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Detailed nutrition analysis with calories, glycemic index, vitamins and minerals.
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 piece (medium) of Sunflower seed shells (2 g) has 5 calories. That works out to 250 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.2 g of carbs, 0.1 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat and 0.8 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 2 g
5
KCAL / 2G
Carbs
0.2g
· 0% DV
Protein
0.1g
· 0% DV
Fat
0.4g
· 1% DV
Fiber
0.8g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 17% · Protein 8% · Fat 75%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 5 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.4 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.04 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0% |
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 piece (medium) | 2 g | 5 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 1 g | 3 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 3 g | 8 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 8 g | 20 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 15 g | 38 kcal |
| 10 piece (medium) | 20 g | 50 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 70 g | 175 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 250 kcal |
Calculated from 250 calories per 100 g.
Sunflower seed shells are not usually eaten; people crack the shell and eat the kernel. The shells are tough and difficult to digest, so swallowing them on purpose can irritate your digestive tract.
Swallowing one small sunflower seed shell by accident will usually cause no problem and pass through your digestive system. Eating a large amount can cause irritation or, rarely, a blockage; seek urgent care for severe pain or vomiting.
Sunflower seed shells are poorly digestible because they are tough and rich in insoluble fiber. Your body does not break them down like the kernel, which is why the usual way to eat sunflower seeds is to spit out the shells.
Yes, eating a large amount of sunflower seed shells can rarely cause a blockage, especially when shells accumulate in the digestive tract. Avoid swallowing them, and get urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or inability to pass stool.
Yes, a sunflower seed shell can scratch or lodge in your throat. If it makes breathing or swallowing difficult, get emergency help; do not reach blindly into your throat, as that can push the shell deeper.
Crack each sunflower seed shell gently between your front teeth, separate the kernel with your tongue, and spit out the shell. Avoid biting down hard, since repeatedly cracking shells with your teeth can damage enamel.
There is no good evidence that sunflower seed shells directly cause appendicitis. Swallowing many shells can still irritate the digestive tract or rarely cause a blockage, so spit them out rather than eating them.
Yes, sunflower seed shells can be composted, but their tough structure makes them break down slowly. Crush them first and mix them with other compost materials; avoid adding lots of salted shells to a garden compost pile.
No, dogs should not eat sunflower seed shells. The shells are hard to digest and can irritate the gut or create a blockage, while salted or seasoned shells add further risks; offer only plain, shelled kernels if appropriate.
Yes, sunflower seed shells can be used as a light mulch, but they decompose slowly and may blow away. Use a thin layer, keep shells away from plant stems, and avoid shells that are heavily salted.
Vitamins
B1
0mg · 0% DV
Vitamin E
0.01mg · 0% DV
B6
0mg · 0% DV
B3
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0.03mg · 1% DV
Magnesium
3.6mg · 1% DV
Copper
0.01mg · 1% DV
Iron
0.05mg · 0% DV
Potassium ⭐
4mg · 0% DV
Sodium
0.04mg · 0% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 5 calories in 1 piece (medium) (2 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.
Sunflower seed shells are the tough outer coverings of sunflower seeds. The kernel inside is eaten, while the shell is usually cracked open and discarded. In many places, including across the English-speaking world, roasted seeds are a casual snack at games, on walks or at home; eating them often means spitting out the shells as you go.
The shells are hard and fibrous, so they are not generally eaten as food or treated as a useful source of dietary fibre. If you enjoy sunflower seeds but want an easier snack, choose shelled kernels; unsalted or lightly salted ones also make a simple addition to salads, porridge or trail mix.
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
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
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
0.04g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.1g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.18g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.