Almonds vs Pistachios | Which are Better?

If you enjoy nuts and nut blends or want to explore new types, the variety available can rapidly become overwhelming. Pistachios and almonds are two popular healthy snacking nuts. Both contain several nutrients, prompting people to question which is superior.
These nuts are both extremely beneficial to your health and delicious. Pistachios have somewhat fewer calories, slightly lower fat content, slightly less dietary fiber, and slightly less protein than almonds, but not significantly so.
Pistachios and almonds have comparable characteristics, with pistachios being a touch more earthy and buttery in flavor and texture. In this article, we will compare pistachios and almonds in detail. We’ll go through what these nuts are and where they originate from.
Almonds vs Pistachios | What’s The Difference

1. Origin
Pistachios grow on trees in the same way as any other nut does. Pistachio trees are native to Central Asia and the Middle East, although they may also be found in the United States, India, and China. Pistachios are commonly farmed in California, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States.
The pistachio tree thrives in hot, dry climates, but they also require cold when dormant in order to blossom the next season. Almonds grow on trees, which may reach heights of up to 35 feet when completely matured. Almond trees are mostly found in Southern Asia and the Middle East, where the temperature is similar to that of the pistachio.
2. Taste And Texture
When it comes to pistachios, the flavor is quite faint and delicate. It’s frequently characterized as light and buttery. If you buy them seasoned with salt, it will enhance all of the nutty flavors. Almonds come in roasted, salted, and unsalted versions.
This flavor increase isn’t necessary for almonds, but it’s a fun way to spice them up. The almond flavor is rather woody and toasted. It clearly has that nutty flavor, but it’s balanced by a powerful earthiness. When you put them in your mouth, they taste a little smokey.
Almonds are quite popular, and people adore them in their natural flavor. They also love the plethora of taste variations available on the market. Almonds can be dry in terms of texture and even flavor.
3. Price
Pistachios and almonds are both quite inexpensive per serving. For a kg of whole almonds, the average price is around 5.88$. The average cost of roasted pistachios for a kg serving is about 7.38$.
4. Nutritional Content
Almonds are richer than pistachios because they include more fiber, vitamin E, and minerals. Pistachios have less zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, riboflavin, and niacin than almonds. Almonds have a lower glycemic index and fewer carbs, so they elevate blood sugar more slowly and take longer to digest.
Pistachios are one of the great sources of iron, vitamin A, potassium, copper, folate, B6, B5, and thiamin. Both nuts have comparable amounts of protein, calories, and salt. When it comes to macronutrients, there isn’t much of a difference between them.
Almonds vs Pistachios | Nutritional Analysis
Some important differences-
- Although Almonds have more Vitamin E, Vitamin B2, Manganese, Magnesium, Calcium, and Vitamin B3, Pistachio contains more Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, and Copper.
- Almonds provide 152% greater daily vitamin E coverage.
- Pistachio has 7 times more Vitamin B2 than almonds. Pistachio has 0.16mg of Vitamin B2, whereas almond contains 1.138mg.
- Almonds have less saturated fat.
Nutritional Index | Almonds | Pistachios |
---|---|---|
Calories (kcal) | 579 | 560 |
Carbs (g) | 21.55 | 27.17 |
Proteins (g) | 21.15 | 20.16 |
Fats (g) | 49.93 | 45.32 |
Sugar (g) | 4.35 | 7.66 |
Fiber (g) | 12.5 | 10.6 |
Calcium (mg) | 269 | 105 |
Iron (g) | 3.71 | 3.92 |
Vitamin E (mg) | 25.63 | 2.86 |
Vitamin B1 (mg) | 0.205 | 0.87 |
Saturated Fat (g) | 3.802 | 5.907 |
Monounsaturated Fat (g) | 31.551 | 23.257 |
Polyunsaturated fat (g) | 12.329 | 14.38 |
Almonds vs Pistachios | Which Is Better For Weight Loss?
Almonds have a glycemic index of zero, while pistachios have a glycemic index of 15. Because almonds have fewer carbs, sugar, more fiber, and a lower glycemic index, they are better for weight reduction than pistachios. This, along with higher fiber, enables almonds to take longer to digest, resulting in fewer sugar spikes and a longer feeling of fullness.
Pistachios have 162 calories per 1-ounce serving, whereas almonds have 164. The two calorie difference between the two is insignificant when it comes to losing weight. Naturally, almonds and pistachios should be eaten in moderation. Including almonds in a well-balanced eating plan will help you get the best weight reduction results.
Almonds vs Pistachios | Which Is Better For Bodybuilding?
Bodybuilders can include both of them when they create their own meal plan because they contain the same amount of protein, calories, and carbs per serving, pistachios and almonds provide equivalent advantages for bodybuilding.
Protein content per 1 ounce serving:
- 5.95 grams- Pistachios
- 6.01 grams- Almonds
1-ounce serving has the following calories:
- 162 – pistachios
- 164 – almonds
1-ounce serving has the following carbohydrates:
- 8.02 grams- Pistachios
- 6.12 grams- Almonds
Supplements are sometimes expensive for bodybuilders. Pistachios and almonds have comparable prices per serving, therefore none has an extra advantage.
Almonds vs Pistachios | Which is Healthier?
Both nuts are high in nutrients and are considered healthful. It is tough to argue with either of them. Some people will switch between the two to avoid boredom. Others blend the two to provide a mixed nut alternative. Adding the less expensive peanuts adds diversity and increases the number of mixed nuts, saving a little money.Some people have distinct objectives and may choose to select one depending on their objectives.
To get the most benefits out of these nuts you can try soaking them in water as they will lower the risk of bad cholesterol, help in weight loss and most importantly will make them easier to digest as nuts are sometimes hard to digest since they contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that cause disruption in digestion.
Conclusion
Finally, while comparing almonds and pistachios, you’ll see that they’re both healthful nut choices. They both include various vitamins and minerals, and while their quantities may range, they both provide similar advantages and nutrition.
When you crunch into almonds and pistachios, their flavors change. Pistachios have a crisp crunch and a mild taste, but almonds have a firmer bite and a smokier flavor. You can reap the most advantages from it if you consume it in moderation.