 4
Hazelnuts 175 4 17 5
Brazil Nuts 190 4 19 4
Peanuts 170 7 14 6

Pecans and macadamia nuts are the highest in calories, primarily due to their fat content.

How Many Calories Are in Seeds?

Seeds are also calorie-dense, providing healthy fats and protein. Each seed type has its unique nutritional profile.

Seed (1 oz / ~28 g) Calories Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbs (g)
Chia 140 5 9 12
Flax 150 5 12 8
Pumpkin (Pepitas) 180 9 15 4
Sunflower 165 6 14 6
Sesame 160 5 14 7
Hemp 170 10 13 3

Pumpkin seeds are notable for their higher protein content compared to other seeds.

Which Nut or Seed Has the Fewest Calories?

Chia seeds have the lowest calorie content among the listed nuts and seeds.

  1. Chia seeds (serving): 140 kcal
  2. Flax seeds (serving): 150 kcal
  3. Cashews (serving): 155 kcal
  4. Almonds (serving): 160 kcal
  5. Sesame seeds (serving): 160 kcal

Which Nut or Seed Has the Most Calories?

Macadamia nuts and pecans are the highest in calories due to their fat content.

  1. Macadamia nuts (serving): 200 kcal
  2. Pecans (serving): 200 kcal
  3. Brazil nuts (serving): 190 kcal
  4. Walnuts (serving): 185 kcal
  5. Pumpkin seeds (serving): 180 kcal

How to Track Nuts and Seeds Calories Accurately

Estimating portion sizes of nuts and seeds can be challenging due to their small size, density, and varying serving sizes. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies nuts, seeds, and trail mix from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million verified foods. It also supports barcode scanning for packaged items and voice logging for quick entries. Nutrola is available from €2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

For related references, see calories in every cheese, calories in every cut of steak and beef, and calories in every fruit.

How We Calculated These Numbers

Data was gathered from USDA FoodData Central and manufacturer labels. Serving sizes are standardized to one ounce (28 grams) and values are rounded to the nearest whole number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are nuts and seeds healthy?

Yes, nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to heart health and overall well-being.

How many nuts are in a handful?

A handful of almonds is approximately 23 nuts, which is about one ounce.

Do nuts and seeds help with weight loss?

In moderation, nuts and seeds can aid weight loss due to their satiating properties and nutrient density.

What is the best nut for protein?

Pumpkin seeds offer the highest protein content among common nuts and seeds, with about 9 grams per ounce.

Can I eat nuts if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, it's essential to avoid all nuts and consult with a healthcare professional for alternatives.

What are the healthiest seeds to eat?

Chia, flax, and hemp seeds are among the healthiest due to their omega-3 fatty acids and fiber content.

Key Takeaways

  • Nuts and seeds are high in calories but provide essential nutrients.
  • Almonds are one of the lowest calorie nuts at 160 calories per ounce.
  • Macadamia nuts and pecans are the highest calorie nuts at 200 calories per ounce.
  • Pumpkin seeds are notable for their protein content.
  • A handful of nuts can vary significantly in calorie content.
  • Moderation is key when including nuts and seeds in your diet.

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