Best Walnuts of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 22, 2026

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Walnuts are a nutritious and delicious addition to any diet. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, these nuts are a great snack on their own or a tasty ingredient in a variety of dishes. They can be used in baking, added to salads or oatmeal, or even used to make homemade walnut butter. Walnuts are also a good source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and brain function. Whether you're a health-conscious snacker or a culinary enthusiast, walnuts are a versatile and nutritious choice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Happy Belly California Walnuts, Halves and Pieces Cover #TOP 1
Happy Belly California Walnuts, Halves and Pieces
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Diamond of California Shelled Walnuts Cover #TOP 2
Diamond of California Shelled Walnuts
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Yupik Nuts Organic California Walnuts Cover #TOP 3
Yupik Nuts Organic California Walnuts
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Walnuts

#TOP 1

Happy Belly California Walnuts, Halves and Pieces

40 ounce
Happy Belly California Walnuts, Halves and Pieces Cover
Amazon Brand - Happy Belly California Walnuts Halves and Pieces, 40 ounce

Happy Belly Walnuts feature a rich, sweet flavor balanced with a hint of bitterness from the edible papery skin. Chandler variety walnut halves and pieces are ideal for baking and snacking, harvested in California's Central Valley. This 40-ounce stand-up, resealable bag keeps walnuts fresh and is an Amazon brand. High in protein, fiber, and healthy, omega-3 fat, these walnuts are fresh and delicious, perfect for snacking, baking, and adding to salads and other dishes.

What We Like
Freshness and good quality
Great value for price
Large, unbroken walnut pieces
Convenient resealable packaging
Versatile for snacks and cooking
What We Don't Like
Slight flavor inconsistency between bags
#TOP 2

Diamond of California Shelled Walnuts

Natural
32 oz (1 Pack)
Diamond of California Shelled Walnuts Cover
Diamond of California Shelled Walnut Halves and Pieces, Pre-Shelled Raw Walnuts for Baking, Snacking and Salads, 32 oz.

Diamond Walnuts are raw, non-GMO shelled nuts perfect for various recipes. With a light color and buttery flavor, they offer 30 servings per bag. These kosher walnuts are rich in ALA-Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and carbs. Versatile for baking, cooking, and snacking, they can enhance salads, desserts, and snacks like trail mix and granola. Harvested in California's Central Valley, these nuts may contain other tree nuts. Ideal for balanced and heart-healthy meals, they come in whole, chopped, sliced, and slivered options.

What We Like
Freshness
Mostly whole halves
Good taste
Great value
Convenient packaging
What We Don't Like
Zipper can malfunction
Staleness risk if not stored properly

Yupik Nuts Organic California Walnuts

Yupik Nuts Organic California Walnuts Cover
Yupik Organic Raw California Walnuts, Halves, 2.2 lb (35.2 oz), Kosher, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, Half Nuts, Unsalted, Unroasted, Source of Omegas, Healthy Snacks, Ideal for Baking & Cooking

Yupik Nuts Organic California Walnuts are a delicious and versatile snack that can also be used in recipes or as a topping. These walnuts are non-GMO, sulfite-free, vegetarian, vegan and all-natural. They are raw, mildly sweet-tasting shelled nuts that are ready to be used at your convenience. With a naturally thin, brown, papery skin that is completely edible, these walnuts are a good source of protein and fiber.

What We Like
Fresh and tasty nuts
High-quality organic options
Large size and good value
Long-lasting packaging
What We Don't Like
Soft texture in some batches

HONMICON Yupik Raw California Walnuts

ZY-ghm-20201228-188
HONMICON Yupik Raw California Walnuts Cover
Yupik Raw California Walnuts, Halves & Pieces, 2.2 lb (35.2 oz), Kosher, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Unsalted, Unroasted, Source of Omegas, Healthy Snacks, Nut Topping, Ideal for Baking & Cooking

HONMICON Walnuts are a protein and iron-rich snack, perfect for boosting your energy levels. They offer a satisfying crunch and can be a versatile ingredient in various recipes. With no added salt or oil, you can enjoy a guilt-free treat. These walnuts are a great source of Omegas, supporting your overall health. Whether you snack on them or use them as toppings, HONMICON Walnuts are ideal for your baking and cooking needs.

What We Like
Freshness and quality
Rich in omegas
Gluten-free certified
Great value price
Versatile for snacking and baking
What We Don't Like
Softer texture than some brands

Happy Belly Chopped Walnuts, 8oz

8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Happy Belly Chopped Walnuts, 8oz Cover
Amazon Grocery, Chopped Walnuts, 8 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

Happy Belly Chopped Walnuts come in an 8-ounce resealable bag and are Kosher certified. The nuts are chopped to make it easy for you to incorporate them into your favorite recipes. Additionally, the brand offers a satisfaction guarantee, and if you're not satisfied for any reason, they'll refund your purchase within a year.

