Calories in Pine Nuts: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Pine nuts are the small, elongated edible seeds harvested from the cones of certain pine tree species, most commonly the stone pine (Pinus pinea) and Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis). One ounce of dried pine nuts provides approximately 191 calories, 3.9 grams of protein, and 19.4 grams of fat, making them one of the higher-calorie nuts by weight. They are an excellent source of manganese, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin E, and their delicate, slightly sweet, buttery flavor makes them an essential ingredient in traditional pesto, salads, and Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Calories by serving size:

Pine nuts are notably high in polyunsaturated fat, with pinolenic acid being a fatty acid unique to pine nut oil. Research suggests that pinolenic acid may stimulate the release of satiety hormones (cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide-1), which could help reduce appetite and food intake. Pine nuts also provide a generous amount of manganese — one ounce delivers about 2.5 milligrams, or roughly 109 percent of the daily value — making them one of the most concentrated food sources of this trace mineral important for bone formation, blood clotting, and antioxidant defense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are pine nuts so expensive?

Pine nuts are among the most expensive nuts in the world due to the exceptionally labor-intensive harvesting process. Pine trees take 15 to 25 years before they begin producing cones, and the cones themselves must be hand-harvested and then dried and processed to extract the small seeds, each of which is enclosed in a second hard shell that must also be removed. A single tree may produce only a few pounds of edible pine nuts per year. Additionally, most pine nuts are wild-harvested rather than commercially farmed, and global supply has been declining due to deforestation and climate change affecting pine forests in key producing regions like China, Russia, and the Mediterranean.

What is "pine mouth" syndrome?

Pine mouth, or pine nut syndrome, is a temporary taste disturbance that causes a persistent bitter or metallic taste in the mouth beginning 12 to 48 hours after eating pine nuts and lasting from several days to two weeks. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it has been primarily associated with pine nuts from certain Chinese species (Pinus armandii), and it appears to be an individual sensitivity rather than an allergic reaction. The condition is not dangerous and resolves completely on its own without treatment. To reduce the risk, some consumers choose to buy pine nuts from European or North American sources (Pinus pinea or Pinus edulis), which are rarely associated with the syndrome.

How do pine nuts compare to other nuts nutritionally?

Pine nuts are moderately high in calories (191 kcal per ounce), placing them between almonds (164 kcal) and macadamia nuts (204 kcal). They have a higher polyunsaturated fat content than most other nuts and are relatively lower in fiber (1.0 g per ounce) compared to almonds (3.5 g) or pistachios (2.9 g). Their standout nutritional feature is their extremely high manganese content — more than any other common nut — along with notable levels of zinc and vitamin K. Pine nuts are also a good source of plant-based iron, with one ounce providing about 9 percent of the daily value.

Can you eat pine nuts if you have a tree nut allergy?

Pine nuts are technically seeds, not true tree nuts, but they are classified as a tree nut allergen by the FDA for labeling purposes. Some people with tree nut allergies can safely consume pine nuts, while others cannot — cross-reactivity between pine nuts and other tree nuts exists but is not universal. Anyone with a known tree nut allergy should consult their allergist before trying pine nuts, as allergic reactions to pine nuts can range from mild (itching, hives) to severe (anaphylaxis). Allergy testing specific to pine nuts can help determine individual risk.

What is the best way to toast pine nuts?

Toasting pine nuts enhances their flavor significantly, bringing out a deeper, nuttier taste that is ideal for pesto, salads, and grain dishes. The best method is to place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat and stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Pine nuts burn very easily due to their small size and high fat content, so they should never be left unattended during toasting. The calorie and macronutrient content does not change meaningfully with dry toasting, as no oil is added and only a negligible amount of moisture is lost.