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High in vitamin E, good source of healthy fats, rich in magnesium and selenium
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 ounce (medium) of Raw sunflower seeds (28 g) has 164 calories. That works out to 584 calories per 100 g. It contains 5.6 g of carbs, 5.8 g of protein, 14.4 g of fat and 2.4 g of fiber. Its 9.8 mg of Vitamin E covers 66% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 ounce (medium) · 28 g
164
KCAL / 28G
Carbs
5.6g
· 2% DV
Protein
5.8g
· 12% DV
Fat
14.4g
· 18% DV
Fiber
2.4g
· 9% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 13% · Protein 13% · Fat 74%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 164 kcal | |
| Total fat | 14.4 g | 18% |
| Saturated fat | 1.26 g | 6% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 2.52 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 5.6 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% |
| Protein | 5.8 g | 12% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ounce (medium) | 28 g | 164 kcal |
| 1 g | 1 g | 6 kcal |
| 1 piece (mini) | 5 g | 29 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 8 g | 47 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (large) | 12 g | 70 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 30 g | 175 kcal |
| 1 pack (medium) | 50 g | 292 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 584 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 100 g | 584 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 140 g | 818 kcal |
Calculated from 584 calories per 100 g.
Yes, raw sunflower seeds can be eaten as they are, provided they are sold for human consumption and stored properly. Add the kernels to oatmeal, salads, or yogurt, or eat a small handful as a snack.
Raw sunflower seeds are not automatically healthier; roasting mainly changes their flavor and texture. Dry-roasting without added salt keeps them a lower-sodium choice, while raw seeds can be useful when you want to blend them into sauces or spreads.
Spread raw sunflower seeds in a single layer and roast them in a moderate oven, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. They can also be toasted in a dry skillet. Let them cool before storing so trapped steam does not soften them.
It is better not to eat sunflower seed shells. Their tough, fibrous hulls are difficult to digest and can irritate the digestive tract, especially if you eat a lot. Crack the shell and eat the kernel instead.
Keep raw sunflower seeds in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. Because their natural oils can turn rancid, refrigerate or freeze them if you plan to keep them for longer than a short period.
Raw sunflower seeds that have turned rancid may smell like stale oil or paint and taste bitter or unpleasant. Discard them if you notice these signs, mold, or dampness; fresh seeds should smell mild and taste clean.
Usually, no: packaged, shelled raw sunflower seeds do not need washing, and added moisture can encourage spoilage. If whole seeds are visibly dirty, rinse them and dry them thoroughly before eating or roasting.
For a few raw sunflower seeds, crack each shell between your teeth and spit out the hull. For a larger amount, pulse the seeds briefly in a blender, then separate the loosened shells from the kernels in water and drain well.
Yes, whole raw sunflower seeds can sprout if they are viable and untreated; shelled kernels usually cannot. Use seeds sold specifically for sprouting, rinse them regularly, and keep the sprouts clean to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Yes, raw sunflower seeds work as a practical pine-nut substitute in pesto. They make the sauce creamy when blended and have a mild, nutty flavor; soak them first if you want an especially smooth texture.
Vitamins
Vitamin E
9.85mg · 66% DV
Biotin
18.48µg · 62% DV
B1
0.41mg · 34% DV
B6
0.38mg · 22% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.5mg · 56% DV
Selenium
15µg · 27% DV
Phosphorus
185mg · 26% DV
Manganese
0.55mg · 24% DV
Potassium ⭐
181mg · 5% DV
Sodium
2.52mg · 0% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 164 calories in 1 ounce (medium) (28 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Raw sunflower seeds are the edible seeds of the sunflower plant, sold either in their shells or as kernels. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavour and a tender bite, without the deeper toasted taste of roasted seeds.
They’re often eaten as a snack or added to salads, porridge, yoghurt and homemade bread; the kernels also work well blended into sauces and spreads. A small handful can add crunch to everyday meals. Raw sunflower seeds are rich in unsaturated fats and vitamin E, with protein and fibre as well. Use a modest sprinkle if you want to add flavour and texture without making a dish too heavy.
Very high
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
High
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 1
Unprocessed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
No known major allergens
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
1.26g
MONOUNSATURATED
5.18g
POLYUNSATURATED
6.47g
Omega 6:3 ratio 323.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (323.5:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.