Pumpkin Kernels | Raw Pepitas

When you need a snack the whole family can eat without checking labels twice, Gerbs Raw Pumpkin Seed Kernels deliver. Hulled clean with no roasting, no salt, and nothing added, these raw pepitas come straight from American-grown pumpkins to your table, processed in a dedicated facility free of all 14 major allergens. Available in 14 oz., 2 lb., and 4 lb. resealable bags.

When you are shopping for pumpkin seeds with food allergies in mind, the question is not just whether the seed itself is safe, it is whether the facility that handled it can be trusted. At Gerbs, we have one answer for every product we make: dedicated allergen-free equipment, no co-packers, no shared lines, and a family-run facility in Johnston, Rhode Island that has been processing seeds the same careful way since 2003.

Our raw pumpkin seed kernels, also called raw pepitas, are the hull-removed inner seed of the pumpkin, dried and packaged without roasting, seasoning, or any added ingredients. What you get is the seed in its most natural form: flat, oval, dark green in color, with a mild, grassy flavor and a soft, slightly chewy texture when raw. A 1-oz. serving delivers approximately 8-9 grams of plant-based protein and 168mg of magnesium, roughly 40% of the daily recommended value.

Raw pepitas are among the most versatile seeds in the kitchen. They work as a straight snack, a salad or grain bowl topping, a baking ingredient, a smoothie addition, or the base for homemade allergen-free seed butter. Available in 14 oz., 2 lb., and 4 lb. resealable bags.

Allergen Declaration

Free From: Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family (Peanuts, Soybeans, Lentils, Chickpeas, Lupin, Kidney Beans, Black Beans, Pinto Beans, Navy Beans, String Beans, Fava Beans, Green Peas, Split Peas, Black-Eyed Peas, Mung Beans, Adzuki Beans, Tamarind), Tree Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamia Nuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts, Brazil Nuts, Pine Nuts, Coconut), Shellfish (Crustaceans & Mollusks), Fish, Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

All raw ingredients are processed, packaged, handled, stored, and shipped by trained staff in our family owned & operated facility in Johnston, Rhode Island on dedicated non-GMO, Vegan, and Kosher equipment. No co-packers. No co-manufacturers. For anyone with a mild to severe food allergy or a family with one, we wish to assure you that this is why Gerbs handles all aspects of production & operation. If you have any questions about your allergy and our products, please contact us at [email protected] or (401) 231-5181 before ordering.

What Are Pepitas?

Pepitas are hull-removed pumpkin seed kernels, the flat, oval, dark-green seeds found inside a pumpkin seed’s white fibrous shell. The word “pepita” comes from the Mexican Spanish pepita de calabaza, meaning “little seed of squash.” In North America, the terms pumpkin seed kernels and pepitas are used interchangeably, though pepitas technically refer specifically to the hull-removed variety.

Because the shell has been removed, pepitas are softer, more chewable, and more versatile than in-shell seeds. They integrate easily into baked goods, salads, grain bowls, and smoothies, and they deliver a more concentrated nutrient profile per ounce, more protein and healthy fat, less fiber from the hull. Gerbs pepitas are sourced from American-grown pumpkins and processed in our dedicated allergen-free facility in Johnston, Rhode Island.

Key Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

A Leading Plant Source of Magnesium

A 1-ounce serving of pumpkin seed kernels provides approximately 168mg of magnesium, about 40% of the daily recommended value (USDA FoodData Central). The Mayo Clinic identifies magnesium as essential for hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, including normal muscle and nerve function, steady heart rhythm, and the maintenance of healthy blood pressure.

Supports Normal Immune Function via Zinc

Pumpkin seeds are a meaningful dietary source of zinc, providing approximately 2.2mg per ounce, around 20% of the daily recommended value. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, zinc plays a role in normal immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division.

Plant-Based Protein for Allergy-Conscious Diets

One ounce of Gerbs pumpkin seed kernels delivers approximately 8-9 grams of protein. For individuals managing allergies to common protein sources such as tree nuts, dairy, or eggs, pumpkin seeds provide a clean, verifiable plant-based protein option with no cross-contamination risk.

Rich in Heart-Healthy Unsaturated Fats

The fat in pumpkin seeds is predominantly unsaturated, primarily oleic acid (monounsaturated) and linoleic acid (polyunsaturated). Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that replacing sources of saturated fat with unsaturated fat as part of a healthy dietary pattern is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk.

Contains Antioxidants Including Vitamin E

Pumpkin seeds contain vitamin E and carotenoids, which function as antioxidants in the body. The Mayo Clinic describes antioxidants as substances that may help protect cells against damage from free radicals. Raw pumpkin seeds, being unprocessed, retain their natural antioxidant content.

