Nuts, chestnuts, european, roasted
FDC 170190cup (143 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 54 · -11 vs Nuts & seeds medianRoasted European chestnuts score 54 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Fair rating and 42nd of 60 in the Nuts & seeds category. Unlike most nuts, carbohydrate is the leading macronutrient here, and the chestnut stands out for an excellent 29% DV of vitamin C, alongside 18% DV of dietary fiber and 13% DV of potassium.
Roasted chestnuts are traditionally eaten warm, peeled straight from the shell, or folded into stuffing and soups during colder months. A cup makes a generous portion, and with only 2.2 g of fat per 100 g, they eat more like a starchy side than a typical fatty nut. The score falls below the category's median of 65, and higher-ranking nuts in the same list, such as walnuts, black, dried, or pistachio nuts, raw, offer denser nutrition per calorie.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around nuts, chestnuts, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 245 kcal | 12% |
| Total fat | 2.2 g | 3% |
| Saturated fat | 0.41 g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 53 g | 19% |
| Dietary fiber | 5.1 g | 18% |
| Sugars | 11 g | |
| Protein | 3.2 g | 6% |
| Potassium | 592 mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.91 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 33 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 26 mg | 29% |
| Vitamin A | 1 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.5 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal | 18% |
| Total fat | 3.1 g | 4% |
| Saturated fat | 0.59 g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 2.9 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 76 g | 28% |
| Dietary fiber | 7.3 g | 26% |
| Sugars | 15 g | |
| Protein | 4.5 g | 9% |
| Potassium | 847 mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 41 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% |
| Magnesium | 47 mg | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 37 mg | 41% |
| Vitamin A | 1.4 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.72 mg | 5% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 170190Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the nuts & seeds median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Nuts, walnuts, black, driedDensity 54 vs 54Nuts, butternuts, driedDensity 55 vs 54Nuts, pistachio nuts, rawDensity 55 vs 54Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Roasted European chestnuts have a soft, starchy texture closer to a potato or sweet squash than to other nuts, with a mild, faintly sweet flavor that comes through more once roasted. They are eaten straight from the shell as a street-food snack, pureed into soups and stuffings, roasted alongside root vegetables, or ground into flour for gluten-free baking. Their starchiness also makes them useful as a thickener in savory dishes, and they pair naturally with autumn and winter flavors like Brussels sprouts, sage, and roasted poultry.
Roasted chestnuts are best eaten within a few days and kept refrigerated in a sealed container, since their moisture content makes them mold more readily than drier nuts once shelled. A cup weighs in at 245 calories, notably lighter than most tree nuts because of their low fat content of just 2.2 grams per 100 grams, and per 100 grams they provide 29% of the Daily Value for vitamin C and 18% for fiber, an unusual combination for a nut and one that makes them a reasonable side dish alongside a lean protein rather than only an occasional snack.
Frequently asked questions about nuts, chestnuts
How many calories are in roasted chestnuts?
A cup of roasted European chestnuts has 245 calories, less than most other nuts because of their low fat content.
Are chestnuts a good source of vitamin C?
Yes, roasted chestnuts provide 29% of the Daily Value for vitamin C per 100 grams, which is unusual among nuts.
How are chestnuts typically eaten?
They are commonly roasted and eaten out of the shell, pureed into soups, or used in stuffings and gluten-free baking.