Nuts, chestnuts, chinese, roasted
Whole food · Nut and Seed Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Chinese roasted chestnuts are sweet, starchy kernels with a tender, slightly crumbly texture and a warm, nutty aroma. Unlike most nuts, they are remarkably low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates, making them a hearty, energy-dense snack. Their natural sweetness intensifies with roasting, offering a comforting, caramelized flavor without any added sugar.
Calorie split: 8% protein · 88% carbs · 4% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love Chinese roasted chestnuts for their warm, sweet, and subtly earthy flavor that evokes autumn and winter traditions. Their soft, starchy texture makes them a uniquely satisfying and versatile snack, often enjoyed simply by hand or incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high carbohydrate content can cause blood-sugar spikes if eaten in large quantities, especially for those with insulin resistance. To counteract this, pair them with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of almonds or a slice of cheese) and practice portion control. Also, note that chestnuts are a tree nut allergen for some individuals.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
- Very low in fat compared to other nuts and seeds
- Naturally sweet, providing a satisfying treat without added sugars
- Rich in vitamin C, an uncommon trait for a starchy food
- Good source of B vitamins like B6 and folate
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Chestnuts are the only nut that is a significant source of vitamin C, with a 100g serving providing about 15-20% of the daily recommended intake.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 40.2 g |
| Energy | 239 kcal |
| Energy | 1000 kj |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 1.2 g |
| Ash | 1.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 52.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 19.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 90.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 102 mg |
| Potassium, K | 477 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 4.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.93 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.39 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 1.7 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 38.4 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.15 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.09 mg |
| Niacin | 1.5 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.59 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.44 mg |
| Folate, total | 72.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 72.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 72.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 5.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.17 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.62 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.60 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.31 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.28 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.03 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.05 g |
| Threonine | 0.18 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.17 g |
| Leucine | 0.28 g |
| Lysine | 0.24 g |
| Methionine | 0.11 g |
| Cystine | 0.12 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.20 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.13 g |
| Valine | 0.23 g |
| Arginine | 0.46 g |
| Histidine | 0.13 g |
| Alanine | 0.21 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.91 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.57 g |
| Glycine | 0.20 g |
| Proline | 0.17 g |
| Serine | 0.20 g |
FAQ
Are roasted chestnuts considered a true nut?
Botanically, chestnuts are a starchy seed from a tree, not a true nut like almonds or walnuts. They are classified as a fruit, specifically a nut-like drupe.
How should I store roasted chestnuts?
Store roasted chestnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Can I eat chestnuts if I have a nut allergy?
While chestnuts are a tree nut, they are not as allergenic as peanuts or other nuts. However, individuals with tree nut allergies should consult a doctor before consuming them, as cross-reactivity can occur.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.39 kcal/g · 7% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.01 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.