Sunflower seeds offer something for everyone. Spitz Cracked Pepper leads the pack with its perfect seasoning, while David Original remains a timeless classic for purists. For bold flavors, Bigs Dill Pickle and Bigs Sizzlin’ Bacon stand out. Hidden gems like Chinook Parmesan & Pepper that offer unique twists for serious seeders. No matter your taste, there’s a sunflower seed here to love.We’ve eaten more seeds than anyone we know and consider ourselves full seed experts. Over the years, we’ve tracked down of our favorite hidden gems as well as our go to. If you’re really looking for the best seeds, you can’t go wrong with our list below.
Hey there fellow seed lovers! As someone who’s been munching on sunflower seeds since my little league baseball days, I’m super excited to share everything I know about the best sunflower seeds out there. Whether you’re a seasoned seeder or just getting started this guide will help you find your perfect match.
Why Trust My Recommendations?
I’ve literally tried every sunflower seed brand and flavor I could get my hands on. My tongue has been destroyed countless times from too much salt, and I’ve spent way too much money on seeds. But hey, someone’s gotta do the research, right?
Types of Sunflower Seeds You Should Know
Before we dive into specific brands, let’s break down the two main categories:
- Oilseed Sunflowers: These have smaller black seeds mainly used for making sunflower oil
- Snacking/Confection Sunflowers: These are the big, striped seeds we love to munch on
Top Sunflower Seeds for Snacking
S-Tier Champions
-
David’s Original
- Perfect salt level
- Consistent quality
- Classic taste that never gets old
- Great for beginners and pros alike
-
David’s Buffalo Style Ranch
- Amazing kick of heat
- Perfect ranch flavor
- Warning: might make your office mates jealous of the smell
-
David’s Cracked Pepper
- Meaty, steakhouse-like flavor
- Great seasoning distribution
- Perfect for pepper lovers
A-Tier Contenders
-
BIGS Buffalo Wing
- Fantastic buffalo flavor
- Pro tip: Mix with David’s Buffalo Style Ranch for the ultimate combo
- Great heat level
-
David’s Bar-B-Q
- Classic BBQ taste
- Nostalgic ballpark flavor
- Reliable choice
-
BIGS Vlasic Dill Pickle
- Surprisingly authentic pickle taste
- Strong vinegar and herb notes
- Contains MSG for extra flavor punch
Best Sunflower Varieties to Grow for Seeds
If you’re thinking about growing your own seeds (which is totally awesome), here are some varieties that’ll give you the best results:
Top Growing Varieties
-
Mammoth Grey Stripe
- Grows up to 12 feet tall
- Produces 12-inch heads
- Large, plump grey seeds
-
Titan
- Up to 16 feet tall
- 14-inch seed heads
- High yield of large seeds
-
Super Snack Mix
- 5-7 feet tall
- 16-inch heads
- Extra-large striped seeds
Tips for Enjoying Your Seeds
Pro Seeding Techniques
-
The Traditional Method
- Place seeds in your cheek
- Crack with your teeth
- Extract the kernel
- Spit out the shell
-
The Rookie Mistake (don’t be me)
- Don’t eat the shells! (Yeah, I used to do that )
- They’re not meant to be digested
- Your stomach will thank you
Best Ways to Use Shelled Seeds
- Sprinkle on salads
- Mix into homemade granola
- Add to yogurt parfaits
- Blend into homemade seed butter
- Toss into trail mix
Storage Tips
Keep your seeds fresh by:
- Storing in an airtight container
- Keeping them in a cool, dry place
- Refrigerating for extended shelf life
- Avoiding direct sunlight
My Personal Rankings System
Here’s how I rate seeds (from best to worst):
-
God Tier
- Perfect seasoning
- Consistent size
- Fresh taste
- Easy to crack
-
Great Tier
- Good flavor
- Decent size
- Minor inconsistencies
-
Decent Tier
- Okay taste
- Inconsistent sizes
- Budget friendly
-
Skip It Tier
- Weird flavors
- Too many broken seeds
- Stale taste
FAQ About Sunflower Seeds
Q: What’s the healthiest way to eat sunflower seeds?
A: Unsalted, raw seeds are the healthiest option, but let’s be real – the flavored ones are way more fun!
Q: How many sunflower seeds should I eat in a day?
A: A handful (about 1/4 cup) is plenty. They’re pretty high in calories, so don’t go too crazy.
Q: Can I eat raw sunflower seeds?
A: Yep! But they’re usually more tasty when roasted.
Final Thoughts
Look, at the end of the day, choosing the best sunflower seeds comes down to personal taste. But if you’re just starting out, you can’t go wrong with David’s Original or BIGS Buffalo Wing. They’re like the gateway seeds to this addictive snacking world.
And remember, whether you’re in the dugout, on a road trip, or just chilling at home, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of perfectly cracking a sunflower seed. Happy seeding, folks!
Would you like me to explain more about any specific part of this guide? I’ve got tons more seed-related wisdom to share!
Best Sunflower Seeds Overall: Spitz Cracked Pepper
Spitz Cracked Pepper sets the bar for sunflower seeds with its perfectly balanced flavor. The cracked pepper seasoning provides a mild kick that enhances the natural seed taste without overpowering it. Known for their consistent size and excellent texture, these seeds are a top choice for enthusiasts.
Best Original Sunflower Seeds: David Original
David Original Sunflower Seeds are a timeless classic. Their recipe delivers a satisfying crunch with just enough salt to enhance the natural flavor. Perfect for purists, David Originals have been a favorite for generations.