Are Pumpkin Seeds Actually Safe to Eat?
October 30, 2025As we begin to fall into the autumn season, there is so much to look forward to - cooler nights, enjoying nature's art display with the ever-changing colors on leaves and of course pumpkin flavored everything! This is the perfect season for fun family adventures and the tastiest treats.
While pumpkin breads, lattes and muffins may be delicious options, consider adding pumpkin seeds to your fall snack rotation for a healthy and crunchy option!
Why Pumpkin Seeds?
Of all the fun fall treats, pumpkin seeds are among the best when you want to reach for something seasonal and tasty! Pumpkin seeds have great nutritional value; they are full of protein, healthy fats, minerals and so much more! They are also easy to prepare at home and can be fun for the whole family.
Preparing Pumpkin Seeds at Home
What could be better than a day full of pumpkin themed activities with your own little pumpkins? 🎃
Enjoy the fall sunshine and some physical activity while running around a pumpkin patch in the morning to pick the biggest and most carve-able pumpkin you can find. Then, let your creative side out and trace your favorite design on your pumpkin’s side. Grab your kid-friendly carving tools and (with close adult supervision) carve those pumpkins!
Once your pumpkin carvings are done, prepare yourselves for the potentially messy but arguably most fun part! Separate your seeds from the rest of the pumpkin "guts", clean them off and eat them raw or get ready to roast. Pop them in the oven and then season them to your family’s liking. You can make them sweet with cinnamon sugar, savory with garlic salt, spicy with chili powder or have fun and be creative with whatever seasonings your family loves!
What to Remember
As with any small sized treat, it is important to make sure our smallest friends are snacking responsibly. This means only kiddos 4 years or older should be enjoying this particular fall treat. But fear not! Those who aren’t quite ready to snack can still participate in picking out the perfect pumpkin, coming up with fun designs and all the other gourd fun leading up to the snacking!
For everyone who is ready to try these seasonal snacks, follow these tips to help prevent choking:
- Always chew your food thoroughly (this means you get to enjoy the taste even longer!)
- Make sure you are sitting and focused on snacking (no multitasking while eating!)
- Always eat small snacks with adult supervision
So, to answer the age-old question, pumpkin seeds are safe to eat and offer plenty of health benefits for you and your child! To learn more about preparing pumpkin seeds for snacking, visit HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
