How Many Calories are in 47 Pistachios? A Nutritional Breakdown

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a standard 1-ounce serving, which is roughly 49 kernels, contains about 159 calories. Using this information, it can be determined how many calories are in 47 pistachios, along with their key nutritional contributions.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed look at the calorie and nutritional content of a 47-pistachio serving. It also explores the health benefits of pistachios, how they compare to other nuts, and best practices for incorporating them into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Calorie Count: Approximately 153 calories are in 47 pistachios, which is just under a standard 1-ounce (49-nut) serving.
Rich in Nutrients: Pistachios are a good source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and important vitamins like B6 and antioxidants.
Mindful Eating: Choosing in-shell pistachios can lead to eating fewer calories, as the shelling process slows consumption.
Heart Health: The monounsaturated fats in pistachios help lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Portion Control: Due to their calorie density, moderate daily intake (around one to one and a half ounces) is recommended for health benefits.
Eye Health: Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help protect against age-related macular degeneration.

Calorie Count for 47 Pistachios

Based on the standard nutritional data for pistachios, we can calculate the approximate calorie content for a 47-nut serving. Since a 1-ounce (28g) serving contains about 49 kernels and provides roughly 159 calories, the calculation for 47 pistachios is as follows: (159 calories / 49 kernels) * 47 kernels = 152.6 calories. Some food brands may list 160 calories for a 47-nut serving, which is a rounded figure very close to the precise calculation. This means that for a snack of 47 pistachios, you are consuming approximately 153 calories.

A Deeper Look at Pistachio Nutrition

Pistachios offer more than just a low-calorie nut count; they are a nutritional powerhouse packed with beneficial macronutrients and micronutrients. Beyond calories, a typical 1-ounce serving (which is comparable to 47-49 nuts) provides a substantial nutritional profile.

Macronutrient Breakdown

Protein: With about 6 grams of plant-based protein per ounce, pistachios are an excellent source for vegetarians and vegans. This protein content contributes to increased feelings of fullness.
Fat: An ounce contains around 13 grams of total fat, with the majority coming from heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. This profile helps to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Carbohydrates: A serving includes approximately 8 grams of carbs and 3 grams of dietary fiber. The fiber is beneficial for digestive health and acts as a prebiotic, feeding good gut bacteria.

Micronutrient Highlights

Pistachios are rich in various vitamins and minerals essential for bodily function.

Vitamin B6: This vitamin is crucial for metabolism and a healthy immune system, with pistachios being one of the best sources among nuts.
Potassium: An ounce of pistachios contains more potassium than half a large banana, which is vital for regulating blood pressure.
Antioxidants: Pistachios are high in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health and may help prevent age-related macular degeneration.

The Health Benefits of Mindful Snacking

The way you consume pistachios can impact your calorie intake. Research has shown that eating in-shell pistachios slows down consumption, as the physical act of shelling the nuts provides a visual cue of how much has been eaten. This mindful eating strategy can lead to consuming significantly fewer calories in a sitting. This makes pistachios a particularly useful tool for weight management.

Comparison Table: Pistachios vs. Other Nuts (per 1 ounce serving)


Nutrient	Pistachios (approx. 49 kernels)	Almonds (approx. 23 kernels)	Walnuts (approx. 14 halves)
Calories	159	164	185
Protein	5.7g	6g	4g
Fiber	3g	3.5g	2g
Total Fat	12.8g	14.2g	18.5g
Monounsaturated Fat	6.6g	9g	2.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat	3.8g	3.5g	13.3g
Carbohydrates	7.7g	6.1g	4g

How to Enjoy More Pistachios in Your Diet

Pistachios are a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into many meals and snacks. Here are a few simple ways to add them to your daily routine:

Snack on them plain: A simple handful of roasted or raw pistachios is a perfect, filling snack.
Add to salads: Sprinkle shelled and chopped pistachios over salads for added crunch and nutrients.
Use in baking: Incorporate them into muffins, cookies, or bread for a nutty flavor and texture.
Make a nut butter: Blend shelled pistachios with a touch of oil to create a unique and flavorful nut butter.
Create a pistachio crust: Use crushed pistachios as a crust for chicken or fish for a gourmet twist.
Mix into yogurt or oatmeal: Enhance your breakfast with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for protein and fiber.
Blend into a pesto: Use pistachios in place of pine nuts for a vibrant and delicious pesto.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While generally healthy, there are a few considerations when eating pistachios. Salted varieties can be high in sodium, which can counteract heart health benefits. It's best to opt for unsalted versions if you are monitoring your sodium intake. Additionally, pistachios are a tree nut, and people with tree nut allergies should avoid them entirely. Finally, although pistachios are nutrient-dense, they are still calorie-dense, so portion control is key to avoid overconsumption.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in 47 pistachios reveals that this portion is a moderate, nutrient-rich snack, providing approximately 153 calories. As part of a balanced diet, pistachios offer healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to heart, gut, and eye health. Their lower calorie density compared to many other nuts, along with the benefit of mindful eating when consumed in their shells, makes them an excellent choice for weight management. By being mindful of serving sizes and opting for lightly salted or unsalted versions, you can reap the significant health benefits of this delicious and satisfying nut. For more detailed nutritional information on nuts and their health effects, visit the Cleveland Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard serving size is 1 ounce, which is approximately 49 pistachio kernels.

Salted pistachios can be part of a healthy diet, but you should be mindful of the added sodium. Choosing lightly salted or unsalted versions is a better option, especially for those monitoring their sodium intake.

Yes, pistachios can aid in weight loss. Their high fiber and protein content increase feelings of fullness, and eating in-shell varieties helps promote mindful eating, which can reduce overall calorie consumption.

Pistachios are one of the lowest-calorie nuts. An ounce of pistachios contains about 159 calories, while an ounce of almonds has approximately 164 calories.

To preserve freshness, store pistachios in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a year. At room temperature, they will last several months in a dry environment.

Yes, pistachios are a good snack for people with diabetes. They have a low glycemic index, meaning they won't cause sharp blood sugar spikes. Their fiber, protein, and healthy fats also help with blood sugar regulation.

Yes, a one-ounce serving of pistachios actually contains more potassium than half of a large banana, making it a great source of this important mineral.