Food comparison

Brazil Nuts vs Macadamia Nuts

Compared on one consistent basis: per 100 g, from USDA data behind each food page.

Brazilnuts vs Macadamia Nuts: nutrition per 100 g

Per 100 gBrazilnutsMacadamia Nuts
Calories664 kcal712 kcal
Protein15 g7.8 g
Carbohydrate21.6 g24.1 g
Fat57.4 g64.9 g
Fibre6 g7.6 g
AllergensTree nutsTree nuts
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g
NutrientBrazilnutsMacadamia Nuts
Calcium, Ca167.8 mg52.71 mg
Copper, Cu1.74 mg0.45 mg
Iron, Fe2.47 mg1.88 mg
Magnesium, Mg351.3 mg106.8 mg
Manganese, Mn1.26 mg11.3 mg
Phosphorus, P706.9 mg208.4 mg
Potassium, K592.5 mg372.6 mg
Selenium, Se280.4 ug32.62 ug
Zinc, Zn3.82 mg1.2 mg
How they differ

Brazilnuts is higher in protein. Macadamia Nuts is higher in fibre, fat and carbohydrate. That makes Brazilnuts more relevant when you want protein for fullness or recovery, and Macadamia Nuts when you want more fibre for fullness and digestion.

Bottom line

Per 100 g, Brazil Nuts provides 664 kcal, 15 g protein, 21.6 g carbohydrate, 57.4 g fat and 6 g fiber; Macadamia Nuts provides 712 kcal, 7.8 g protein, 24.1 g carbohydrate, 64.9 g fat and 7.6 g fiber.

Looking beyond the macronutrients, Brazil Nuts is the better source of selenium, magnesium, zinc, calcium (see the vitamins and minerals table below).

Brazil nuts are extraordinarily high in selenium — one or two nuts a day meets the requirement, and more than a few can exceed the safe upper limit over time. Macadamias are the most monounsaturated of all nuts and the lowest in protein.

In short: for protein and muscle, Brazil Nuts; for fiber and digestion, Macadamia Nuts. If none of those goals applies, pick by taste, price and what the recipe needs.

Want a different pair? Use the food comparison tool to compare any two foods from the same category.

Values are per 100 g from the USDA FoodData Central records behind each food page and are rounded; brands and preparation change the numbers. This comparison is educational, not medical advice.