Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower Seeds – Nutritious, Crunchy, and Versatile

Sunflower seeds are the edible kernels harvested from the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus), widely consumed as a healthy snack and used as a functional ingredient across food industries. They are available in-shell or hulled (kernel form), and come raw, roasted, salted, or flavored.

Naturally rich in:

• Vitamin E – A powerful antioxidant
• Healthy fats (polyunsaturated & monounsaturated)
• Plant-based protein – ~21g per 100g
• Magnesium, selenium, and folate

Sunflower seeds are used in:

• Snack and trail mixes
• Multigrain bread and bakery
• Cereal blends and granola
• Plant-based protein and spreads
• Oil extraction and functional foods

They are gluten-free, non-GMO, and ideal for vegan, keto, and clean-label applications.

What Are Sunflower Seeds? A Global Ingredient for Health Foods and Snacks

Sunflower seeds are extracted from the head of the sunflower plant. After harvesting, the seeds are cleaned, sorted, and processed either with their shell (in-shell) or hulled (de-shelled) for kernel use. Sunflower seeds are highly valued for their nutritional profile, culinary versatility, and industrial oil content.

There are two major types:

• Confectionery-grade – Larger seeds used for snacking
• Bakery-grade (oilseed) – Smaller kernels used in food production and oil pressing

✅ Nutritional & Functional Benefits

Sunflower seeds are naturally packed with:

• Vitamin E – Supports skin, heart, and immune function
• Protein (20–22%) – Plant-based energy for muscle recovery
• Healthy fats – Omega-6, oleic acid (in high-oleic types)
• Magnesium, selenium, zinc – Trace minerals for metabolic health
• Fiber and antioxidants – For digestive and cellular health

They are ideal for:

• Heart-healthy diets
• Keto / low-carb plans
• Protein-enriched snacks
• Functional food development

🍽️ Culinary & Industrial Applications

Sunflower seeds are used across food industries:

• Retail snack packs (roasted, salted, flavored)
• Bakery and breads (kernels as toppings or inclusions)
• Breakfast cereals and muesli
• Confectionery (chocolate-coated, clusters)
• Granola bars, trail mixes, and nut-free snacks
• Nut butters and vegan spreads
• Cold-pressed sunflower oil and seed meal

Also used in animal feed, oil extraction, and cosmetic-grade oils.

🌍 Top Producing Countries

🗓️ Harvest & Processing Calendar

📏 Formats & Specifications

➤ Product Types:

• In-shell sunflower seeds – Roasted, salted, flavored
• Hulled kernels (bakery-grade) – Raw, roasted, chopped
• Confectionery-grade kernels – Large, uniform
• High-oleic sunflower seeds – For oil and high-fat baking
• Sunflower seed meal / flour – For gluten-free baking or animal feed
• Cold-pressed sunflower oil

➤ Processing Grades:

• 99%, 99.5%, 99.95% purity
• Moisture: ≤8%
• Aflatoxin controlled: ≤4 ppb (EU standards)

📦 Packaging Options

➤ Bulk Supply:

• 5 kg, 10 kg, 12.5 kg, 25 kg PP bags or cartons
• Poly-lined, vacuum-packed, or nitrogen-flushed
• Organic and conventional grades available

➤ Retail Formats:

• 100 g / 250 g / 500 g / 1 kg resealable pouches
• Roasted, salted, or flavored sunflower seed snack packs
• Private-label, mixed nut, or seed blends

Certifications:

• USDA Organic / EU Organic
• Kosher / Halal
• Non-GMO
• Gluten-Free / Vegan
• IFS / BRC / HACCP / GFSI compliant