Black Oil Sunflower seeds, when compared to the more-common striped sunflower seeds, tend to have larger/thicker seeds, higher oil content, and generally better nutrition. The black oil sunflower seed is high in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin b-complex, vitamin e, potassium and iron.
Black oil sunflower seeds are popular for bird feeders because of their high oil content, which is beneficial for nutrition and calories. Also, their thin shells are easier for birds to crack open than other types of sunflower seeds. Humans generally don’t eat black oil sunflower seeds because the hulls are small and more difficult to shell.