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Chestnut Nutrition & Calories - Complete data of all nutrients

Nuts, chestnuts, european, boiled and steamed
*all the values are displayed for the amount of 100 grams
Article author photo Elen Khachatrian by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on October 20, 2023
Medically reviewed by Victoria Mazmanyan Article author photo Victoria Mazmanyan
Chestnut

Introduction

This article focuses on the nutrition of one of the most common and widely used nuts: the chestnut. Here, we discuss the macro- and micronutrient contents of chestnut varieties in detail.

What Are Chestnuts?

The genus Castanea in the family Fagaceae contains eight or nine trees and shrubs known as chestnuts. Chestnuts are a type of nut that grows on trees that belong to the same family as the beech tree. They have green, spiky shells that peel away to reveal the nut inside. The nuts produced by this plant are referred to as "chestnuts."

There are several types of chestnuts, and they can be broadly categorized into two main groups: European chestnuts (Castanea sativa) and Asian chestnuts (Castanea species from Asia). Within these groups, there are different varieties and species.

Nutrition

The nutritional infographics below present values for 100g servings of European boiled and steamed chestnuts. We will also discuss the differences in the nutrition of raw, peeled European chestnuts and raw chestnuts (1, 2, 3).

However, one average serving of chestnuts per person is considered 28.35g or 1 ounce. 

Boiled chestnuts are dense in nutrients, providing 32% nutrients and 68% water; however, raw chestnuts are nutritionally even denser, with 48% nutrients and 52% water.

Macronutrients chart

2% 2% 27% 68%
Protein:
Daily Value: 4%
2 g of 50 g
4%
Fats:
Daily Value: 2%
1.38 g of 65 g
2%
Carbs:
Daily Value: 9%
27.76 g of 300 g
9%
Water:
Daily Value: 3%
68.15 g of 2,000 g
3%
Other:
0.71 g

Calories

A 100g serving of European boiled and steamed chestnuts provides 131 calories, while the same serving of European raw chestnuts contains 196 and raw Japanese chestnuts 154 calories per 100g.

The serving size (28.35g) of European boiled and steamed chestnut provides 37 calories.

Chestnuts can be considered a medium-calorie food.

Carbohydrates

Chestnuts have a relatively high carbohydrate content. However, these contents can somewhat vary for different types of chestnuts.

With that in mind, European boiled and steamed chestnut provides 27.76 g carbs per 100g, whereas European chestnut has 44g, and Japanese chestnut has 35g total carbs.

Net Carbs and Dietary Fiber

The USDA does not provide information about the dietary fiber content of these European and Japanese chestnuts. However, chestnuts are a good source of this nutrient, providing about 5g per 100g serving on average (4, 5).  

Protein

Compared to other nuts, chestnuts have a low amount of protein - only 2g per 100g and 0.5g per average serving size.

Protein plays a role in fueling the brain' and is critical in carrying oxygen through the bloodstream and throughout the body. In low amounts, chestnuts have tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, valine, and histidine. 

Protein quality breakdown

Tryptophan Threonine Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine Phenylalanine Valine Histidine 24% 21% 17% 13% 17% 14% 15% 19% 24%
Tryptophan: 22 mg of 280 mg 8%
Threonine: 71 mg of 1,050 mg 7%
Isoleucine: 79 mg of 1,400 mg 6%
Leucine: 118 mg of 2,730 mg 4%
Lysine: 118 mg of 2,100 mg 6%
Methionine: 47 mg of 1,050 mg 4%
Phenylalanine: 84 mg of 1,750 mg 5%
Valine: 112 mg of 1,820 mg 6%
Histidine: 55 mg of 700 mg 8%

Fats

Chestnuts have fewer calories than most other nuts because they are low in fat, containing 1.4g per 100g serving.

Of these fats, 0.26g is saturated, 0.48g is monounsaturated, and 0.55g is polyunsaturated (including alpha-linolenic acid).

Chestnuts have no cholesterol or trans fats, which are considered the worst type of fat for your overall health.

The low-fat and high vitamin C content of chestnuts makes them nutritionally more similar to fruits than true nuts.

