Sunflower Seeds Wholesale

What are Sunflower Seeds?

Sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) are the edible seeds from the sunflower plant, prized for their mild, nutty flavor and nutritional content. Popular as both a snack and food ingredient, they are rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin E. Sunflower seeds are also the raw material for sunflower oil, which is widely used in cooking, baking, and processed foods. Their versatility has positioned them as a staple in both consumer markets and the food processing industry. In trail mixes and bakery toppings they are commonly paired with pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, or sesame seeds.

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Types, Varieties & Forms of Sunflower Seeds

• Shelled Sunflower Seeds: Dehulled seeds, often added to salads, granola, snack bars, and baked goods.
• Unshelled Sunflower Seeds: Retain their hard outer shells; typically roasted and salted for snacking.
• Raw Sunflower Seeds: Unprocessed and unroasted, used in baking, vegan recipes, or consumed as-is.
• Roasted Sunflower Seeds: Treated with heat and sometimes seasoned for a savory snack option.
• Bakery Sunflower Seeds: Sorted and standardized for size and moisture, used specifically in bakery applications.
• Sunflower Seed Butter: A spread made from ground seeds, used as a peanut butter alternative.

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Harvest Season of Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are typically harvested from August to September, depending on climate and variety. Once the flowers dry and heads begin to droop, the seeds are mechanically collected and processed for consumption or oil extraction.

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Producing Countries

Sunflower seed production is led by several countries with favorable agricultural conditions. In 2024-25, global sunflower production is forecasted to increase by 1% from the previous year, reaching 55.4 million metric tons. This growth is attributed to increased production in Ukraine, Turkey, and the European Union, despite a projected decline in Russia and Argentina. The largest manufacturers are::

• Russia: The top global producer of sunflower seeds, contributing significantly to global volume.
• Ukraine: A dominant exporter, especially known for sunflower oil derived from its high-quality seed.
• Argentina: A leading grower with a strong export focus, particularly to Europe and Asia.
• United States: Key producing states include North Dakota and South Dakota, supporting both seed and oil markets.
• China: Expanding production rapidly to meet demand for edible seeds and oil products.

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Trends & History

Sunflower seeds have been cultivated for thousands of years, originally by indigenous North American tribes. In modern times, they’ve gained global appeal not only for their nutritional value but also as an alternative protein and healthy fat source in snacks and processed foods. With the increasing shift toward plant-based, non-GMO, and high-protein diets, sunflower seeds and derived products like sunflower seed butter and oil have seen growth in both retail and industrial markets.

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Sunflower Seeds Wholesale

Nutrada offers a streamlined sourcing platform for bulk sunflower seeds and sunflower oil. Whether you're sourcing for snack production, bakery ingredients, or edible oils, Nutrada connects you with certified suppliers across top-producing regions.

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Bulk Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are available in bulk quantities, including shelled, unshelled, roasted, and raw forms. Packaging typically ranges from 5 kg to 25 kg bags for commercial use. Organic and conventional certifications are available, depending on supplier.

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Private Label Sunflower

For businesses looking to launch sunflower-based products under their own brand, Nutrada facilitates private label options including sunflower seed butter, roasted seeds, and cold-pressed oils. Services include packaging, formulation, labeling, and compliance.

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Organic Sunflower Seeds

Organic sunflower seeds are a top ingredient in clean-label snacks, cereals, and seed-based spreads. Certified organic variants are cultivated without pesticides and are popular among health-conscious consumers. Organic sunflower seed oil and protein flour are also in demand. Nutrada helps buyers source organic sunflower kernels and oil from certified producers in Ukraine, the EU, and North America.

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Find Sunflower Seed Suppliers on Nutrada

Explore Nutrada’s supplier database to compare trusted sunflower seed producers and processors from countries like Ukraine, Argentina, and the U.S. Filter by form, certification, and MOQ to find the right supplier for your business. Sign up now to begin sourcing sunflower seeds on Nutrada.

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