Do you have a nut or peanut allergy? Same here—and we seriously miss being able to snack on healthy, crunchy nuts. That satisfying, protein-packed goodness? Gone?
Enter Sacha Inchi—my new favorite snack obsession. It looks like a nut, tastes like a nut, acts like a nut… but it’s actually a seed. And here’s the best part: it’s super easy to digest and unlikely to trigger nut or peanut allergies, even for folks like us.
Also known as the “Incan peanut” (don’t worry—it’s not a real peanut), Sacha Inchi comes from a plant that grows in the rainforests of Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, and other parts of South America. It’s been around for thousands of years as a staple food in the region, but only recently started showing up in U.S. health food stores. And honestly? It’s about time.
So, why is Sacha Inchi worth snacking on?
These little seeds are loaded with good stuff—especially healthy fats. They’re rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, with a perfect balance between them. You’re also getting plant-based protein, amino acids, vitamin E, and a super-absorbable form of vitamin A (which your body uses better when it’s paired with fat—bonus!).
Way More Omega-3s Than Walnuts
Sacha Inchi packs a serious punch in the healthy fat department. Just one ounce gives you about 6 grams of omega-3s—that’s over 3 times more than you’d get from the same amount of walnuts. Not bad for a snack, right?
And those omega-3s do a lot more than support heart health. They help:
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Balance cholesterol (raising the good HDL and lowering the not-so-good LDL)
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Calm inflammation, especially in your blood vessels and brain
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Support mental health, by reducing the risk of depression and cognitive decline
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Strengthen bones, by helping your body absorb calcium
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Soothe joints, which is great news if you’ve got arthritis or inflammation
The Happy Snack That Helps With Mood, Cravings & Blood Sugar
There’s more! Sacha Inchi contains tryptophan, that magical amino acid your body uses to make serotonin—a.k.a. your brain’s feel-good, stay-calm chemical. That means these seeds can help lift your mood, curb stress, and even help reduce those snack attacks for sugar and carbs (you know the ones).
And because they’re packed with both protein and healthy fats, Sacha Inchi seeds help you feel full and satisfied—making them a perfect snack if you’re watching your weight or managing blood sugar. They also support insulin sensitivity and help lower triglycerides, which is a win for heart health and diabetes prevention.
Oh, and fiber? They’ve got that too. 5 grams per ounce—which is twice what you get from almonds or walnuts. All that fiber helps keep your digestion happy and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
What Do They Taste Like?
Sacha Inchi seeds are usually lightly roasted and salted, and they have this rich, nutty flavor that’s totally crave-worthy. Think roasted peanuts meets sunflower seeds—with a little more crunch.
Bonus: They’re Good for the Planet Too 🌱
Another reason we love these seeds? They’re a sustainable crop that supports the local economies in South America and helps protect the rainforest. So while you’re snacking, you’re also supporting a healthier planet and helping indigenous communities thrive.
Where to Find Them
They’re not everywhere (yet), but more stores are catching on. You can usually find Sacha Inchi seeds at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or your local health food store. Or if you’re an online shopper, check Amazon or Thrive Market—they’ve got plenty of options.
We’ve been adding them to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, and even mixing them into fruit bowls for a little crunch. But honestly, we love them straight out of the bag.
Give them a try—we think you’ll be hooked too.
