Calories in Hazelnuts: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts or cobnuts, are a round, richly flavored tree nut widely grown in Turkey, Italy, and the Pacific Northwest of the United States. One ounce of raw hazelnuts (about 21 nuts) provides approximately 178 calories, 4.2 grams of protein, and 17.2 grams of fat, with a nutritional profile dominated by monounsaturated oleic acid. Hazelnuts are an outstanding source of vitamin E, manganese, copper, and folate, and their distinctively sweet, aromatic flavor makes them a cornerstone ingredient in chocolate confections, pralines, and baked goods.

Calories by serving size:

Hazelnuts rival almonds as one of the top nut sources of vitamin E, with one ounce providing roughly 21 percent of the daily value, primarily in the alpha-tocopherol form that is most biologically active in the human body. They are also one of the richest food sources of proanthocyanidins, a class of polyphenol antioxidants concentrated in the thin brown skin that coats each nut. The folate content of hazelnuts is particularly noteworthy — one ounce provides about 8 percent of the daily value — making them one of the best nut sources of this essential B vitamin important for cell division and prenatal health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many hazelnuts are in one ounce?

One ounce of whole hazelnuts contains approximately 21 individual nuts, weighing about 28 grams. This serving provides 178 calories and fits neatly into a small cupped handful. Because hazelnuts are relatively uniform in size, counting individual nuts is a reasonably accurate way to estimate portions when you do not have a scale available.

Are hazelnuts the same as filberts?

Yes, hazelnuts and filberts are different names for the same nut. The name "hazelnut" is more commonly used in most English-speaking countries, while "filbert" is the traditional term used in parts of the Pacific Northwest of the United States and in some European countries. Both names refer to nuts from trees in the genus Corylus, with the most commercially important species being Corylus avellana (European hazelnut) and Corylus maxima (filbert). Nutritionally, there is no difference regardless of which name is used, as they are the same food.

What makes hazelnuts a good source of vitamin E?

Hazelnuts contain approximately 4.3 milligrams of vitamin E per ounce, which is about 21 percent of the daily value. What makes this especially beneficial is that the vitamin E in hazelnuts is predominantly in the alpha-tocopherol form, which is the form most efficiently absorbed and used by the human body. Vitamin E acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Regular adequate intake of vitamin E has been associated with reduced risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, and certain cancers, and obtaining it from whole food sources like hazelnuts provides better absorption than supplements due to the accompanying healthy fats.

Are hazelnuts healthy despite being in Nutella?

While Nutella is the most famous hazelnut product, it contains only about 13 percent hazelnuts by weight, with sugar and palm oil making up the majority of the spread. Plain whole hazelnuts, by contrast, are a genuinely nutrient-dense food offering healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, protein, and a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that regular hazelnut consumption can lower LDL cholesterol and reduce markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. To get the health benefits of hazelnuts, it is best to eat them whole, chopped, or as pure hazelnut butter rather than relying on sugar-laden products that happen to contain some hazelnuts.

Can hazelnuts help lower cholesterol?

Clinical research consistently supports hazelnuts' ability to improve blood lipid profiles. A 2016 systematic review published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that hazelnut-enriched diets significantly reduced LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol without negatively affecting HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. The high monounsaturated fat content (about 77 percent of total fat is oleic acid), combined with plant sterols, fiber, and antioxidant compounds, creates a synergistic cholesterol-lowering effect. Most studies used daily portions ranging from about 1 to 2.5 ounces, suggesting that even moderate daily consumption can provide measurable cardiovascular benefits.