Macadamia grades: nut-in-shell sizes and kernel styles 0–8

Quick answer: Nut-in-shell (NIS) macadamias are graded by diameter: NIS 22+ means nuts of 22 mm and above. Macadamia kernels are graded into styles, from Style 0 (whole kernels, the largest size) to higher-numbered styles (halves, pieces and small pieces). The lower the style number, the higher the share of wholes and usually the price.

Nut-in-shell (NIS) grades

NIS macadamias are screened by diameter:

• NIS 18+: 18 mm and above, a standard size.
• NIS 22+: 22 mm and above, popular for retail.
• NIS 25+: 25 mm and above, a large size for gifting and premium packs.

In Asian retail, macadamias are often sold cracked and dried: each nut has a slit and comes with an opener. Alongside size, buyers usually agree on moisture, kernel recovery (typically around 30–35%), first-grade kernel ratio (kernels that float in water, a sign of high oil content) and defects.

Kernel styles

Kernels are graded into styles by the share of wholes and halves and by size. A widely used industry scheme looks like this (exact definitions vary by buyer):

• Style 0: the largest whole kernels with a very high share of wholes. Used for premium roasted snacks.
• Style 1 (1L, 1S): mostly wholes, split into large and small.
• Style 2: a mix of wholes and halves.
• Style 4 (4L, 4S): mostly halves.
• Style 5 – Style 6: large and medium pieces.
• Style 7 – Style 8: small pieces and meal, for bakery, ice cream and macadamia flour.

Choosing a grade by use

1. In-shell retail and gifting: cracked NIS 22+ or 25+.
2. Premium roasted snacks: Style 0 or Style 1 kernels.
3. Nut mixes and granola: Style 2 or Style 4.
4. Biscuits, chocolate, ice cream: Style 5 – Style 7.
5. Nut milk, macadamia butter, oil: Style 7 – Style 8 for the best cost.

What to agree on when buying macadamias

• Size or style, with tolerances.
• Kernel moisture (around 1.5% is typical for commercial kernels).
• Defects: discoloured, insect-damaged or mouldy kernels.
• Packing: vacuum, nitrogen flush, net weight per carton.
• A certificate of analysis (COA) and microbiology tests as your market requires.

Frequently asked questions

What does NIS 22+ mean?

Nut-in-shell macadamias with a diameter of 22 mm or more. It is the most common retail size, balancing size and price.

What is the difference between Style 0 and Style 1?

Both are mostly whole kernels, but Style 0 is the largest size with the highest share of wholes, so it costs more than Style 1.

Why are floating macadamia kernels considered better?

Kernels rich in oil are lighter and float in water. It is a simple way to separate first-grade kernels from lower-oil kernels, which tend to sink.

Sources

• Australian Macadamia Society, kernel style references — australianmacadamias.org
• International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) — inc.nutfruit.org

VSAP supplies cracked, dried in-shell macadamias (NIS 22+ and above) and kernels in international styles, in export packing or private-label retail packs from 250 g to 1 kg. See our macadamias or request a quote.