Fat type information

20% 37% 43%
Saturated Fat: 0.26 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.476 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.545 g

Vitamins

Chestnuts have a high amount of vitamin C - 26.7 mg per 100g.

The recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 65 to 90mg per day; one hundred grams of chestnuts cover 40% of your daily need. Chestnuts fall in the range of the top 17% of foods as a source of vitamin C.

Chestnuts also have a moderate amount of folate, which is the natural form of vitamin B9.

Other complex B vitamins found in chestnuts include thiamine (vitamin B1) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6). The body requires vitamin B6 to regulate energy within the brain and produce neurotransmitters.

Chestnuts also provide vitamin A and vitamins B2, B3, and B5 in low amounts.

These nuts are absent in vitamin D and vitamin B12.

Vitamin coverage chart

Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 2% 0% 0% 89% 37% 24% 14% 19% 54% 29% 0% 0%
Vitamin A: 17 IU of 5,000 IU 0%
Vitamin E : 0 mg of 15 mg 0%
Vitamin D: 0 µg of 10 µg 0%
Vitamin C: 26.7 mg of 90 mg 30%
Vitamin B1: 0.148 mg of 1 mg 12%
Vitamin B2: 0.104 mg of 1 mg 8%
Vitamin B3: 0.731 mg of 16 mg 5%
Vitamin B5: 0.316 mg of 5 mg 6%
Vitamin B6: 0.233 mg of 1 mg 18%
Folate: 38 µg of 400 µg 10%
Vitamin B12: 0 µg of 2 µg 0%
Vitamin K: 0 µg of 120 µg 0%

Minerals

Chestnuts are naturally rich in minerals. These nuts have a high amount of copper (0.47mg per 100g), manganese (0.854 mg per 100g), phosphorus (99 mg per 100g), potassium (715 mg per 100g), iron (1.73 mg per 100g), and magnesium (54mg per 100g).

Chestnuts fall in the top 8% of foods as a source of potassium, containing almost 2 times more of it than bananas.

One hundred grams of chestnuts cover 21% of your daily potassium need.

Chestnuts contain a moderate amount of calcium and zinc. They are low in selenium, choline, or sodium.

Mineral coverage chart

Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium Choline 14% 65% 39% 43% 64% 4% 7% 158% 112% 0% 0%
Calcium: 46 mg of 1,000 mg 5%
Iron: 1.73 mg of 8 mg 22%
Magnesium: 54 mg of 420 mg 13%
Phosphorus: 99 mg of 700 mg 14%
Potassium: 715 mg of 3,400 mg 21%
Sodium: 27 mg of 2,300 mg 1%
Zinc: 0.25 mg of 11 mg 2%
Copper: 0.472 mg of 1 mg 52%
Manganese: 0.854 mg of 2 mg 37%
Selenium: 0 µg of 55 µg 0%
Choline: 0 mg of 550 mg 0%

Gallic and Ellagic Acids

According to one study, gallic acid and ellagic acid are found in chestnuts and have potent antioxidant properties. These antioxidants protect your cells from free radical damage, which has been linked to various chronic diseases.

Chestnuts may play a role in the treatment of gastric cancer. According to research, gallic acid and ellagic acid affect gastric cancer cells, blocking the growth of these cells (6).

Tannins

Tannins are what give you that astringent, mouth-coating sensation when you bite into an unripe pear or plum. Tannins are also found in chestnuts. 

Tannins have antioxidant properties, but there is one disadvantage to consider. It is recommended to avoid eating raw chestnuts due to their high tannin content and potential toxicity. Tannins can make you feel sick, especially if you eat them on an empty stomach. They may also make it difficult for your body to absorb iron from certain foods. This problem is solved by cooking and peeling chestnuts (7).

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are antioxidants that can help you avoid certain diseases and boost your immune system. Carotenoids are phytonutrients that are responsible for the natural color of chestnuts. Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin are abundant in chestnuts. Lutein and zeaxanthin have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer and improved visual function (8).

Phenolics

Chestnuts have a high total phenolic content, including free and bound phenolics.

