61 Popular Types of Nuts Around the World
Nuts are tasty, healthy snacks loved by many. But did you know there are over 61 types of nuts eaten around the world? Most of us only know a handful of common varieties.
I’m here to help you learn about the wide world of nuts. As a food lover who’s tried nuts from many countries, I’ll show you nuts you’ve never heard of before.
In this guide, I’ll take you on a nutty tour. You’ll find out about popular types, rare varieties, and how people enjoy nuts globally.
Get ready to crack open your knowledge of these small but mighty foods!
List of Types of Nuts to Enjoy
1. Almonds
Almonds originated in the Middle East and are now widely cultivated worldwide. They have a brown, hard shell encasing a smooth, oval seed with a mild, slightly sweet taste.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 579 kcal |
| Protein | 21.15g |
| Total Fat | 49.93g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.73g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 31.55g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.33g |
| Carbohydrates | 21.55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.5g |
| Sugars | 4.35g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and vitamin E.
- Culinary Uses: Eaten raw or roasted, used in baking, as a topping, or processed into almond butter or milk.
2. Cashews
Cashews are native to Brazil. They have a kidney-shaped appearance, a buttery texture, and a slightly sweet flavor. Due to the toxic nature of their outer shell, cashews are usually sold shelled.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 553 kcal |
| Protein | 18.22g |
| Total Fat | 43.85g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.78g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 23.8g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.85g |
| Carbohydrates | 30.19g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3g |
| Sugars | 5.91g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in heart-healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, including copper and magnesium.
- Culinary Uses: Commonly used in curries, desserts, as a snack, or processed into cashew butter.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts trace their origin to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. They have a rough, wrinkled shell enclosing a brain-shaped kernel with a rich, earthy flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 654 kcal |
| Protein | 15.23g |
| Total Fat | 65.21g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.13g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8.93g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 47.17g |
| Carbohydrates | 13.71g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7g |
| Sugars | 2.61g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Culinary Uses: Eaten as a snack, added to salads, baked goods, or used in sauces.
4. Pistachios
Pistachios are originally from Central Asia and the Middle East. They have a hard, beige shell with a green and purple kernel inside, offering a sweet, nutty flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 562 kcal |
| Protein | 20.16g |
| Total Fat | 45.32g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.55g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 23.82g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13.74g |
| Carbohydrates | 27.17g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6g |
| Sugars | 7.66g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like B6.
- Culinary Uses: Used in desserts, snacks, salads, or processed into pistachio butter.
5. Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are primarily found in Europe and Asia. They have a smooth, round shape and are encased in a hard, brown shell, offering a sweet, buttery flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 628 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Total Fat | 60.75g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.51g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 45.7g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.92g |
| Carbohydrates | 16.7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7g |
| Sugars | 4.34g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in vitamin E, healthy fats, and fiber.
- Culinary Uses: Common in baking, especially in chocolate products, and used in spreads like Nutella.
6. Peanuts
Peanuts, native to South America, are legumes that resemble nuts in taste and nutritional profile. They have a reddish-brown shell with two seeds inside and offer a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 567 kcal |
| Protein | 25.8g |
| Total Fat | 49.24g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.28g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 24.43g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.56g |
| Carbohydrates | 16.13g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.5g |
| Sugars | 4.72g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, healthy fats, and biotin.
- Culinary Uses: Used in snacks, peanut butter, sauces, and desserts.
7. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts originated in Australia and are characterized by their hard, brown shell and creamy, white kernel, which has a rich, buttery taste.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 718 kcal |
| Protein | 7.91g |
| Total Fat | 75.77g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.06g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 58.88g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 13.82g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6g |
| Sugars | 4.57g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
- Culinary Uses: Commonly used in baking, as a snack, or in savory dishes.
8. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are native to the Amazon rainforest. They have a large, crescent-shaped seed with a smooth, woody shell and a rich, creamy taste.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 659 kcal |
| Protein | 14.32g |
| Total Fat | 67.1g |
| Saturated Fat | 15.14g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 23.55g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 20.56g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.74g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.5g |
| Sugars | 2.33g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Extremely rich in selenium, which is essential for thyroid function.
- Culinary Uses: Eat raw, used in granola and in baking.
9. Pine Nuts
Pine nuts come from pine trees, predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere. They are small, elongated seeds with a soft texture and a sweet, buttery flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 673 kcal |
| Protein | 13.69g |
| Total Fat | 68.37g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18.74g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 34.07g |
| Carbohydrates | 13.08g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7g |
| Sugars | 3.59g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in healthy fats and essential minerals like magnesium.
- Culinary Uses: Commonly used in pesto, salads, and baking.
10. Pecans
Pecans are native to North America. They have a smooth, elongated shell with a rich, buttery kernel that offers a sweet, nutty flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 691 kcal |
| Protein | 9.17g |
| Total Fat | 71.97g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.18g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 40.8g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 21.61g |
| Carbohydrates | 13.86g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6g |
| Sugars | 3.97g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in antioxidants and healthy fats.
- Culinary Uses: Used in desserts like pecan pie, as well as in salads and snacks.
