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Nutmeg

Nutmeg suppliers and sourcing guide

Nutmeg is the dried seed kernel of the evergreen tree Myristica fragrans, grown mainly in Indonesia, Grenada, India and Sri Lanka; mace is the lacy red covering around the same seed. After harvest the seeds are dried in the shell for weeks, cracked and graded, and the kernels are sold whole or ground. Brands usually buy ground nutmeg for blends, dairy and baked goods, or nutmeg oil and oleoresin for liquid flavoring.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Myristica fragrans · Nutmeg seed · Myristica
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of nutmeg

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Ground nutmeg

    Powdered kernels, often from East Indian or West Indian (Grenada) origin, which differ in aroma and fat content.

  • Whole kernels

    Graded by count per pound, including sound kernels and lower "BWP" (broken, wormy, punky) grades used for distillation.

  • Nutmeg oil and oleoresin

    Steam-distilled essential oil or solvent-extracted oleoresin for liquids and consistent strength.

  • Steam-treated and organic

    Steam-treated ground nutmeg for ready-to-eat use, and certified organic lots.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Volatile oil
Volatile oil by steam distillation (ASTA method), the main strength figure.
Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A
Aflatoxin B1, total aflatoxins and ochratoxin A by HPLC or LC-MS/MS; nutmeg is one of the spices most often flagged for mycotoxins.
Non-volatile ether extract and moisture
Fixed oil content and moisture, which relate to grade and storage stability.
Total and acid-insoluble ash
Ash by gravimetry; acid-insoluble ash measures sand and soil and is the usual cleanliness check for ground nutmeg.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or E. coli, and Salmonella; raw spices commonly carry high counts, so state whether the lot was steam-treated or otherwise treated.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store nutmeg in sealed, lined bags or containers in a cool, dry, dark area off the floor; heat, light and air drive off volatile oil, and damp storage invites mold and insects. Whole kernels keep far longer than ground nutmeg, so grind close to use where possible. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and volatile oil and micro are the usual retests for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Mycotoxin results and volatile oil vary by origin and drying conditions, so record both for each lot and reject lots without mycotoxin data. Keep origin with the lot record.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 182.10 lists nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) among spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's Compliance Policy Guide 525.750 describes nutmeg as the dried seed of Myristica fragrans deprived of its testa, with or without a thin coating of lime.

    Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 182.20 lists nutmeg extractives, including essential oil and solvent-free oleoresin, among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Nutmeg suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking nutmeg suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell nutmeg? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of nutmeg can brands buy?

Common forms include ground nutmeg, whole kernels, nutmeg oil and oleoresin and steam-treated and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for nutmeg include?

Expect volatile oil, aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, non-volatile ether extract and moisture, total and acid-insoluble ash and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should nutmeg be stored?

Store nutmeg in sealed, lined bags or containers in a cool, dry, dark area off the floor; heat, light and air drive off volatile oil, and damp storage invites mold and insects. Whole kernels keep far longer than ground nutmeg, so grind close to use where possible. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and volatile oil and micro are the usual retests for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of nutmeg?

21 CFR 182.10 lists nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) among spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. FDA's Compliance Policy Guide 525.750 describes nutmeg as the dried seed of Myristica fragrans deprived of its testa, with or without a thin coating of lime. 21 CFR 182.20 lists nutmeg extractives, including essential oil and solvent-free oleoresin, among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.

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