What We Like
Freshness and great taste
Affordable price
Convenient chopped pieces
Consistent quality
Versatile use
What We Don't Like
Packaging seal durability
#TOP 6

Fisher Chef's Naturals Walnut Halves & Pieces

Fisher Chef's Naturals
ZY-EJ-0818-78
Brown
Fisher Chef's Naturals Walnut Halves & Pieces Cover
Fisher Chef's Naturals Walnut Halves & Pieces 2 lb, 100% California Unsalted Walnuts for Baking & Cooking, Healthy Snacks for Adults, Resealable Bag, Vegan Protein, Keto Snack, Chopped Nuts, Topping

Fisher Chef's Naturals Walnut Halves & Pieces are a great addition to any meal. They are rich and nutty in flavor, with 4 grams of plant-based protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving. These walnuts are grown in Northern California and are Non-GMO Project verified, American Heart Association certified, vegan, and keto nuts. This 32-ounce bag of shelled walnuts is perfect for baking, breakfast, appetizers, salads, and ice cream.

What We Like
Very fresh and tasty
Large, solid walnut pieces
Excellent value for price
Great for baking and snacking
Rich, earthy flavor
What We Don't Like
Some bitterness for a few
Occasional excess broken pieces
#TOP 7

365 by Whole Foods Market, Walnuts Chopped

8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
365 by Whole Foods Market, Walnuts Chopped Cover
365 by Whole Foods Market, Chopped Walnuts, 8 Ounce

365 by Whole Foods Market Walnuts Chopped are a great choice for those looking for a tasty and nutritious snack. These walnuts are organic, fresh, and good for the heart. They have a great flavor and are perfect for snacking, baking, and cooking. Customers have praised the quality and crunchiness of the walnuts, as well as the great value for money.

What We Like
Fresh taste
No shell pieces
Good value
Versatile use
Great flavor
What We Don't Like
Short shelf life after opening
Chopped form less lasting
#TOP 8

Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Raw Walnuts

2 Pound (Pack of 2)
Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Raw Walnuts Cover
Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Raw Walnuts, 2 Lbs (2 Pack) - Chandler Variety | Fresh | Light Color

Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Raw Walnuts are a Chandler variety with light halves and pieces and have a wonderfully rich nutty flavor, without the bitter aftertaste found in walnuts of lesser quality. These walnuts are imported from Chile and are perfect for making your own raw, organic nut milks without any additives. Customers have praised the product for its freshness, large pieces, and lack of bitterness.

What We Like
100% peanut-free facility
Consistently fresh and tasty
Strict safety protocols
High product quality
Third-party quality inspection
What We Don't Like
Occasional small batch taste issue
#TOP 9

TATA RAW Sprouted Organic Walnuts - 1 lb

TATA RAW Sprouted Walnuts
1 Pound (Pack of 1)
TATA RAW Sprouted Organic Walnuts - 1 lb Cover
TATA RAW - Sprouted Organic Walnuts - PLAIN. Nothing added -1 lb. Soaked & Air dried SUPER QUALITY. Raw. Alive. Activated. Fresh

TATA RAW Sprouted Organic Walnuts are soaked and sprouted to boost their bioavailability of nutrients, making them more digestible and suitable for the entire family. With Omega 3s, proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins, they can improve heart health, boost brain health, and lower cancer risk. They come in plain, unflavored, and unsweetened form, available in different pack sizes.

What We Like
Fresh and crunchy texture
Enhanced digestibility
High in omega-3
Organic and sprouted
Versatile culinary use
What We Don't Like
Relatively expensive
Some small walnut pieces
#TOP 10

Yupik Raw California Walnuts, Medium Pieces

Yupik Raw California Walnuts, Medium Pieces Cover
Yupik Raw California Walnuts, Medium Pieces, 2.2 lb (35.2 oz), Kosher, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Chopped Nuts, Unsalted, Unroasted, Source of Omegas, Healthy Snacks, Ideal for Baking & Cooking

Yupik Walnuts are a wholesome snack with protein, sodium-free, and no added salt or oil. These walnuts are ideal for snacking, baking, and cooking. They are a crunchy and healthy option that can be used as a topping or included in various recipes. Being a good source of protein, they provide you with energy and are a great addition to your daily diet.

What We Like
Very fresh walnuts
Excellent value for price
Large bag size
No bitterness
Great for breakfast
What We Don't Like
Price increases over time
Buying Guide Image

The Best Walnuts for Every Budget

Introduction to Walnuts

Walnuts are a type of tree nut that are native to Central Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. They are a popular ingredient in many dishes, and are known for their rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Walnuts are also packed with nutrients and have been shown to have a number of health benefits.

