Calories in Cashews: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Cashews are a creamy, mildly sweet tree nut that originated in Brazil and are now cultivated throughout tropical regions worldwide. One ounce of dry-roasted cashews provides about 163 calories, 4.3 grams of protein, and 13.1 grams of fat, while being an excellent source of copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and phosphorus. Their buttery texture makes them uniquely versatile — they can be blended into dairy-free cream sauces, nut milks, and desserts, or enjoyed simply as a roasted snack.

Calories by serving size:

Cashews have a notably different nutritional profile compared to other tree nuts: they are higher in carbohydrates and lower in fiber, which gives them their characteristic sweetness and softer texture. About 62 percent of their fat is monounsaturated (primarily oleic acid), with an additional 18 percent being polyunsaturated fat. Cashews are exceptionally rich in copper — a single ounce provides roughly 31 percent of the daily value — a mineral essential for iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and immune function.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many cashews are in one ounce?

One ounce of whole cashews contains approximately 18 individual nuts, weighing about 28 grams. This standard serving size provides 163 calories, which is slightly fewer than almonds and significantly fewer than macadamia nuts or pecans. Because cashews are relatively large and uniform in size, counting out 18 nuts is a practical way to estimate a one-ounce portion when a food scale is not available.

Are cashews lower in fat than other nuts?

Cashews have a moderate fat content compared to other tree nuts, with about 13.1 grams per ounce. This is lower than macadamia nuts (21.5 g), pecans (20.4 g), walnuts (18.5 g), and Brazil nuts (19 g), making cashews one of the leaner nut options. However, cashews are higher in carbohydrates than most other nuts (9.3 g per ounce vs. about 4-6 g for most others), so the total calorie count is still comparable. The majority of the fat in cashews is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, similar to the fat profile found in olive oil and avocados.

Are cashews a good source of minerals?

Cashews are among the most mineral-rich nuts available. A single ounce provides approximately 31% of the daily value for copper, 20% for magnesium, 15% for manganese, 15% for zinc, and 13% for phosphorus. Copper and zinc are trace minerals that play critical roles in immune function, and cashews provide them in a favorable ratio for absorption. The magnesium in cashews supports muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and bone health, making them an excellent mineral-dense snack.

Why are cashews more expensive than peanuts?

Cashews are significantly more expensive due to their complex and labor-intensive harvesting and processing. Each cashew grows attached to the bottom of a cashew apple fruit, and the nut is encased in a double shell that contains caustic resin (anacardic acid) related to poison ivy, which must be carefully removed through roasting or steaming. This processing is still largely done by hand in many producing countries. Additionally, each cashew apple produces only a single nut, whereas a peanut plant can yield dozens of peanuts, further contributing to the price difference.

Can cashews be part of a weight loss diet?

Despite containing 163 calories per ounce, cashews can be a helpful component of a weight loss plan when consumed in controlled portions. Their combination of protein (4.3 g), fat (13.1 g), and satisfying creamy texture promotes fullness and can reduce overall calorie intake from less nutritious foods. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that participants who included tree nuts in their diet did not gain weight and actually showed improved diet quality overall. Sticking to a one-ounce serving and choosing dry-roasted or raw cashews over honey-roasted or heavily salted varieties is the best strategy for keeping calories in check.