Short answer: no. Sacha inchi is a seed. It grows inside a star-shaped green pod on a vine in the Peruvian Amazon. People call it the Inca peanut because roasted sacha inchi seeds taste like a peanut, but botanically it is not related to peanuts or to tree nuts like almonds, cashews or walnuts.

What sacha inchi actually is

The plant’s scientific name is Plukenetia volubilis. It has been grown in the Amazon for thousands of years. Each pod has four to seven points, and inside each point sits one flat, oval seed about the size of a large almond. The seeds are pressed for oil, roasted as a snack, or milled into a protein powder.

Why nut-free families like it

Peanut and tree nut allergies are among the most common food allergies in children, and many schools are now nut free. That leaves parents looking for a crunchy, protein-rich snack that is allowed in a lunchbox. Sacha inchi seeds fill that gap. They are:

  • A seed, not a legume like the peanut and not a tree nut.
  • Grown, roasted and packed in Peru in a facility that handles no nuts.
  • Naturally rich in plant protein and omega-3.
  • Crunchy and nutty, so they satisfy the same craving as a handful of almonds.

Important: sacha inchi is still a seed. If your child has a seed allergy, or if you are unsure, talk to your allergist before trying it. Every body is different, and we are not doctors.

What it tastes like

Roasted, the seeds taste like a peanut crossed with a sunflower seed. Our Sachi Snacks come three ways: Natural (just the seed), Salted (a pinch of sea salt) and Spicy (a gentle chili kick). The oil is mild, nutty and slightly grassy, closer to a good olive oil than to a fish oil. The protein powder is mild and disappears into smoothies and pancake batter.

Three easy ways to use it

  1. Lunchbox snack. A small handful of Sachi Snacks Natural in place of almonds or trail mix.
  2. Salad topper. Crush the salted seeds over greens, soups or avocado toast.
  3. Smoothie protein. Two tablespoons of Sacha Inchi Protein add a complete plant protein with all nine essential amino acids, plus omega-3 and fiber.

From our farm to your table

Our sacha inchi is grown by small farming families in the Peruvian Amazon. It is harvested, dried and packed at the source, then flown to the United States rather than shipped by sea, so it arrives weeks fresher.

Frequently asked questions

Is sacha inchi safe for people with peanut allergies? Sacha inchi is not a peanut and is packed in a nut-free facility. Because reactions are personal, check with your allergist first.

Is sacha inchi a legume? No. Peanuts are legumes. Sacha inchi is the seed of a vine in the Euphorbiaceae plant family.

Does sacha inchi have omega-3? Yes. The oil is the richest plant source of omega-3 (ALA) we know of, about 6 times more than most everyday sources. The roasted seeds keep a good amount of it too.

Is it keto and vegan? Yes. The seeds are low in carbs, plant based, gluten free and free of added sugar.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.