NUTRITION & HEALTH BENEFITS

There are two main types of protein, complete protein and incomplete protein. Complete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids while incomplete proteins are missing, or do not have enough of, one or more of those essential amino acids. The Food and Drug Administration defines a “complete protein” as a food that contains adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids.¹

The protein quality of pistachios was assessed for the first time at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. The study determined roasted pistachios contain all of the 9 essential amino acids necessary for supporting growth and maintaining health for those 5 years and older, therefore making pistachios a complete protein.²

Pistachios and Complete Protein: Research Highlights
American Grown Pistachios Are A Complete Protein

1. Pistachios are a plant-based source of complete protein.
2. Pistachios are one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein.
3. Pistachios are the only nut that is a complete protein.
4. Pistachios contain all nine essential amino acids needed for normal growth and development.
5. Pistachios are a good source of protein with 6 grams of protein per 1 oz (28 g) serving.²
6. Roasted pistachios have a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) 81%, higher than many other tree nuts.³

Complete Protein studies

1. New Analysis Shows U.S. Grown Pistachios Are A “Complete Protein” for Those Over Five Years of Age

Articles from our Nutrition Experts

1. Pistachios, A Complete Protein that Satisfies Protein and Nutrients Needs
2. Pistachios: Your Go-to Complete Plant-based Protein
3. A Balanced Nutrition Plan Includes Complete Proteins Like Pistachios
4. Pistachio Are a Versatile Complete Protein
5. Healthy Eating Habits Start with Complete Proteins Like Pistachios

1. https://americanpistachios.org/fda

2. Bailey HM, Stein HH. Raw and roasted pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.) are 'good' sources of protein based on their digestible indispensable amino acid score as determined in pigs. J Sci Food Agric. 2020;100(10):3878-3885.

3. Derbyshire E, Higgs J, Feeney MJ, Carughi A. Believe it or 'nut': Why it is time to set the record straight on nut protein quality: Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) focus. Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2158.