As with all foods, individual results vary. Gerbs makes no medical claims about the treatment or prevention of any health condition.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 oz (28g) | Servings Per 2 lb Bag: approx. 32

Calories	151
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	2.5g
Unsaturated Fat	10.5g
Total Carbohydrate	5g
Dietary Fiber	1.8g
Total Sugars	0g
Protein	8.5g
Magnesium	168mg (40% DV)
Zinc	2.2mg (20% DV)
Iron	2.3mg (13% DV)
Phosphorus	332mg (26% DV)

Nutritional values are approximate, based on USDA FoodData Central data for raw pumpkin seed kernels. Actual values may vary slightly by growing region and processing. Salted varieties will contain added sodium; see product label for complete nutrition information.

Flavor & Texture Profile

Mild, lightly grassy, and subtly earthy, raw pepitas have a quiet, clean flavor that pairs with almost anything. The texture is soft and slightly chewy rather than crunchy, making them easy to eat by the handful and unobtrusive when added to recipes. When toasted lightly in a dry pan, the flavor deepens to a nuttier, more savory profile.

Ingredients

Raw Pumpkin Seed Kernels. Country of Origin: United States.

How to Use Pumpkin Seed Kernels

• Straight snacking: Eat right from the bag as a satisfying between-meal snack, no prep needed.
• Salad and grain bowl topping: Scatter a handful over leafy salads, quinoa bowls, or roasted vegetable dishes for added crunch and nutrition.
• Baking: Fold into muffin, quick bread, granola bar, or cookie recipes as a nut-free seed alternative.
• Soups and stews: Use as a garnish on butternut squash soup, chili, or roasted tomato bisque just before serving.
• Blending: Add a small handful to smoothies for a protein boost, or blend into homemade allergen-free seed butter with a neutral oil and a pinch of salt.

Storage Recommendations

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Once opened, reseal the bag tightly after each use. For best quality after opening:

• Room temperature: up to 3 months in a sealed container
• Refrigerator: up to 6 months
• Freezer: up to 12 months

Moisture and heat are the main enemies of seed freshness. Avoid storing near the stove, dishwasher, or in humid pantry spaces. If seeds develop an off or rancid smell, discard, do not consume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Gerbs pumpkin seeds safe for people with nut allergies?

Yes. All Gerbs pumpkin seeds are processed in a dedicated facility that is completely free of all 14 major food allergens, including all tree nuts and peanuts. There are no shared production lines and no cross-contact risk. If you have a severe or specific allergy, we encourage you to call us at (401) 231-5181 before placing your first order so we can answer any questions about your situation.

Are Gerbs pumpkin seeds processed in a gluten-free facility?

Yes. Our facility and our entire product line are free from gluten and wheat, in addition to the other 12 major allergens. Every product is handled by trained staff on dedicated equipment, no co-packers, no co-manufacturers, no shared lines with any gluten-containing products.

What is the difference between pepitas and in-shell pumpkin seeds?

Pepitas (kernels) are the hull-removed inner seeds, flat, dark green, softer, and easier to chew. In-shell seeds are the whole seed with the white fibrous hull still attached, crunchier, higher in hull fiber, and designed for cracking open. Both come from the same pumpkin seed; it is purely a processing difference. Pepitas are generally preferred for baking, salads, and blending, while in-shell seeds are more popular for snacking by the handful.

Can I use Gerbs pepitas in baking?

Yes, pepitas are one of the most versatile baking seeds. Use them whole or roughly chopped in muffins, quick breads, granola bars, and cookie doughs. They also work well as a garnish on soups, a topping for avocado toast, or blended into homemade allergen-free seed butter. For a light toast before baking, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Where are Gerbs pumpkin seeds sourced from?

Gerbs pumpkin seeds are grown in the United States and processed in our family-owned and -operated facility in Johnston, Rhode Island. The Conte family has been running this operation since 2003.

How should I store Gerbs pumpkin seeds once opened?

Reseal the bag tightly after each use, or transfer to an airtight container. At room temperature, seeds stay fresh for up to 3 months after opening. Refrigerate for up to 6 months or freeze for up to 12 months for longer storage. Keep away from heat and moisture.

Also Available in This Variety

• Pumpkin Kernels | Extra Sea Salted Pepitas
• Pumpkin Kernels | Roasted Lightly Sea Salted Pepitas
• Pumpkin Kernels | Sea Salted Pepitas
• Pumpkin Kernels | Unsalted & Roasted Pepitas