Reviews and Information for Walnuts
Shelled Walnuts (Halves & Pieces)
To choose the best shelled walnuts, ConsumerLab tested major brands for signs of freshness (such as flavor, color, and hexanal), as well as mold, aflatoxins, and heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic). Some walnuts were fresher and less contaminated than others, and higher price did not mean higher quality. See the results by brand and ConsumerLab's Top Picks for best shelled walnuts, including halves and pieces and chopped walnuts for baking.
Shelled Walnuts (Halves & Pieces) Review
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News Release
December 28, 2023
10 Most Popular ConsumerLab Product Reviews of 2023
White Plains, New York, December 28, 2023 — In 2023, ConsumerLab tested more than two hundred products, adding to its extensive Product Reviews covering 150 categories of supplements, foods, and other health products. Among these, the following 10 were the most popular in 2023:
Clinical Update
2/27/2025
Walnuts for Heart Health?
Walnuts are permitted to bear a heart health claim – but it comes with a caveat. Get the details in our Shelled Walnuts Review, which includes our Top Picks among shelled walnuts, walnut halves & pieces, and chopped walnuts.
Clinical Update
8/08/2025
Lower Cholesterol With Walnuts?
Did eating walnuts lower cholesterol in a recent study? Find out in our Shelled Walnuts Review, which includes our Top Picks among walnuts.
Clinical Update
6/04/2024
Walnuts for Bone Health?
Did eating walnuts daily for 2 years reduce fractures among older men and women? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Shelled Walnuts Review, which includes our Top Picks among shelled walnuts.
Also see: Do any supplements or diets help prevent or treat osteoporosis?
Recalls & Warnings
May 01, 2024
Organic Walnuts Recalled Due to E. Coli Risk
On April 30, 2024, Gibson Farms recalled two lots of Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts due to potential contamination with E. coli (Escherichia coli).
Clinical Update
7/06/2022
Walnuts for Omega-3s?
Walnuts are often touted as a good source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, but can eating walnuts regularly increase blood levels of DHA and EPA (the omega-3s in fish oil)? Find out in the What It Is section of our Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements Review.
Recalls & Warnings
July 19, 2024
Walnuts Recall Due to Listeria
On July 19, 2024, Stutz Packing Company recalled its 1-pound packages of Shelled Walnuts due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Routine sampling realized that the finished products contained bacteria. Currently, there have been no reports of illness related to this call.
Clinical Update
9/07/2021
Walnuts and Cholesterol
See if eating a small amount of walnuts every day helped lower cholesterol in older people in a recent study.
Also see our complete answer to the question: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?
Product Review
Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, Flax and Hemp Oil Review
Choose the Best Flaxseed and Other Oils Based on Our Tests.
CL Answer
Can supplements, natural eye drops, or lifestyle modifications improve symptoms of dry eye?
Can supplements such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or curcumin (from turmeric) help treat dry eyes? Find out, including formulas and doses that have shown benefit. Also, learn if drinking more water or using eye drops containing castor oil, N-acetylcarnosine or aloe can help with dry eye.
Product Review
Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Powders, Nibs, and Supplements Review -- Sources of Flavanols
Is Your Chocolate or Cocoa Healthful or Toxic? Find the Best Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Powder and Cocoa Supplements Based On Our Tests.
CL Answer
Which oils can help lower my cholesterol and risk of heart attack? How are coconut oil, olive oil, and fish oil for example?
Find out which fats and oils, such as coconut oil and fish oil, lower cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
CL Answer
Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?
Information about heart health supplements & vitamins that help with cholesterol, including sterol esters, CoQ10, and vitamin D, and which may be bad for the heart, like calcium.
CL Answer
I've heard that soaking dried beans for 24 hours reduces the phytate level, allowing for greater access to nutrients. Is this true?
Does soaking dried beans in water help reduce phytate levels to help gain greater access to nutrients?
Recalls & Warnings
August 28, 2024
Now Foods Recalls Raw Brazil Nuts Due to Mold and Yeast
On August 14, 2024, NOW Foods issued a recall of its Now Foods Whole & Unsalted Raw Brazil Nuts because they were found to be contaminated with mold and yeast.
CL Answer
Which foods are a good source of B vitamins?
Find out which foods are a good source of B vitamins (like folate and B-12) and when you should take Vitamin B supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
April 17, 2024
FDA Warns Lipari Foods for Mislabeled Walnuts, Other Violations
On April 9, 2024, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Lipari Foods Operating Company, LLC following multiple complaints and subsequent product recalls in August and September of 2023, which found the company did not follow the requirements of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP), Hazard ...
CL Answer
Do any supplements or diets help prevent or treat osteoporosis?
If you have osteoporosis, you may be interested in supplements or diets for bone health. Find out which can increase bone strength and density.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and is it safe?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is commonly promoted for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Find out if it works.
CL Answer
Is canola oil good or bad for you? I heard it can be toxic.
Find out if canola oil is bad for you or good for you, and whether it helps heart health. Clinical evidence and how it compares to other oils.
