What is the Lowest Carb Nut? A Comprehensive Guide

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, pecans contain only 1.1 grams of net carbs per one-ounce serving, making them a leading contender for what is the lowest carb nut. This guide delves into the specific carb counts of various nuts to help you make the best choice for your dietary needs, whether you are following a ketogenic diet or simply reducing your carbohydrate intake.

Quick Summary

The lowest carb nuts, including pecans, macadamia nuts, and Brazil nuts, are ideal for ketogenic diets due to their low net carb content and high fiber. This article details their nutritional profiles and other low-carb choices.

Key Points

Pecans Lead the Pack: With just 1.1g of net carbs per ounce, pecans are the lowest carb nut, making them a premier choice for low-carb diets.
Brazil Nuts are a Selenium Powerhouse: Offering minimal carbs (1.3g net carbs/ounce), Brazil nuts are notable for their high selenium content, crucial for thyroid and immune function.
Macadamias Offer High Healthy Fats: Known for their creamy texture and high monounsaturated fat, macadamia nuts contain only 1.5g of net carbs per ounce.
Watch Out for Carbs: Nuts like cashews and pistachios are significantly higher in carbohydrates and should be limited on a strict low-carb diet.
Portion Control is Key: Even with low-carb nuts, calories can add up, so practicing portion control by measuring servings is important for weight management.
Fiber Lowers Net Carbs: For low-carb diets, focus on net carbs (Total Carbs minus Fiber) as fiber doesn't impact blood sugar levels.

Navigating the world of low-carb and ketogenic diets can be complex, and finding the right snacks is a key challenge. Fortunately, nuts offer a versatile, nutritious, and satisfying option. But not all nuts are created equal when it comes to carbohydrate content. Understanding which nuts are the lowest in carbs is essential for staying on track with your dietary goals while enjoying a delicious, crunchy treat.

The Top Contenders: Pecans, Brazil Nuts, and Macadamias

When it comes to nuts with the absolute lowest carb counts, a few stand out from the rest. These are your best options for snacking, baking, and incorporating into meals without exceeding your daily carbohydrate limits.

Pecans: The Leading Lowest Carb Nut

Claiming the top spot in many low-carb rankings, pecans are an excellent choice. A single one-ounce serving provides a minimal amount of net carbs, making them incredibly keto-friendly. Beyond their low-carb appeal, pecans are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential nutrients like thiamine, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for overall health. Their rich, buttery flavor makes them a favorite for snacking or as an ingredient in various low-carb recipes.

Brazil Nuts: A Selenium Powerhouse

Following closely behind pecans, Brazil nuts are another stellar low-carb option. With a slightly higher, yet still impressively low net carb count per ounce, they offer a unique and powerful health benefit. Brazil nuts are one of the most potent natural sources of selenium, a mineral vital for thyroid function and immune support. However, their selenium content is so high that moderation is key to prevent selenium toxicity; just one or two nuts a day is enough to meet your daily needs.

Macadamia Nuts: The Creamy Keto Champion

Known for their indulgent, creamy texture, macadamia nuts are another powerhouse in the low-carb world. With a slightly higher net carb count than pecans and Brazil nuts, they remain an outstanding keto choice due to their incredibly high monounsaturated fat content. These fats not only support heart health but also help increase satiety, keeping you full and satisfied for longer. Their mild flavor makes them versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.

Low-Carb Nut Nutritional Comparison Table

For a clear overview, here is a comparison of the net carb content for common nuts per one-ounce (28g) serving, based on recent nutritional data. The net carb count is calculated by subtracting the fiber from the total carbohydrates.


Nut	Total Carbs (1oz)	Fiber (1oz)	Net Carbs (1oz)
Pecans	3.9g	2.8g	1.1g
Brazil Nuts	3.3g	2.0g	1.3g
Macadamia Nuts	4.0g	2.5g	1.5g
Walnuts	3.9g	1.9g	2.0g
Hazelnuts	4.7g	2.4g	2.3g
Almonds	6.1g	3.2g	2.9g
Peanuts*	6.0g	2.2g	3.8g
Pistachios	7.8g	2.8g	5.0g
Cashews	9.2g	0.9g	8.3g

*Note: Peanuts are technically legumes, but are often consumed like nuts.

Beyond the Carbs: The Health Benefits of Low-Carb Nuts

While low carbohydrate content is the primary draw for many, these nuts offer a wealth of other health benefits. Their high healthy fat and fiber content contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management and prevent overeating. Additionally, these nuts are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Regular consumption of nuts has been linked to improved heart health, including better cholesterol levels.

Smart Snacking: Incorporating Low-Carb Nuts into Your Diet

There are numerous ways to enjoy low-carb nuts and reap their nutritional benefits beyond simply eating them plain. Portion control is essential due to their high caloric density, so measuring out your serving is a good practice.

Snack on the Go: A small handful of pecans, macadamias, or Brazil nuts makes for a perfect portable snack.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped low-carb nuts over salads, low-carb yogurt, or sugar-free desserts.
Nut Butter: Make your own low-carb nut butter by blending nuts like macadamias or pecans in a food processor until smooth. Be sure to check labels for added sugars if buying pre-made.
Keto Baking: Use ground nuts, like almonds (almond flour) or macadamias, as a flour substitute in low-carb baking recipes for things like cookies, muffins, or bread.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on the Lowest Carb Nuts

For those seeking the lowest carb nut, pecans, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts are the undisputed champions. With their minimal net carb counts and high healthy fat content, they are perfect for supporting a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. While other nuts like walnuts and almonds are still good choices in moderation, it's wise to limit or avoid higher-carb options like cashews and pistachios on a strict diet. Remember that portion control is key, but by making smart choices, you can continue to enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits of nuts without compromising your dietary goals. For specific nutritional information, consult the USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, carbohydrate content varies significantly among nuts. While pecans and macadamia nuts are very low, cashews and pistachios have a much higher carb count and are less suitable for a strict low-carb diet.

Net carbs are the total carbohydrates in a food minus the fiber content. Since the body doesn't absorb fiber, net carbs are the carbs that impact blood sugar levels and are the number to focus on for low-carb diets.

Yes, many nuts can be included in a ketogenic diet, especially those with the lowest net carb counts like pecans, macadamia, and Brazil nuts. Portion control is essential due to their high caloric density.

Almonds, although slightly higher in carbs than pecans or macadamia, are often used for keto baking due to the availability of almond flour as a versatile low-carb substitute.

Peanuts, though technically a legume, are relatively low-carb compared to some nuts, with around 3.8 grams of net carbs per ounce. They can be included in a low-carb diet in moderation.

The roasting process does not significantly alter the carbohydrate content of nuts. However, watch out for flavored or honey-roasted varieties, which often contain added sugars and thus more carbs.

The high healthy fat content in nuts is beneficial for low-carb diets like keto, as it helps provide energy and increase satiety, keeping you full for longer.