Quite a few popular nuts are sold in their shells, giving you that crack-and-snack experience.

• Pistachios – often roasted, salted or unsalted.
• Peanuts – classic in-shell snack, salted or unsalted.
• Almonds – commonly available raw in-shell.
• Walnuts – sold in-shell or as shelled pieces.
• Hazelnuts (filberts) – frequently offered in-shell.
• Brazil nuts – typically raw, whole in-shell.
• Pecans – found in-shell for seasonal cracking.
• Macadamias – available whole in-shell.

Shopping tip: look for “in-shell” in the title and choose the style you like (raw vs. roasted, salted vs. unsalted). You’ll find options from snack-size bags to larger value packs, with pickup and delivery available in many areas.

“In-shell” means the nuts still have their hard outer shell intact. You’ll crack them open yourself to get the kernel inside.

• Why people choose them: they can feel fresher, slow down snacking, and add a fun hands-on element.
• What to consider: the shell adds weight and bulk to the bag, so the edible amount is less than the package weight.
• Tools: peanuts and pistachios are easy to open by hand; harder shells (walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamias) typically need a nutcracker.
• Shopping cues: product titles and descriptions note “in-shell” or “shelled.” You can also filter by pack size and style to find exactly what fits your needs.

A few simple steps can make cracking easier and safer.

1. Choose the right tool: use fingers for peanuts and pistachios; a handheld nutcracker works for walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts. Some macadamias may need a heavy-duty cracker.
2. Protect your space: crack over a bowl or towel to catch shell fragments.
3. Go slow: apply steady pressure—don’t use teeth or excessive force. If a shell’s stubborn, reposition and try again.
4. Mind small pieces: keep shells away from young children and pets.
5. Clean up: collect shells promptly to keep snacking areas tidy.

Different nuts vary in hardness, so adjust technique as needed. Taking your time can help reduce mess and broken kernels.

Proper storage helps maintain taste and crunch.

• Keep it cool and dry: store in-shell nuts in a sealed bag or airtight container away from heat and direct light.
• Use resealable packaging: close bags tightly after each use to limit air and moisture.
• Refrigerate or freeze for longer: cooler temps can help extend freshness. Place nuts in airtight, moisture-resistant packaging and label the date.
• Avoid humidity: shells can absorb moisture, which may affect texture.
• Check dates: look at the best-by date on the package and rotate older stock forward.

Storage time can vary by nut type and whether they’re raw or roasted. If the aroma or taste seems off, it’s a good time to restock.

Because shells add bulk, the edible kernels weigh less than the package weight. The exact amount can vary by nut type and size.

• Planning for recipes: consider buying extra to account for shells, especially when a recipe specifies shelled weight.
• Snacking and sharing: larger bags or value packs can be handy for parties or game days; smaller pouches are convenient for on-the-go.
• Check the label: serving size and nutrition panels can give a sense of portions per bag.
• Convenience: you can filter by bag size and style, then choose pickup or delivery where available to refill easily.

If you prefer not to crack, look for shelled versions of the same nut on the site.