Sunflower Seeds Nutrition Facts

A comprehensive, evidence-backed guide to the calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients in dried sunflower seed kernels.

Written by Victura Nutrition TeamReviewed by Victura Editorial ReviewLast updated Sep 9, 2026

584

Calories

20.8g

Protein

20.0g

Carbs

Generally yes

Is it healthy?

per 100g · per panel values

Track this food in Victura

Quick answer

A 100g serving of sunflower seeds provides about 584 kcal. Per 100g you get about 20g carbs and 20.78g protein. Glycemic index is around 15.

Sunflower Seeds is a whole food with approximately 584 calories per 100g, tracked in Victura for macro-aware meal logging.

Calories (100g serving)
584 kcal
Carbs (100g)
20.0g
Protein (100g)
20.78g
Serving reference
100g · 100g serving
Glycemic index
15
Sunflower Seeds food photo
Sunflower Seeds — real food photo
Sunflower Seeds portion size visual
Portion size
Sunflower Seeds calories and macros infographic
Calories & macros

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How much did you eat or drinkSunflower Seeds?

584

Calories

20.8g

Protein

20.0g

Carbs

51.5g

Fat

Nutrition facts

per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central (seeded Phase 0)

584 kcal

Calories

Protein20.8g
Carbohydrates20.0g
Fat51.5g
Fiber8.6g
Sugar2.6g
Glycemic index15low

Vitamins

  • Vitamin E: 35.17mg

Minerals

  • Selenium: 53mcg

Scientific explanation

Research-backed

Sunflower Seeds provides an exceptional density of essential nutrients, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. According to the USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID 170562), a 100g serving of dried sunflower seed kernels delivers 584.0 calories, 20.78g of protein, 51.46g of fat, and 20.0g of total carbohydrates. Of these carbohydrates, 8.6g comes from dietary fiber, leaving a net carbohydrate count of approximately 11.4g. This macronutrient profile makes sunflower seeds highly valuable for individuals seeking plant-based protein and healthy fats, though its high energy density requires mindful portion control. For those tracking energy intake, a common question is: how many calories does sunflower seeds have? In a standard 30g single serving (roughly a small handful), sunflower seeds contain approximately 175 calories. This makes them an excellent, compact source of fuel, but also means they can easily contribute to an energy surplus if consumed mindlessly. Micronutrient density is where sunflower seeds truly excel. A 100g serving provides 35.17 mg of Vitamin E, which represents an outstanding 234% of the Daily Value (DV). Vitamin E acts as a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. Additionally, sunflower seeds are an exceptional source of Selenium, providing 53.0 mcg per 100g, or 96% of the Daily Value. Selenium is a critical cofactor for antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and plays a vital role in thyroid hormone metabolism. From a metabolic health perspective, sunflower seeds have a very low Glycemic Index (GI) of 15. With only 2.62g of sugar per 100g, they are highly diabetic-friendly, causing minimal impact on blood glucose levels. However, their suitability for strict ketogenic diets is nuanced; while high in healthy fats, the 11.4g of net carbs per 100g means keto practitioners must strictly limit their portion sizes to avoid exceeding daily carbohydrate thresholds.

Community insights

Community insight

In the Victura community, sunflower seeds are frequently logged as a versatile, crunchy topper rather than a standalone bulk snack. Anonymized meal logs show that users most commonly add a 10g to 15g sprinkle of sunflower seeds to Greek yogurt, oatmeal, and mixed green salads. This practice allows users to enjoy the rich texture and micronutrient benefits of the seeds without accumulating excessive calories. Many fitness enthusiasts in our community utilize sunflower seeds as a pre-workout or intra-workout snack. Because of their high fat and protein content, they provide sustained, slow-burning energy that prevents blood sugar crashes during long endurance sessions. However, community feedback highlights a common pitfall: eating salted, shell-on sunflower seeds can lead to excessive sodium intake and mild oral irritation. Opting for raw or dry-roasted, unsalted kernels is the preferred choice for health-conscious individuals.

