Wagner's

Wagner's Safflower Seed Bird Food Review

4.6 / 5 · our rating

Reviewed by Mark Reynolds · Published

Discover Wagner's Safflower Seed Bird Food, the perfect choice for attracting songbirds while keeping squirrels away. Read our full review!

Wagner's Safflower Seed Bird Food Review

The verdict

Wagner's Safflower Seed is an excellent choice for attracting songbirds while keeping squirrels away.

Why we recommend it

Made in the USA

A favorite seed of Cardinals and other songbirds

Highest quality grains used

Found in many gourmet mixes

Most squirrels generally dislike this seed

Pros

  • High-quality formulation with premium grains
  • Attracts a variety of desirable birds, especially cardinals
  • Discourages squirrels and unwanted bird species

Cons

  • Mixed reviews on squirrel resistance
  • Some birds may take time to adjust to new seed

Gallery

Full review

Overview

Wagner's Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food has quickly become a favorite among bird lovers, notably ranking as a bestseller on Amazon. This 5-pound bag is specially formulated to attract a variety of desirable birds, particularly cardinals, while keeping pesky squirrels at bay. With a star rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 13,000 reviews, it's clear that many customers appreciate the quality and effectiveness of this bird food. In this review, we will explore the key features of Wagner's Safflower Seed, identify who it is best suited for, and provide our final verdict on whether it lives up to the hype.

Key Features

One of the standout features of Wagner's Safflower Seed is its high-quality formulation. Made in the USA, this bird food consists of the finest grains, ensuring that birds receive the nutrients they need. The safflower seeds are particularly favored by cardinals, chickadees, titmice, and grosbeaks, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to attract these beautiful songbirds to their backyard.

Another important aspect is its squirrel resistance. This bird food is designed to be unappealing to squirrels, as they generally dislike the bitter taste of safflower seeds. This means that you can enjoy watching your beloved birds without the constant interference of feeder hogs like grackles and starlings. It’s a win-win situation for bird enthusiasts who want to create a serene and inviting environment for their feathered friends.

Additionally, Wagner's Safflower Seed can be mixed with other bird food blends to enhance its appeal. Gradually introducing safflower seeds into your feeder, followed by a mix of your favorite Wagner’s Premium Wild Bird Food, can help transition birds to this new diet without causing them stress. This versatility makes it a popular choice among seasoned bird watchers and novices alike.

Who Is It For

Wagner's Safflower Seed is ideal for anyone who loves birdwatching and wants to attract specific songbirds to their yard. If you have a particular fondness for cardinals and want to create a sanctuary for them, this bird food is a perfect choice. It is also suitable for bird enthusiasts who want to discourage unwanted visitors like squirrels and certain aggressive bird species.

Families with children can benefit from this product as well, as it provides a wonderful opportunity to engage kids in learning about nature and birdwatching. Watching cardinals and other songbirds feed can be a delightful experience that fosters appreciation for wildlife. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, Wagner's Safflower Seed offers a high-quality option that can enhance your backyard experience.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, Wagner's Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food stands out as an exceptional product for attracting desirable birds while minimizing squirrel interference. Its high-quality formulation, combined with its ability to attract cardinals and other songbirds, makes it a top choice for bird lovers. While there are mixed opinions about its effectiveness in deterring squirrels completely, many customers report positive experiences. Overall, Wagner's Safflower Seed is a valuable addition to any bird feeder and deserves a spot in your backyard birdwatching setup.

With its impressive customer ratings and quality ingredients, we recommend trying Wagner's Safflower Seed if you're looking to enhance your birdwatching experience and provide a nutritious diet for your feathered friends.

