How to Store Walnuts to Maximize Their Heart Health Benefits

They may not be the prettiest nut on the appetizer spread, but walnuts deserve recognition for their unique nutritional profile. 

They’re a healthy way to get plant protein. One ounce of walnuts (about 7 walnuts) provides 4 grams of protein, about 2 grams of fiber and packed with polyunsaturated fats. In fact, they are an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—a plant-based omega-3 fat that has been shown to help keep LDL cholesterol and triglycerides at healthy levels. One study found that older participants with healthy cholesterol levels who ate 1 to 2 ounces of walnuts every day for 2 years reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by an additional 4%.

It’s all those unsaturated fats, though, that make storage so crucial because they can spoil easily. One of the best ways we found was to use glass food storage containers, like the ones on Amazon. 

Glasslock Food Storage Containers, 18 Pieces

“Because walnuts are rich in healthy fats, including the plant-based omega-3 ALA, they do best in cold storage,” says Samantha Cassetty, M.S., RD, nutrition and wellness expert, founder of Sam’s Plate, and co-author of Sugar Shock. You should keep them out of the pantry, even before you open the bag they’re in. “When you bring walnuts home, keep them in their original sealed package and store them in the fridge if you’ll use them within about a month, or in the freezer for longer storage. This helps protect those healthy fats from breaking down and developing off-flavors,” says Cassetty. 

Once you open the package, the recommendation is similar, except you’ll need a new storage container. “Once opened—or if you buy walnuts in bulk—transfer the walnuts to an airtight container and store them away from strong-smelling foods, since walnuts easily absorb odors,” says Cassetty. You should even do this if they are still in their shells. 

The Glasslock food storage containers are our favorite for airtight freezer storage containers. We tested more than 50 freezer storage containers, and this Glasslock set was our top choice. It’s versatile in that the pieces can go from freezer to microwave or oven, then to the dishwasher. The set has a variety of sizes, with pieces ranging from just under 1cup up to 9 cups. Most of all, though, it won for top freezer storage container because food stored and frozen in it for weeks reheated beautifully, had no visible freezer burn and didn’t pick up any odd freezer flavors. 

Thus, the airtight nature of the Glasslock food storage containers makes them ideal for keeping walnuts at their peak in the fridge or freezer.   

Shop More Air-Tight Storage Essentials at Amazon

Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags 

OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Airtight Containers, 12 Pieces

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, 14 Pieces

Quinline Reusable Storage Bags, 10-Pack

At the time of publishing, the price started at $55.