When you’re shopping for sea salted in-shell sunflower seeds with food allergies in mind, you are looking for the classic snacking experience, bold salt, satisfying crack, roasted flavor, from a source you can actually trust. Gerbs sea salted in-shell sunflower seeds deliver that experience from a family-owned, dedicated facility in Johnston, Rhode Island. No co-packers, no shared lines, free from all 14 allergen categories under the Gerbs Guarantee.

In-shell sunflower seeds are whole sunflower seeds with the striped outer hull intact. The hull is seasoned, the kernel is inside, crack the shell with your back teeth to release it. Sea salted in-shell sunflower seeds are the most traditional form of this snack: bold salt on the hull, roasted depth from the dry-roasting process, and the satisfying crack-and-eat ritual that makes a bag last through a game, a drive, or an afternoon outdoors.

Two ingredients: sunflower seeds and sea salt. The Gerbs Guarantee means no hidden allergens, no shared equipment, and full transparency about where and how every batch is made. For allergen-sensitive individuals who love sunflower seeds, Gerbs provides the version that does not require a trade-off.

In-shell sunflower seeds are whole sunflower seeds with the striped hull still intact. The hull, the outer fibrous covering, surrounds the kernel inside and must be cracked open before eating. This is the classic, traditional form of sunflower seeds that most people associate with baseball dugouts, road trips, and outdoor snacking. The shell-cracking process is deliberate by design: it slows down consumption and adds a satisfying, tactile ritual to snacking. The hull also acts as a natural barrier that helps protect the kernel from oxidation, giving in-shell seeds a slightly longer shelf life at room temperature than shelled kernels.

Vitamin E, A Potent Antioxidant

A single 1-ounce serving of sunflower kernels delivers 7.4mg of vitamin E, 37% of the Daily Value. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage and may support immune function, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is one of the highest vitamin E concentrations of any common snack food.

Selenium for Thyroid and Immune Health

Sunflower kernels provide 22.5mcg of selenium per 1-ounce serving, 41% of the Daily Value. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, selenium is essential for thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protection from oxidative damage and infection. It is a micronutrient that many diets fall short on.

Magnesium for Muscle and Nerve Function

One ounce of sunflower kernels contains 91mg of magnesium, 22% of the Daily Value. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including those supporting normal muscle and nerve function.

Plant-Based Protein Without the Common Allergens

Sunflower kernels contribute 5.8 grams of protein per ounce, without peanuts, tree nuts, soy, or gluten. For individuals managing multiple food allergies, this makes them a practical protein source in snacks, baked goods, and grain bowls where nut-based proteins are off the table.

Healthy Polyunsaturated Fats

Each 1-ounce serving of sunflower kernels contains 9.7g of polyunsaturated fat, primarily linoleic acid (omega-6). The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend choosing polyunsaturated fats in place of saturated fats as part of a healthy dietary pattern.

As with all foods, individual results may vary. Gerbs makes no medical claims.

Serving Size: 1 oz (28g) in-shell | Note: Approximately 1 oz in-shell yields roughly 0.5 oz (14g) of kernel after cracking. | Source: USDA FoodData Central

• Calories: ~82
• Total Fat: 7.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.8g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.9g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 1.3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: ~90mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 3.4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
  • Total Sugars: 0.4g
• Protein: 2.9g

Key Micronutrients (per serving):

• Vitamin E: 3.7mg (18% DV)
• Selenium: 11.3mcg (21% DV)
• Magnesium: 45mg (11% DV)

Values reflect the edible kernel portion. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Sea salted in-shell sunflower seeds carry a bold, full-salt seasoning on the hull. Each crack delivers a satisfying burst of salt flavor alongside the roasted kernel. This is the classic ballpark-style sunflower seed experience: generous salt, satisfying crunch, unmistakable savory finish. The Gerbs version uses clean sea salt, no flavor additives, no anti-caking agents.

Sunflower Seeds, Sea Salt.

1. Classic Crack-and-Eat Method

Do not eat the shell. Place a single in-shell seed between your molars, back teeth, and apply gentle, controlled pressure to split the hull lengthwise. Use your tongue to maneuver the kernel out, then discard the shell. With practice this becomes a fluid, almost automatic motion. Keep a small cup nearby for shells if you are indoors. This is the traditional way to eat in-shell sunflower seeds, slow, satisfying, and deliberately paced.

2. Outdoor and On-the-Go Snacking

In-shell sunflower seeds are built for situations where you want a long-duration snack: road trips, sporting events, hiking, baseball games, fishing, or any extended outdoor activity. The cracking process naturally limits consumption speed, making a single bag last far longer than an equivalent weight of pre-shelled snacks. The hull also serves as a natural barrier, making in-shell seeds more durable and travel-friendly than shelled kernels, which can crush easily.

3. Choosing the Right Variety

Raw in-shell seeds offer the most neutral flavor profile, clean, mildly nutty, no added ingredients. Roasted unsalted seeds add dry-roasted depth without sodium. Lightly sea salted provides subtle seasoning that enhances the natural flavor. Sea salted delivers the bold, classic sunflower seed snacking experience most people recognize. All varieties are processed in the same dedicated allergen-free facility in Johnston, Rhode Island, the difference is only in preparation and seasoning.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Sunflower kernels have a naturally high oil content, proper sealing is important to prevent oxidation, which can cause rancidity and off-flavors. For longer-term storage, both kernels and in-shell seeds can be frozen in an airtight bag or container for up to 12 months without significant loss of flavor or nutrition. Allow frozen seeds to come to room temperature before serving.