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!