16 Nuts and Seeds High in Protein

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16 Nuts and Seeds High in Protein

Nuts and seeds are a heart-healthy snack. Almonds, in particular, have been shown to lower cholesterol. In addition to being a good source of fiber and healthy fats, nuts can also be a good source of protein.

The current daily value (DV) for protein is 50 grams per day. (1) One ounce (1oz) of nuts or seeds is typically equivalent to a handful, or 2-3 tablespoons. Most nuts provide between 8 and 18% DV of protein per 1oz handful.

High protein nuts and seeds include hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, cashews, and more. Below is a list of 16 nuts and seeds high in protein. For more, see the extended list of less common nuts and seeds high in protein.

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Extended List of Protein Rich Nuts and Seeds

FoodServingProtein
1. Butternuts (Dried) 1oz 14% DV
(7.1g)
2. Black Walnuts (Dried) 1oz 14% DV
(6.8g)
3. Safflower Seeds 1oz 9% DV
(4.6g)
4. Lotus Seeds 1oz 9% DV
(4.4g)
5. Hickory Nuts (Dried) 1oz 7% DV
(3.6g)
6. Pilinuts (Dried) 1oz 6% DV
(3.1g)
7. Ginkgo Nuts (Dried) 1oz 6% DV
(2.9g)
8. Acorns (Dried) 1oz 5% DV
(2.3g)
9. Beechnuts (Dried) 1oz 4% DV
(1.8g)
10. Coconut Water per cup 3% DV
(1.7g)
11. Breadfruit Nuts (Boiled) 1oz 3% DV
(1.5g)

About the Data

Data for the curated food lists comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository.

You can check our data against the USDA by clicking the (Source) link at the bottom of each food listing.

Note: When checking data please be sure the serving sizes are the same. In the rare case you find any difference, please contact us and we will fix it right away.

About Nutrient Targets

Setting targets can provide a guide to healthy eating.

Some of the most popular targets include:
  • Daily Value (%DV) - The daily value (%DV) is a general guideline for consumption that will prevent deficiency of a particular nutrient in most people. The %DV refers to the percentage of an amount that\'s found in a single serving of a food. It also accounts for absorption factors. It is set by the U.S. FDA.
  • Recommended Dietary Allowance (%RDA) - The RDA sets an average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97.5%) healthy individuals. It\'s more specific than the daily value, and varies by age and gender. The RDA is set by the US National Institutes of Health.
  • Reference Dietary Intake (%RDI) -The reference dietary intake is similar to the recommended daily allowance, but is specific to age and gender. The RDI for amino acids is set by the U.N. World Health Organization.
  • Adequate Intake (%AI) - This value is primarily used in reference to omega-3 and omega-6 fats. The Adequate Intake is set by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Because there is less evidence to determine the ideal targets for consumption of these nutrients, the specific amount is considered to be less reliable. Using the term Adequate Intake, rather than one of the other terms, helps to emphasize that the ideal intake of that particular nutrient has not yet been scientifically determined.

See the Guide to Recommended Daily Intakes for more information.

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Data Sources and References

  1. U.S.FDA - Daily Value on the New Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels
  2. U.S. Agricultural Research Service Food Data Central
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