Pros

    Cons

      Best time to eat

      Good windows

        Consider avoiding

          Diet compatibility

          Weight loss

          Friendly

          Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

          Keto

          Friendly

          Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

          Diabetes

          Friendly

          Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

          Frequently asked questions

          Yes — a sunflower seeds is a whole food with measurable nutrients. Healthiness depends on overall diet, portions, and your goals. Estimated GI is 15.

          People also ask

          • Is a sunflower seeds healthy?

            Yes — a sunflower seeds is a whole food with measurable nutrients. Healthiness depends on overall diet, portions, and your goals. Estimated GI is 15.

          • Can I eat a sunflower seeds every day?

            Most people can include a sunflower seeds daily as part of a balanced diet, as long as total calories and carbs fit their plan.

          • Are Sunflower Seedses good for weight loss?

            Sunflower seedses can fit a calorie-controlled diet when portions are measured.

          • How many calories are in a sunflower seeds?

            A typical medium serving of sunflower seeds has about 584 calories, while 100g contains about 584 calories (USDA reference).

          • Are Sunflower Seedses good before a workout?

            Sunflower seedses can work before activity when you want easy carbs; pair a sunflower seeds with protein if your session is long.

          • Are Sunflower Seedses high in sugar?

            Sunflower seedses contain about 2.6g sugar per 100g — mostly natural sugars when whole.

          • Are sunflower seeds healthy to eat every day?

            Yes, eating sunflower seeds every day can be highly beneficial when consumed in moderation. A daily portion of about 30 grams (one handful) provides a significant dose of Vitamin E, selenium, and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These nutrients support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin. However, because they are energy-dense, eating them in unlimited quantities daily can lead to unintended weight gain.

          • Are sunflower seeds good for weight loss?

            Sunflower seeds can support weight loss when used strategically, but they are not a 'free food.' With 584.0 calories per 100g, they are highly energy-dense. The combination of 20.78g of protein and 8.6g of dietary fiber per 100g promotes satiety, helping you feel full for longer and reducing the urge to overeat. To use them for weight loss, measure your portions carefully (e.g., 1 tablespoon or 15g) and use them to replace less nutrient-dense snacks.

          • How many calories do sunflower seeds have?

            A standard whole portion of sunflower seeds is typically 1 ounce (28.35 grams) or about 30 grams. A 30g serving contains approximately 175 calories. For comparison, a full 100g portion contains 584.0 calories. Knowing how many calories sunflower seeds have per serving is crucial for maintaining an accurate daily energy budget.

          • Can I eat sunflower seeds before a workout?

            Yes, sunflower seeds make an excellent pre-workout snack, especially for endurance training. The healthy fats (51.46g per 100g) and protein (20.78g per 100g) provide a sustained release of energy, preventing the rapid spikes and crashes associated with high-carbohydrate snacks. For best results, consume a small handful 30 to 60 minutes before your workout to allow for comfortable digestion.

          • Are sunflower seeds high in sugar?

            No, sunflower seeds are exceptionally low in sugar. They contain only 2.62g of sugar per 100g. Combined with their low glycemic index of 15, they are an excellent option for individuals managing diabetes or those looking to minimize their intake of simple sugars.

          • How many calories are in one single sunflower seed?

            A single raw sunflower seed kernel weighs approximately 0.07 grams. This means a single seed contains roughly 0.4 calories. While a single seed's caloric impact is negligible, they are rarely eaten one at a time, so tracking by the gram or handful is highly recommended.

          How we review this guide

          Written by
          Victura Nutrition Team
          Reviewed by
          Victura Editorial Review
          Reference sources
          5
          Last updated
          Sep 9, 2026

          Revision & correction policy

          References

          1. USDA FoodData Central: Seeds, sunflower seed kernels, dried(usda)
          2. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium Fact Sheet(nih_ods)
          3. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E Fact Sheet(nih_ods)

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