How Many Calories in Peanuts?

Peanuts are a type of legume that is commonly consumed as a snack food. They are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and are a popular choice for those looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet. But how many calories do peanuts contain?

To answer this question, it’s important to first understand that the caloric content of peanuts can vary depending on a few factors, including the type of peanut (raw, dry roasted, or oil-roasted), the serving size, and whether or not they are salted.

Here is a breakdown of the caloric content of peanuts per 100 grams (3.5 ounces):

Raw peanuts: 567 calories

Dry roasted peanuts: 567 calories

Oil-roasted peanuts: 600 calories

It’s worth noting that these values are for peanuts that are not salted. If peanuts are salted, the caloric content will increase slightly due to the added sodium.

Now that we know the caloric content of peanuts per 100 grams, let’s take a look at how this translates to common serving sizes:

1 ounce (28 grams) of raw peanuts: 160 calories

1 ounce (28 grams) of dry roasted peanuts: 160 calories

1 ounce (28 grams) of oil-roasted peanuts: 168 calories

As you can see, the caloric content of peanuts per serving is relatively high, with a single ounce containing anywhere from 160 to 168 calories. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these values are for unshelled peanuts, and the actual caloric content of shelled peanuts will be slightly lower due to the weight of the shells being subtracted.

Despite their relatively high caloric content, peanuts can still be a healthy choice when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. This is because peanuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and have been linked to a number of potential health benefits.

For example, peanuts are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body and protect against certain chronic diseases.

In addition to their nutrient content, peanuts are also relatively low in carbs, making them a good choice for those following a low-carb diet.

Despite their potential health benefits, it’s important to remember that peanuts are still a calorie-dense food and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. This means that it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes and to be mindful of how many peanuts you are consuming on a daily basis.

For those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it may be helpful to track your caloric intake and to incorporate peanuts into your diet in appropriate serving sizes. For example, a single serving of peanuts could be 1 ounce (28 grams) or about a handful, depending on the size of your hand.

In conclusion, peanuts are a nutritious and delicious snack that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. While they do contain a relatively high number of calories per serving, they are also a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and have been linked to a number of potential health benefits. Just be sure to pay attention to portion sizes and track your caloric intake to ensure that you are not consuming more calories than you need.