Anthocyanins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and isoflavones are among the tidal phenols found in these nuts. These compounds have strong antioxidant properties. Phenolic compounds have been linked to a protective effect against free radical-related diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. These nuts may also increase human LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) resistance (9).

Glycemic Index

Based on the deficient level of carbohydrates, the glycemic index of raw chestnuts is 54. The glycemic index of chestnuts, steamed for 25 min, falls in the range of 58±6.

According to these numbers, chestnuts are considered low glycemic index food (10, 11). 

You can also visit our Glycemic index chart page to find glycemic index values of 350+ pages.

Comparison to Similar Foods

We compared chestnuts to other nuts in our database and highlighted which contains more macronutrients.

Chestnuts have more vitamin C and fewer fats compared to walnuts and cashews. Moreover, pecans win hands down in fat, fiber content, and glycemic index value compared to walnuts.

Chestnuts are lower in sugar and calories than hazelnuts.

When it comes to pecans, chestnuts are lower in sugars, saturated fats, and calories.

Chestnuts also win in comparison with almonds. They are lower in sugars, fats, and calories and have more vitamin C.

Important nutritional characteristics for Chestnut

Chestnut
Glycemic index ⓘ Source:
Check out our Glycemic index chart page for the full list.
54 (low)
Glycemic load 4 (low)
Calories ⓘ Calories per 100-gram serving 131
Net Carbs ⓘ Net Carbs = Total Carbohydrates – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols 27.76 grams
Serving Size ⓘ Serving sizes are taken from FDA's Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs) 1 oz (28.35 grams)
Acidity (Based on PRAL) ⓘ PRAL (Potential renal acid load) is calculated using a formula. On the PRAL scale the higher the positive value, the more is the acidifying effect on the body. The lower the negative value, the higher the alkalinity of the food. 0 is neutral. -12.4 (alkaline)
Oxalates ⓘ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889157506001864 72mg
TOP 8% Potassium ⓘHigher in Potassium content than 92% of foods
TOP 17% Vitamin C ⓘHigher in Vitamin C content than 83% of foods
TOP 20% Copper ⓘHigher in Copper content than 80% of foods
TOP 21% Magnesium ⓘHigher in Magnesium content than 79% of foods
TOP 26% Net carbs ⓘHigher in Net carbs content than 74% of foods

Chestnut calories (kcal)

Serving Size Calories Weight
Calories in 100 grams 131
Calories in 1 oz 37 28.35 g

Chestnut Glycemic index (GI)

Source:
Check out our Glycemic index chart page for the full list.
54

Chestnut Glycemic load (GL)

4

Mineral chart - relative view

Potassium
715 mg
TOP 8%
Copper
0.472 mg
TOP 20%
Magnesium
54 mg
TOP 21%
Manganese
0.854 mg
TOP 33%
Calcium
46 mg
TOP 35%
Iron
1.73 mg
TOP 43%
Phosphorus
99 mg
TOP 64%
Sodium
27 mg
TOP 79%
Zinc
0.25 mg
TOP 82%

Vitamin chart - relative view

Vitamin C
26.7 mg
TOP 17%
Folate
38 µg
TOP 38%
Vitamin B1
0.148 mg
TOP 40%
Vitamin B6
0.233 mg
TOP 45%
Vitamin A
17 IU
TOP 60%
Vitamin B2
0.104 mg
TOP 67%
Vitamin B5
0.316 mg
TOP 72%
Vitamin B3
0.731 mg
TOP 73%
Vitamin B12
0 µg
TOP 100%
Vitamin D
0 µg
TOP 100%