11. Chestnuts
Chestnuts are found in Europe, Asia, and North America. They have a spiky outer shell with a starchy, sweet kernel inside, offering a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 213 kcal |
| Protein | 2.42g |
| Total Fat | 2.26g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.423g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.926g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.93g |
| Carbohydrates | 45.54g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1g |
| Sugars | 10.6g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Low in fat and calories, high in vitamin C.
- Culinary Uses: Eaten roasted, used in stuffing, soups, and desserts.
12. Marcona Almonds
Marcona almonds originate from Spain. They are shorter and rounder than traditional almonds, with a soft texture and a sweet, delicate flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 575 kcal |
| Protein | 21g |
| Total Fat | 49g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 31g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.5g |
| Sugars | 4.4g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamin E, protein, and healthy fats.
- Culinary Uses: Typically used in Spanish cuisine, often served with olive oil and salt as a snack.
13. Tiger Nuts
Tiger nuts, also known as earth almonds, are native to North Africa. They are small, wrinkled tubers with a sweet, nutty flavor and a chewy texture.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 468 kcal |
| Protein | 4.15g |
| Total Fat | 24.9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7.1g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 61.3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 33g |
| Sugars | 18.7g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in fiber, iron, and vitamins C and E.
- Culinary Uses: Used to make horchata, eaten as a snack, or ground into flour.
14. Baru Nuts
Baru nuts come from the Brazilian savannah. They are encased in a hard, dark shell, with a flavor similar to peanuts but with a crunchier texture.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Total Fat | 43g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 22g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 15g |
| Sugars | 2g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Culinary Uses: Eaten as a snack or added to salads and granolas.
15. Candlenuts
Candlenuts are native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. They are large, round seeds with a hard shell and an oily texture, often used for their rich, nutty flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 719 kcal |
| Protein | 8.6g |
| Total Fat | 68.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 51.8g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9.7g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 19.4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6g |
| Sugars | 3.7g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in fat, particularly saturated fats.
- Culinary Uses: Used in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine, especially in curries and stews.
16. Kola Nuts
Kola nuts are native to West Africa and are known for their bitter, astringent taste. They are large, red seeds that have been traditionally used in drinks and as a stimulant.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 3.6g |
| Total Fat | 0.1g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.0g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0g |
| Carbohydrates | 36.6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7g |
| Sugars | 3.4g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Provides a natural source of caffeine and theobromine.
- Culinary Uses: Traditionally chewed for energy, used in the production of soft drinks and as a flavoring agent.
17. Ginkgo Nuts
Ginkgo nuts are seeds of the ginkgo tree, native to China. They have a soft, yellowish flesh and a subtle, slightly sweet flavor, with a smooth, nutty texture.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 182 kcal |
| Protein | 4.32g |
| Total Fat | 1.68g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.36g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.55g |
| Carbohydrates | 37.6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4g |
| Sugars | 1.68g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids and terpenoids.
- Culinary Uses: Used in Asian cuisine, often in soups, stir-fries, and desserts.
18. Bitter Almonds
Bitter almonds come from the same species as sweet almonds but contain amygdalin, which gives them a bitter taste. They are slightly smaller than sweet almonds and are typically used in a processed form.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 570 kcal |
| Protein | 21.15g |
| Total Fat | 50.6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 32g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 20.8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.5g |
| Sugars | 3.9g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Culinary Uses: Used in the production of almond oil and extract and in the making of liqueurs like amaretto.
19. Beech Nuts
Beech nuts are small, triangular seeds from beech trees native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They have a crunchy texture and a mildly sweet, nutty flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 576 kcal |
| Protein | 12.6g |
| Total Fat | 50.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.8g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 30.4g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.4g |
| Carbohydrates | 28.5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3g |
| Sugars | 0.4g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in fats and proteins.
- Culinary Uses: Eat raw, roasted, or used in baking.
20. Bunya Nuts
Bunya nuts come from the Bunya tree in Australia. They are large seeds and a hard shell, and their taste is similar to that of a starchy potato or chestnut.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 227 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Total Fat | 2.3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 79g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.5g |
| Sugars | 2.7g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in carbohydrates and fiber, low in fat.
- Culinary Uses: Traditionally roasted or boiled, it can be used in soups or made into flour.
21. Monkey Puzzle Nuts
Monkey puzzle nuts come from the monkey puzzle tree in South America. They are large, almond-shaped seeds with a firm texture and a sweet, nutty flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 231 kcal |
| Protein | 3.7g |
| Total Fat | 1.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.4g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Sugars | 2.4g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in carbohydrates and fiber.
- Culinary Uses: Eat raw, roasted, or ground into flour.
22. Sacha Inchi Nuts
Sacha Inchi nuts, also known as Inca peanuts, originate from the Amazon rainforest. They have a unique, star-shaped appearance, a crunchy texture, and a slightly earthy taste.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 33g |
| Total Fat | 54g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Sugars | 0g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber.
- Culinary Uses: Eaten roasted, used in salads, or pressed into oil.
