Macadamia vs Hazelnut: The nutty face-off can boost heart health and give you glowing skin

When it comes to nutty indulgence, macadamias and hazelnuts often share the same space in your pantry or dessert recipes. Both pair beautifully with chocolate, both add crunch to baked goods, and both come packed with nutrients. But when you look closer, these two tree nuts reveal striking differences in flavor, calories, vitamins, and health benefits.

Recent insights reported by USA Today and Food Struct shed light on how these nuts compare—and why variety might be the real winner.

Taste and Texture
Macadamia nuts are often described as nature’s butter: creamy, soft, and delicately sweet. Hazelnuts, on the other hand, bring an earthier, slightly bitter note with a firmer crunch. While both work well in confections, their distinct flavors make them staples in very different recipes. Think of macadamia cookies versus hazelnut pralines—same family, very different personalities.

The Calorie Question
Macadamias are rich in healthy fats but also among the most calorie-dense nuts. According to Food Struct, 100 grams of macadamias pack around 718 calories compared to hazelnuts’ 628. That makes portion control especially important if you reach for macadamias as a daily snack.

Vitamin Showdown
Here’s where hazelnuts shine. Reports from Food Struct show they contain far higher levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin B6 than macadamias. Most strikingly, their Vitamin E content is 27 times greater, making them a powerhouse for skin health and cell protection. Hazelnuts are also rich in folate, while macadamias lack Vitamin K and Vitamin A.

That said, macadamias are no nutritional lightweight. As noted by dietitian Yaffi Lvova in USA Today, macadamias are packed with manganese, monounsaturated fats, and Vitamin B1, B2, and B3—nutrients linked to energy, heart health, and inflammation control.

Fiber, Digestion, and Energy
Both nuts contribute fiber, but macadamias may offer a slight edge for digestive support and blood sugar stability. USA Today highlights how their fat, protein, and fiber combo helps prevent sugar spikes and mid-afternoon crashes. Pairing apple slices with a handful of macadamias can be a more sustainable energy boost than coffee.

Heart Health Benefits
The American Heart Association emphasizes the role of monounsaturated fats in lowering LDL cholesterol, and macadamias excel here. Their anti-inflammatory fat profile supports cardiovascular health. Hazelnuts, though slightly lower in fat, still provide significant benefits thanks to their vitamin and antioxidant content.

So, are macadamias or hazelnuts healthier? The answer lies in balance. Hazelnuts dominate in vitamin content and antioxidants, while macadamias lead in healthy fats and energy-sustaining nutrients. As Lvova told USA Today, “If something isn’t provided by one nut, it might be provided by another.”