All nutrients for Chestnut per 100g

Nutrient Value DV% In TOP % of foods Comparison
Calories 131kcal 7% 65% 2.8 times more than OrangeOrange
Protein 2g 5% 78% 1.4 times less than BroccoliBroccoli
Fats 1.38g 2% 72% 24.1 times less than Cheddar CheeseCheddar Cheese
Vitamin C 26.7mg 30% 17% 2 times less than LemonLemon
Net carbs 27.76g N/A 26% 2 times less than ChocolateChocolate
Carbs 27.76g 9% 28% Equal to RiceRice
Cholesterol 0mg 0% 100% N/AEgg
Vitamin D 0µg 0% 100% N/AEgg
Iron 1.73mg 22% 43% 1.5 times less than BeefBeef
Calcium 46mg 5% 35% 2.7 times less than MilkMilk
Potassium 715mg 21% 8% 4.9 times more than CucumberCucumber
Magnesium 54mg 13% 21% 2.6 times less than AlmondAlmond
Copper 0.47mg 52% 20% 3.3 times more than ShiitakeShiitake
Zinc 0.25mg 2% 82% 25.2 times less than BeefBeef
Phosphorus 99mg 14% 64% 1.8 times less than Chicken meatChicken meat
Sodium 27mg 1% 79% 18.1 times less than White BreadWhite Bread
Vitamin A 17IU 0% 60% 982.7 times less than CarrotCarrot
Vitamin A RAE 1µg 0% 72%
Manganese 0.85mg 37% 33%
Vitamin B1 0.15mg 12% 40% 1.8 times less than Pea rawPea raw
Vitamin B2 0.1mg 8% 67% 1.3 times less than AvocadoAvocado
Vitamin B3 0.73mg 5% 73% 13.1 times less than Turkey meatTurkey meat
Vitamin B5 0.32mg 6% 72% 3.6 times less than Sunflower seedSunflower seed
Vitamin B6 0.23mg 18% 45% 2 times more than OatOat
Vitamin B12 0µg 0% 100% N/APork
Folate 38µg 10% 38% 1.6 times less than Brussels sproutBrussels sprout
Saturated Fat 0.26g 1% 75% 22.7 times less than BeefBeef
Monounsaturated Fat 0.48g N/A 72% 20.6 times less than AvocadoAvocado
Polyunsaturated fat 0.55g N/A 59% 86.6 times less than WalnutWalnut
Tryptophan 0.02mg 0% 92% 13.9 times less than Chicken meatChicken meat
Threonine 0.07mg 0% 92% 10.1 times less than BeefBeef
Isoleucine 0.08mg 0% 92% 11.6 times less than Salmon rawSalmon raw
Leucine 0.12mg 0% 92% 20.6 times less than Tuna BluefinTuna Bluefin
Lysine 0.12mg 0% 90% 3.8 times less than TofuTofu
Methionine 0.05mg 0% 89% 2 times less than QuinoaQuinoa
Phenylalanine 0.08mg 0% 92% 8 times less than EggEgg
Valine 0.11mg 0% 91% 18.1 times less than Soybean rawSoybean raw
Histidine 0.06mg 0% 90% 13.6 times less than Turkey meatTurkey meat

Check out similar food or compare with current

NUTRITION FACTS LABEL

Nutrition Facts
___servings per container
Serving Size ______________
Amount Per 100g
Calories 131
% Daily Value*
2%
Total Fat 1g
0%
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat g
0%
Cholesterol 0mg
1%
Sodium 27mg
9%
Total Carbohydrate 28g
0%
Dietary Fiber 0g
Total Sugars g
Includes ? g Added Sugars
Protein 2g
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%

Calcium 46mg 5%

Iron 2mg 25%

Potassium 715mg 21%

*
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Health checks

Low in Cholesterol
ok
 ⓘ Dietary cholesterol is not associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in healthy individuals. However, dietary cholesterol is common in foods that are high in harmful saturated fats.
Source
No Trans Fats
ok
 ⓘ Trans fat consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality by negatively affecting blood lipid levels.
Source
Low in Saturated Fats
ok
 ⓘ Saturated fat intake can raise total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, leading to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fats to under 10% of calories a day.
Source
Low in Sodium
ok
 ⓘ Increased sodium consumption leads to elevated blood pressure.
Source
Low in Sugars
ok
 ⓘ While the consumption of moderate amounts of added sugars is not detrimental to health, an excessive intake can increase the risk of obesity, and therefore, diabetes.
Source

Chestnut nutrition infographic

Chestnut nutrition infographic
Infographic link

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170168/nutrients

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.