🥜 Pili Nuts

The keto-friendly Filipino superfood nut—nutrition highlights, uses, and sourcing.

Overview

Pili nuts (Canarium ovatum) are tropical nuts native to the Philippines and other Pacific islands, prized for their exceptional fat content and buttery, soft texture. With the lowest carbohydrate content of any tree nut, pili nuts have become a favorite in keto, paleo, and low-carb communities.

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Key nutrition highlights

  • Exceptionally high fat: 79g per 100g, primarily heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
  • Lowest carb nut: only 4g carbs per 100g, ideal for ketogenic diets.
  • Magnesium: 302mg per 100g (75% DV), supports muscle and nerve function.
  • Phosphorus: essential for bone health and energy metabolism.
  • Manganese: important for antioxidant defense and metabolism.
  • Vitamin E: antioxidant protection for cells.

Tip: The soft, buttery texture makes pili nuts easier to chew than harder nuts like almonds.

Common benefits people look for

  • Keto and low-carb diet support
  • Heart health (monounsaturated fats)
  • Sustained energy from healthy fats
  • Muscle function and recovery (magnesium)
  • Bone health (phosphorus and magnesium)
  • Antioxidant protection

These are general wellness themes in nutrition research and traditional use—not disease treatment claims.

Common uses

  • Raw snack: eaten straight out of the shell or package—mild, buttery flavor.
  • Pili nut butter: blended into a creamy spread similar to cashew butter.
  • Baking: chopped into low-carb cookies, bars, and keto desserts.
  • Salad topping: adds crunch and healthy fats to salads.
  • Trail mix: combined with seeds, coconut, and dried berries.
  • Pili nut milk: blended with water for a creamy, low-carb nut milk.

Safety & Side Effects

Edibility Classification

Edible (Food / Supplement Grade)
Pili nuts are a traditional food source in the Philippines and are consumed as snacks and culinary ingredients.

Typical Uses

Ingestible Uses:

  • Eaten raw or roasted as snacks
  • Used in baking and desserts
  • Added to trail mixes
  • Processed into nut butter
  • Used in savory dishes

Known or Common Side Effects

  • May cause allergic reactions in individuals with tree nut allergies
  • High caloric density (overconsumption may affect weight management)
  • Rare digestive upset
  • May be high in sodium if salted or flavored

SuperfoodSpace Disclosure

SuperfoodSpace Disclosure: This product is traditionally used as edible. Only food-grade, properly sourced forms should be consumed where applicable. External-use products are not intended for ingestion. Individual tolerance may vary. Consult a qualified professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing a medical condition.

Typical origins & sourcing

Pili nuts are primarily grown in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and other Pacific islands. Prioritize:

  • Specialty online retailers: many keto and paleo-focused stores carry pili nuts.
  • Filipino markets: fresh pili nuts in season or roasted varieties year-round.
  • Sustainable sourcing: look for wild-harvested or sustainably cultivated options.
  • Raw vs roasted: raw pili nuts have milder flavor; roasted are more aromatic.
  • Sprouted options: some brands offer sprouted pili nuts for easier digestion.

Storage tip: High fat content means pili nuts can go rancid. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer for best shelf life.

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Affiliate Recommendation

Premium pili nut products and specialty nut butters coming soon.

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Related Benefits

🌊 Mineral & Trace Element Support

Sea vegetables and mineral-rich ingredients for electrolyte and trace mineral replenishment.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts (per 100g raw) — click to expand/collapse
Per 100 g (raw)%DV*
Calories719 kcal36%
Total Fat79 g102%
Saturated Fat31 g155%
Monounsaturated Fat43 g
Total Carbohydrate4 g1%
Dietary Fiber1.4 g5%
Protein11 g22%
Magnesium302 mg75%
Phosphorus575 mg58%
Manganese4.2 mg210%
Vitamin E3.2 mg16%

Note: Pili nuts are extremely calorie-dense due to high fat content. A typical serving is 28g (about 10-12 nuts).

*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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