23. Pili Nuts
Pili nuts are native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines. When raw, they have a rich, buttery texture and a flavor similar to pumpkin seeds, but they are creamier when roasted.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 719 kcal |
| Protein | 10.8g |
| Total Fat | 79.6g |
| Saturated Fat | 40.9g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 26.5g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 0.5g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium.
- Culinary Uses: Eat raw or roasted, used in desserts, and as a topping for salads and dishes.
24. Ogbono Nuts
Ogbono nuts, also known as African bush mango seeds, are native to West Africa. They are oval-shaped and have a slightly bitter, nutty taste. They are commonly used in traditional African dishes.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 632 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Total Fat | 65g |
| Saturated Fat | 33g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 25g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 17g |
| Sugars | 1.5g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Culinary Uses: Used to thicken soups and stews, particularly in West African cuisine.
25. Coconut
Though often classified as a fruit, coconut is also considered a nut in some regions. Native to tropical regions, it has a hard, brown outer shell, white, fibrous flesh, and a mildly sweet, refreshing taste.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 354 kcal |
| Protein | 3.3g |
| Total Fat | 33.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 29.7g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.4g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7g |
| Carbohydrates | 15.2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9g |
| Sugars | 6.2g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in saturated fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
- Culinary Uses: It can be eaten raw or dried and used in cooking, baking, and as coconut milk or oil.
26. Acorns
Acorns are seeds from oak trees, primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere. They have a hard, woody shell and a starchy, slightly bitter flavor, and they are often processed to remove tannins before consumption.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 387 kcal |
| Protein | 6.15g |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13.2g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 40.7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.8g |
| Sugars | 0.3g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Culinary Uses: Traditionally used in flour, porridges, or roasted as a snack.
27. Water Caltrops (Trapa Nuts)
Water caltrops, or trapa nuts or buffalo nuts, are aquatic plants native to Asia and Europe. They have a unique, horn-like appearance with a starchy, mildly sweet taste.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 97 kcal |
| Protein | 3.4g |
| Total Fat | 0.3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.07g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.11g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.12g |
| Carbohydrates | 23.9g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6g |
| Sugars | 3.8g |
- Nutritional Benefits: Low in calories and fats, high in carbohydrates.
- Culinary Uses: Commonly used in Asian cuisine, especially soups and stir-fries.
28. Shea Nuts
Shea nuts are the seeds of the shea tree, native to Africa. They have a dark brown shell with a fatty kernel inside that is used primarily for extracting shea butter.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 716 kcal |
| Protein | 8.2g |
| Total Fat | 82.2g |
| Saturated Fat | 37.7g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 40g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7g |
| Sugars | 0.2g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in healthy fats, particularly oleic acid, and antioxidants.
- Culinary Uses: Though primarily used in cosmetics, the nuts are sometimes processed into edible oils in some regions.
29. Chufa Nuts (Earth Almonds)
Chufa nuts, also known as earth almonds, are tubers from the sedge plant, native to Africa and the Mediterranean. They have a wrinkled appearance with a sweet, nutty flavor.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 484 kcal |
| Protein | 4.2g |
| Total Fat | 23.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.9g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7.6g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 62.5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6g |
| Sugars | 21g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in fiber, vitamins E and C, and potassium.
- Culinary Uses: Used to make horchata, as a snack, or ground into flour for baking.
30. Candle Bush Nuts
Candle bush nuts come from the candle bush plant, which is native to tropical regions. They have a bitter taste and are usually processed before consumption.
| Component | Amount (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 631 kcal |
| Protein | 7.5g |
| Total Fat | 55g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 32g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Dietary Fiber | 11g |
| Sugars | 2.4g |
- Nutritional Benefits: High in fats and antioxidants.
- Culinary Uses: Used in traditional medicine and occasionally in cooking after thorough processing.
List of Remaining Types of Nuts You Must Try
31. Breadnut
32. Butternut
33. Kukui Nut
34. Mongongo Nut
35. Sapucaia Nut
36. Gurji Nut
37. Illawarra Plum Nut
38. Karuka Nut
39. Mahogany Nut
40. Pequi Nut
41. Malabar Chestnut
42. Chinquapin Nut
43. Achiote Nut
44. Coquito Nut
45. Okari Nut
46. Nipa Nut
47. Pandanus Nut
48. Okume Nut
49. Rambutan Seed
50. Longan Seed
51. Jackfruit Seed
52. Durian Seed
53. Bambara Nut
54. Mamoncillo Seed
55. Water Chestnut
56. Winged Bean Nut
57. Lotus Seed
58. Bitter Kola Nut
59. African Walnut
60. Cempedak Seed
61. Mora Nut
Conclusion
Now you know about the many types of nuts out there! From common almonds to rare baru nuts, there’s a whole world of nutty flavors to try.
Why does this matter? Nuts are not just tasty snacks. They’re packed with nutrients and can be part of a healthy diet. Trying different nuts can add variety to your meals and snacks.
What’s next? I suggest picking a new nut type you learned about and giving it a try. You might find a new favorite! Or, use your new knowledge to mix up your unique trail mix.
Have you tried any unusual nuts? Share your nutty adventures in the comments below!