Selecting the Best Walnuts

When choosing walnuts, it's important to select ones that are fresh and of good quality. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best walnuts:

  • Look for walnuts that are whole, not broken or cracked.
  • The shells should be intact and not have any holes or bruises.
  • The walnuts should feel heavy for their size and not be too dry or brittle.
  • Avoid walnuts that have a musty or rancid smell, as this is a sign that they are not fresh.

Storing Walnuts

Proper storage is important to ensure that your walnuts stay fresh and maintain their flavor and texture. Here are some tips for storing walnuts:

  • Store walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as the pantry or a cupboard.
  • You can also store walnuts in the refrigerator or freezer to extend their shelf life. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors.
  • If you need to store walnuts for an extended period of time, it's best to freeze them. This will help to preserve their flavor and texture, and prevent them from becoming rancid.

Using Walnuts in Cooking

Walnuts can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. Here are some ideas for using walnuts in your cooking:

  • Add chopped walnuts to oatmeal, granola, or yogurt for a crunchy, nutritious breakfast.
  • Use walnuts to make pesto or other sauces and dressings.
  • Mix chopped walnuts into cookie dough, muffin batter, or breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.
  • Toss walnuts into salads or grain bowls for a crunchy, protein-packed topping.
  • Roast walnuts in the oven with a little bit of oil and your favorite spices for a delicious snack.

Conclusion

Choosing and storing walnuts properly is important to ensure that you get the best flavor and texture from this tasty tree nut. By following the tips above, you can easily incorporate walnuts into your cooking and enjoy their many health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are walnuts better for you than almonds?

The choice between walnuts and almonds depends on your nutritional goals. If you want to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are a better choice. However, if you're looking for a quick protein boost with fewer calories, almonds are a good option.

2. What is the best way to eat walnuts?

The best time to eat walnuts is in the morning. You can soak 6 to 8 halves of walnuts overnight and consume them on an empty stomach. Alternatively, you can add them to smoothies, make walnut chutney, or sprinkle ground walnuts on salads.

3. Can I eat 30 walnuts a day?

It is not recommended to eat 30 walnuts a day. Overconsumption of walnuts may lead to digestive issues, allergies, weight gain, and choking in children. It is ideal to consume no more than an ounce, or about 10-14 walnut halves, per day.

4. Is there a downside to eating walnuts?

Excessive consumption of walnuts may cause diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, and kidney stones. The phytic acid in walnuts can also inhibit the absorption of dietary iron, calcium, and zinc. It is recommended to consume about one ounce, or 10-14 walnut halves, per day.

5. What are 5 benefits of eating walnuts?

Eating walnuts provides several benefits: 1. Rich in nutrients 2. Deliver healthy fats 3. Promote gut and heart health 4. Help reduce blood pressure 5. Benefit brain health Additionally, walnuts offer cancer protection, play a role in weight regulation, and can improve sperm vitality.

6. Why should you soak walnuts before eating?

Soaking walnuts before eating makes them easier to digest and reduces the phytic acid content, which can inhibit nutrient absorption. This is particularly helpful for individuals with weak gut function. Soaking walnuts overnight can enhance their digestibility and increase nutrient absorption.

Editor's Notes

During our walnut research, we found 24 walnut products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 283,975 customer reviews through our big data system to write the walnuts list. We found that most customers choose walnuts with an average price of $14.23.

The walnuts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of walnuts, including Happy Belly, diamonds nuts, Yupik, Fisher Chef's Naturals, 365 by Whole Foods Market. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Walnuts Comparison Table

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Brand Happy Belly diamonds nuts Yupik Yupik Happy Belly Fisher Chef's Naturals 365 by Whole Foods Market Terrasoul Superfoods TATA RAW Sprouted Walnuts Yupik
Units 40.0 Ounce 1.0 Count 35.2 Ounce 35.2 Ounce 8.0 Ounce 32.0 Ounce 8 Ounce 32.0 Ounce 16.0 Ounce 35.2 Ounce
Flavor Walnuts Halves and Pieces Walnut Sweet Creamy Chopped Walnut Halves and Pieces Walnuts - Unflavored Buttery, Creamy
Item Weight 40 Ounces 32 Ounces 2.2 Pounds 8.66 g 0.5 Pounds 32 Ounces 8.32 ounces - - 2.2 Pounds
Item Form - Raw Raw Halved Sliced Halves & Pieces Sliced - Raw Raw
Allergen Information - Tree Nuts Peanuts may contain, Soy may contain, Tree Nuts Walnut Tree Nuts Crustacean Free, Fish Free, Milk Free, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Wheat Free Walnut - - Tree Nuts
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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