Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds suppliers and sourcing guide
Pumpkin seeds sold as an ingredient are mostly the green, hull-less kernels (pepitas) of Cucurbita pepo varieties grown largely in China and Austria and other parts of Central Europe. The kernels are washed, dried and graded by size and color, and are sold raw, roasted, salted, or milled; pressing the seed yields pumpkin seed oil and a cake that is milled into pumpkin seed protein powder.
- Category
- Food staples and powders
- Also known as
- Cucurbita pepo seed · pepitas · shine skin pumpkin seeds · pumpkin seed kernels
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of pumpkin seeds
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Shine skin kernels
Hull-less green kernels graded by size (for example AA or A), used as toppings and in bars, trail mix and baking.
Roasted or salted
Kernels dry-roasted or seasoned for snacks and inclusions, with tighter moisture and rancidity limits.
Milled or flour
Ground kernels or partially defatted press cake used in baking, snack doughs and protein blends.
Organic
Certified organic kernels, with country of origin stated on the specification.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Grading and foreign material
- Kernel size, broken pieces, discolored kernels, shells and foreign matter by weight against the grade.
- Moisture and oil quality
- Loss on drying, peroxide value and free fatty acids, since the kernels are oil-rich.
- Aflatoxins
- Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins by HPLC or LC-MS/MS, especially for lots stored warm or shipped long distances.
- Heavy metals
- Cadmium and lead by ICP-MS; pumpkin can take up cadmium from soil.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and Salmonella; low-moisture foods that are eaten without a cooking step need a negative Salmonella result per lot.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store kernels sealed in a cool, dry place, ideally chilled for long holds, because the oil oxidizes at warm temperatures. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older lots are checked for peroxide value, odor and insects before release.
Lots and expiry dates
Size, color and oil quality vary by origin and crop year, so record origin and grade per lot. Rotate first in, first out and keep aflatoxin and Salmonella results for every lot.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists Pumpkin Seed Dry (Cucurbita pepo seed, dry or powdered) as a non-medicinal ingredient with the purpose flavour enhancer.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (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.
Pumpkin seeds suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking pumpkin seeds 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 pumpkin seeds? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of pumpkin seeds can brands buy?
Common forms include shine skin kernels, roasted or salted, milled or flour and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for pumpkin seeds include?
Expect grading and foreign material, moisture and oil quality, aflatoxins, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should pumpkin seeds be stored?
Store kernels sealed in a cool, dry place, ideally chilled for long holds, because the oil oxidizes at warm temperatures. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older lots are checked for peroxide value, odor and insects before release.
What is the regulatory status of pumpkin seeds?
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists Pumpkin Seed Dry (Cucurbita pepo seed, dry or powdered) as a non-medicinal ingredient with the purpose flavour enhancer.
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- Dried whole eggDried eggs · Whole egg powder
Sell ingredients to brands?
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