USDA-derived comparison

Sesame Seeds vs Sunflower Seeds

Sesame Seeds leads for Calcium, Iron and Zinc; Sunflower Seeds answers with Vitamin E, Vitamin B1 and Folate.

Who each is for: Choose sesame Seeds for calcium and iron. Choose sunflower Seeds for vitamin E and vitamin B1.

Reviewed 20 July 2026. Generic food data per 100g; brands and preparation vary.

Sesame Seeds

Typical serving: 2 tbsp (18g)

42/100

More calciumMore ironMore zincMore fiber
Full Sesame Seeds page

Sunflower Seeds

Typical serving: a handful (28g)

48/100

More vitamin EMore vitamin B1More folateMore vitamin B6
Full Sunflower Seeds page

Side by side, per 100g

The stronger number is highlighted, honestly: higher wins for aim-for nutrients, lower wins for stay-under ones like saturated fat and sodium.

NutrientSesame SeedsSunflower Seeds
Calories573 kcal584 kcal
Protein18 g21 g
Carbs23 g20 g
Fat50 g52 g
Fiber12 g9 g
Sat fat7 g4 g
Sodium11 mg9 mg
Potassium468 mg645 mg
Calcium975 mg78 mg
Iron14.6 mg5.3 mg
Magnesium351 mg325 mg
Zinc7.8 mg5 mg
Vitamin C0 mg1 mg
Vitamin D0 µg0 µg
Vitamin B120 µg0 µg
Folate97 µg227 µg

Servings differ: 2 tbsp of sesame seeds is about 18g, a handful of sunflower seeds about 28g. Scale accordingly before deciding anything on the 100g basis alone.

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