Specifications

Brand NameWagner's
FlavorMild and Nutty
Age Range DescriptionAll Life Stages
Item FormSeeds
Specific Uses For ProductAttracting Cardinals, Discouraging Squirrels
Special IngredientsSafflower
Container TypeBag
Breed RecommendationAll Breed Sizes
Allergen InformationPeanuts may contain
Animal Food Ingredient ClaimNon-GMO
Product BenefitsAttracts desired birds, deters unwanted ones and squirrels
Animal Food Nutrient Content ClaimLow Fat
UPC074748330545 765829971619 070805570756
Additional FeaturesDeters squirrels with bitter taste
Recommended Uses For ProductAttracting Cardinals, Discouraging Squirrels
Animal Food Diet TypePlant-Based
Global Trade Identification Number00070805570756, 00765829971619
Target SpeciesSquirrel
Pet TypeBird
Item Type NameSafflower Seed Wild Bird Food
ManufacturerWagner's
Model Number57075
OccasionBirthday
Manufacturer Part Number57075
Warranty DescriptionSatisfaction Guaranteed. At Wagner’s we use only the highest quality of bird food products available. If you are not completely satisfied with our product, Wagner’s will gladly refund your full purchase price. Simply send the proof of purchase along with your cash register receipt to the address below.
Best Sellers Rank#135 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)#5 in Bird Food#5 in Bird Seed
ASINB004477AOO
Customer Reviews4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (13,619) 4.6 out of 5 stars
Unit Count80 Ounce
Number of Items1
Item Weight5 pounds
Package Size Name5-Pound Bag

What buyers say

4.8 · 5 reviews

I’ve been really happy with Wagner’s safflower seed. The seed size is nice and consistent, and it fits well in my bird feeder without any issues.The texture of the seed is also great—it’s clean, dry, and not dusty or crumbly, which makes it easy to pour and tells me it’s fresh and good quality. I also really like the size of the kernels compared to what I find locally.It is a little more expensive than buying it in-store, but in my opinion the quality and consistency of the seed make it worth it.More importantly, the birds seem to love it—especially the finches and mourning doves. I’ve definitely noticed more activity from them since switching to this seed. One of the biggest benefits for me is that it has helped reduce the number of black birds around my feeder, which had become a bit of a problem lately.It’s a great option if you’re trying to attract smaller, desirable birds while discouraging others. Overall, the quality is solid, and it does exactly what I was hoping for.

SASpencer · 2026-05-26

My parrots—a green cheek conure and a dusky-headed conure—absolutely love these seeds and get excited every time I bring them out. They work really well for both everyday snacking and as quick training rewards, since my birds respond to them right away.The bag is very large, which is a big plus because it keeps me stocked for a long time. Even with daily use, it lasts for months, making it a great value overall.It’s a reliable, good-quality seed that my birds consistently enjoy and that has become a staple in their routine. Never stale or expired. always fresh.

Amazon Customer · 2026-04-21

The Finches, Morning Doves, and Grosbeaks, love these safflower seeds. They can't wait for me to put them out each morning. The squirrels do not like them which is a bonus. The squirrels do not climb up into this feeder anymore.

Lisa R · 2026-07-21

This bird feed is high quality and the birds love it. On the negative side: I purchased this type of seed because I read that Pigeons disliked this kind of seed, wrong. I live in the Arizona Sonoran Desert and have issues with Pigeons taking over my bird feeder and bird bath. They are aggressive to all other birds and became of their size they bully their way into everything. I had hoped that using this bird feed would discourage Pigeons, it doesn't. They eat every last seed and can't wait for more!

B.O.B. · 2026-06-10

No squirrels! We are in the southeast US, and squirrels run rampant in our backyard. I was convinced they would overrun our feeder in no time. However, we’ve been using this food for about a month and, aside from a couple investigatory nibbles one day one and two, we have seen zero squirrels at our feeder! The birds love the feed and there’s a steady stream of cardinals, jays, perulas, wrens, and more! I’ll be reordering!

Maigen · 2026-07-11

Frequently asked questions

Is Wagner's Safflower Seed safe for birds?+

Yes, Wagner's Safflower Seed is made from high-quality grains and is safe for all songbirds.

How does safflower seed deter squirrels?+

Safflower seeds have a bitter taste that most squirrels dislike, making them less likely to eat from feeders filled with this seed.

Can safflower seeds attract other birds besides cardinals?+

Yes, safflower seeds can attract various songbirds, including chickadees, titmice, and grosbeaks.

About the reviewer

MR

Mark Reynolds

Pet Care Editor

Mark is a lifelong pet owner who reviews pet products for safety, durability and real-world use.

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Tags:wagnerssafflower-seedbird-foodwild-birdsbackyard-birdwatchingcardinalssquirrel-resistant

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