Macadamia vs Cashews: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)
This comparison highlights the nutritional differences between macadamia nuts and cashews.
Macadamia nuts contain 718 calories and 7.9 g of protein, while cashews have 553 calories and 18.2 g of protein. Cashews are lower in calories and higher in protein.
Macadamia nuts and cashews are both popular nuts with distinct nutritional profiles. This comparison examines their calorie counts, protein levels, and other key nutrients.
What Is the Difference Between Macadamia and Cashews?
Macadamia nuts are rich, buttery nuts native to Australia, known for their high fat content. They are often used in baking and cooking due to their unique flavor. Cashews are kidney-shaped seeds from the cashew tree, widely consumed as a snack or used in various dishes. They are known for their creamy texture and nutritional benefits.
Macadamia vs Cashews: Nutrition Side by Side
Below is a side-by-side comparison of macadamia nuts and cashews, focusing on their nutritional values.
| Nutrient (per 100 g) | Macadamia nuts (raw) | Cashews (raw) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 718 kcal | 553 kcal |
| Protein | 7.9 g | 18.2 g |
| Carbs | 13.8 g | 30.2 g |
| Sugar | 4.6 g | 5.9 g |
| Fat | 75.8 g | 43.9 g |
| Fiber | 8.6 g | 3.3 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg | 12 mg |
Which Is Better, Macadamia or Cashews?
For weight loss: Macadamia nuts have 718 calories per 100 g, while cashews have 553 calories. Cashews are lower in calories, making them a better choice for weight loss.
For muscle and protein: Cashews provide 18.2 g of protein per 100 g, whereas macadamia nuts offer only 7.9 g. Therefore, cashews are higher in protein.
For low-carb or low-sugar: Macadamia nuts contain 13.8 g of carbs and 4.6 g of sugar, while cashews have 30.2 g of carbs and 5.9 g of sugar. Macadamia nuts are lower in both carbs and sugar.
How to Track Macadamia and Cashews Accurately
It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macronutrient content when consuming nuts, which can impact dietary goals. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.
How We Compiled These Numbers
The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which nut has more protein?
Cashews have 18.2 g of protein per 100 g, while macadamia nuts have 7.9 g of protein.
Which nut has fewer calories?
Cashews contain 553 calories per 100 g, compared to 718 calories in macadamia nuts.
What is the fat content in macadamia nuts?
Macadamia nuts have 75.8 g of fat per 100 g.
What is the sugar content in cashews?
Cashews contain 5.9 g of sugar per 100 g.
How much fiber is in macadamia nuts?
Macadamia nuts have 8.6 g of fiber per 100 g.
What is the sodium content in cashews?
Cashews have 12 mg of sodium per 100 g.
Key Takeaways
- Macadamia nuts: 718 calories per 100 g.
- Cashews: 553 calories per 100 g.
- Macadamia nuts: 7.9 g of protein per 100 g.
- Cashews: 18.2 g of protein per 100 g.
- Macadamia nuts: 75.8 g of fat per 100 g.
- Cashews: 30.2 g of carbs per 100 g.
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