Many people are surprised to learn that buckwheat groats and buckwheat hulls come from the same plant—but they serve very different purposes. If you're shopping for a buckwheat pillow or just curious about the difference between edible groats and the natural filling used in supportive pillows, this article breaks it all down. Learn how to tell the difference, why it matters for your health and comfort, and what to watch out for when buying natural pillows online. For a deeper dive into how these pillows actually function, visit how buckwheat pillows work.
Buckwheat Groats
Buckwheat groats and buckwheat hulls come from the same plant but serve very different purposes across various industries.
When you think of a Buckwheat Pillow, it’s important to note that it isn’t filled with the edible buckwheat groats, but rather with the non-edible hulls.
Buckwheat groats are the edible portion used in making breads, pastas, and even buckwheat tea, offering a versatile culinary ingredient.
This distinction is critical because some products marketed as “Buckwheat Pillows” are actually filled with buckwheat grains, which are more prone to attracting bugs since they serve as a food source. To better understand pillow quality differences, check out pros and cons of buckwheat pillows.
Buckwheat Hulls
The majority of Buckwheat Hull Pillows, Meditation Cushions, and Lumbar Support Pillows are filled with the hulls of buckwheat. These hulls differ significantly from the edible groats and are what make buckwheat pillows so effective for sleep support and comfort.
Since buckwheat hulls are not edible, they naturally deter bugs—a common concern when pillows are filled with buckwheat grains.
The same concept applies to millet pillows, which are filled with millet hulls rather than the edible millet groats. You can compare these two options in more detail in our buckwheat vs millet comparison.
Want to see the difference between buckwheat groats and hulls up close? This short video gives you a clear look at the buckwheat plant and explains how these two parts serve completely different purposes—one for food, the other for pillows. If you're wondering how to actually set up and adjust your pillow, visit how to use a buckwheat pillow or check out our size guide.