CL Answer
I take levothyroxine (Synthroid), a thyroid hormone to treat hypothyroidism. Are there supplements or foods I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?
Is taking certain supplements and hypothyroidism medications bad? Learn which supplements can interact with thyroid hormone medications like levothyroxine (Synthroid), thyroid hormone levels, and laboratory tests.
Recalls & Warnings
May 09, 2024
Walnuts, Other Nuts, Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds Recalled Due to Undeclared Allergens
On May 8, 2024, Texas Pecan recalled various lots of the company’s 1 lb. and 8 oz.
News Release
December 07, 2023
Best Shelled Walnuts According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, December 7, 2023 — Fresh walnuts are rich in healthful, unsaturated fats, protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals, but how fresh and pure are packaged, shelled walnuts? And does higher cost guarantee better quality or taste? To find out, ConsumerLab recently ...
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin, and are they safe?
Chlorophyll supplements are promoted for reducing body odor, preventing cancer, removing toxins from the body, improving digestive conditions and other uses, but do they work and are they safe? Find out and learn if such supplements actually contain chlorophyll.
CL Answer
Which vitamins and supplements should be stopped before getting blood work, laboratory tests, or medical imaging?
Find out which vitamins and supplements can interfere with blood, urine or stool tests, and imaginging tests, like bone scans and MRIs. Learn how B vitamins such as biotin, niacin and riboflavin, as well as calcium supplements, St. John’s wort, vitamin C, and others supplements can affect test results, as well as common foods that may interfere with tests.
CL Answer
Can any vitamins or minerals help prevent or reduce canker sores or cold sores?
Find out which, if any, supplements, including iron, L-lysine, monolaurin, olive leaf extract, vitamin B-12, and zinc, may be beneficial for canker sores or cold sores.
Recalls & Warnings
September 23, 2024
Lactaid Milk Recalled Due to Allergen
On September 20, 2024, HP Hood LLC voluntarily recalled five SKUs of refrigerated Lactaid Milk due to the product potentially containing trace amounts of almond, which is not declared on the label. No illness has been reported to date.
Recalls & Warnings
October 10, 2024
Seaweed Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On October 10, 2024, Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc. recalled its 3.52 oz packages of Shirakiku Korean Seasoned Seaweed.
Recalls & Warnings
April 22, 2024
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Recalled Due to Potential for Glass Bottle to Break
On April 19, 2024, Primal Kitchen issued a recall of approximately 2,060 cases of Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil (750 mL) because the glass bottle may be prone to breaking.
Recalls & Warnings
April 29, 2024
Longreen Reishi and Xlim Express Coffee Recalled Due to Undeclared Allergens
On April 18, 2024, BF Suma Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
September 14, 2023
Toxic Herb Found In Weight Supplements
On September 8, 2023, the FDA warned consumers that Nut Diet Max and Todorganic Natural Products brand supplements and seed products labeled as containing "Nuez de la India" (Aleurites moluccana) seeds actually contain yellow oleander (Thevetia ...
Recalls & Warnings
August 28, 2018
FDA Warns Seller of Goldenseal and Parasite Supplements
On August 15, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Healthy Healing dba Crystal Star, following a facility inspection which found certain statements product labels, including product labels for Women's Best Friend and Para Purge, to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
August 26, 2014
Maker of Herbal Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On August 8, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to EnerHealth Botanicals, LLC following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Parasite Purge Herbal Remedy, Black Walnut Extract, Bladder Cleanse Herbal Extract, Lung Renewal Herbal Remedy, EchinOsha and Daily Immune ...
Recalls & Warnings
February 13, 2014
Seller of Iron, Prostate, Valerian and Other Supplements Warned For Multiple Violations and Drug Claims
On January 31, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to NatureAll-STF Holding, LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Colostrum, Valerian-Plus, Wormwood, Black Walnut-Plus, Lung-Plus, Yucca-Plus (Arthro Plus), Iron Plus, MSM Plus, White Willow Plus, ...
Recalls & Warnings
July 05, 2017
CLIF Bars Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On July 5, 2017, CLIF Bar & Company issued a voluntary recall of CLIF BUILDER'S Bar Chocolate Mint, CLIF Kid Zbar Protein Chocolate Mint, and CLIF Kid Zbar Protein Chocolate Chip flavors due to the potential presence of peanuts and tree nuts, including almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, ...
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2012
Maker of Blood Pressure, Probiotic, Resveratrol and Hormonal Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On November 2, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Atrium, Inc. following a facility inspection which found a number of the company's dietary supplements to be adulterated or promoted as drugs.
Recalls & Warnings
November 02, 2012
Manufacturer of Prostate, Inflammation and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On October 15, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ortho Molecular Products, Inc. for making drug claims about the following dietary supplements: Candicid Forte, Inflamma-bLOX, Lipitrol, Mucosagen, Prostatrol Forte, Resvoxitrol, Paracid Forte, VascuPak HTN and Lithium Orotate.
Recalls & Warnings
August 16, 2013
Ginkgo, Milk Thistle, Cleanse and Nopal Supplement Maker Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On July 23, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Natural Products Services, Inc.
