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Rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
1 serving (medium) of Black sunflower seeds, unsalted (30 g) has 175 calories. That works out to 584 calories per 100 g. It contains 6 g of carbs, 6.2 g of protein, 15.5 g of fat and 2.6 g of fiber. Its 10.6 mg of Vitamin E covers 70% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 20 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Unsalted black sunflower seeds come from the sunflower plant and are sold either dried or roasted, often still in their dark shells. As a snack, you crack the shell to eat the kernel and discard the hull. They’re familiar in many regions, from casual home snacking to seed mixes and market stalls.
The kernels taste mildly nutty, with a firm, crisp bite; use them over salads, porridge or yoghurt, or add them to bread dough. They provide substantial fats along with protein and fibre, so a small handful—about 30 g—is a practical portion. Choosing them unsalted also makes it easier to control the salt in a snack mix or recipe.
Selected: 100 g
584
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
20g
· 7% DV
Protein
20.8g
· 42% DV
Fat
51.5g
· 66% DV
Fiber
8.6g
· 31% 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%
Vitamins
Vitamin E
35.17mg · 234% DV
Biotin
66µg · 220% DV
B1
1.48mg · 123% DV
B6
1.35mg · 79% DV
Minerals
Copper
2mg · 222% DV
Selenium
53µg · 96% DV
Phosphorus
660mg · 94% DV
Manganese
2mg · 87% DV
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.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 584 calories in 100 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.
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
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
4.46g
MONOUNSATURATED
18.5g
POLYUNSATURATED
23.1g
Omega 6:3 ratio 328.6:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (328.6:1).
No, it is better not to eat the shells of unsalted black sunflower seeds. They are tough and fibrous, can be difficult to chew, and may cause digestive discomfort if swallowed. Crack each seed, eat the kernel, and discard the shell.
Roast unsalted black sunflower seeds without added oil in a dry skillet or spread them in one layer on a baking tray. Use moderate heat, stir or turn them regularly, and stop before the kernels darken or smell burnt. Let them cool before eating.
Yes. Unsalted black sunflower seeds have dark shells, while striped varieties have visibly striped shells; the exact variety can affect kernel size and texture. “Unsalted” describes added salt, not the seed type, so check that the product is intended for people to eat.
Keep unsalted black sunflower seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Their shells help protect the kernels; shelled seeds stay fresh longer in the refrigerator or freezer because their oils are exposed to air.
Unsalted black sunflower seeds may turn rancid as their oils age. Discard them if the kernels smell like stale oil, paint, or crayons, or taste bitter and unpleasant. Also throw away seeds that are damp or show mold.
Yes, the kernels of unsalted black sunflower seeds can be eaten raw. Add them to salads, yogurt, or cereal, or eat them as a snack. Choose seeds sold for human consumption; planting seed and bird feed may not be prepared or packaged as food.
To shell unsalted black sunflower seeds, place one seed sideways between your front teeth and gently crack the shell, then remove the kernel. If the shell is too hard, use a nutcracker. A bowl for shells keeps the snack tidy.
Yes, unsalted black sunflower seeds sold for eating can sprout if they are raw, viable, and still in the shell. Rinse and soak them, then keep them moist while allowing airflow. Roasted seeds will not sprout, and any slimy or moldy seeds should be discarded.
Not necessarily. Black oil sunflower seeds are commonly sold as bird feed, while unsalted black sunflower seeds for people are a food product. Do not eat birdseed unless it is explicitly sold as food for human consumption, since its handling and packaging may differ.
They can contribute to weight gain if you regularly eat more energy than your body uses, since sunflower kernels are energy-dense. Eating them in a portion rather than straight from a large bag makes it easier to keep track of how much you have.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.