Premium Cashew Grades Explained: W150, W180, W210, W240, W320, W450 Guide
Shudh Desi Taste
The Complete Guide to White Whole Cashew Grades
Understand, compare, and choose from W150 to W450 cashew grades. Expert insights on sizes, uses, quality, and premium selection.
Understanding White Whole (WW) Cashew Grades
Cashew grades indicate size and quality. The ‘W’ stands for White, and the number indicates pieces per pound. Lower number = larger cashews.
How Cashew Grading Works
W = White Whole
Refers to whole, unbroken cashew kernels that are white or light ivory in color, without blemishes or scorching.
Number = Pieces per Pound
W150 means approximately 150 pieces per pound. W450 means approximately 450 pieces per pound.
Lower Number = Larger Size
W150 are the largest premium cashews. W450 are smaller but still whole, perfect for different culinary uses.
Our Premium White Whole Cashew Collection
Six premium grades, each with specific characteristics and ideal uses. Choose based on your needs.
W150 Cashew Grade
The largest premium cashews. Extra large, whole kernels perfect for gourmet presentations and premium gift packs.
- Largest cashew grade available
- Perfect for premium gift boxes
- Ideal for gourmet presentations
- Uniform extra large size
W180 Cashew Grade
Large, whole kernels. Excellent for high-end restaurants, luxury confectionery, and premium snacking.
- Restaurant-grade quality
- Perfect for luxury confectionery
- Consistent large size
- High-end snacking
W210 Cashew Grade
Medium-large size. Perfect balance of size and value. Ideal for premium households and quality cooking.
- Best value premium grade
- Perfect for family use
- Ideal for cooking & baking
- Excellent for gifting
W240 Cashew Grade
Medium size cashews. Excellent for everyday cooking, baking, and snacking. Great quality at reasonable price.
- Perfect for daily cooking
- Great for baking recipes
- Cost-effective premium quality
- Uniform medium size
W320 Cashew Grade
Small-medium size. Ideal for trail mixes, granola, cereal, and recipes where smaller pieces are preferred.
- Perfect for trail mixes
- Ideal for granola & cereal
- Cost-effective for recipes
- Great for bulk cooking
W450 Cashew Grade
Smallest whole cashews. Perfect for baking, garnishing, and recipes where small uniform pieces are needed.
- Perfect for baking
- Ideal for garnishing
- Cost-effective for recipes
- Uniform small size
Complete White Whole Cashew Grade Comparison
Compare all six premium cashew grades side by side. Make informed decisions based on size, usage, and value.
| Grade | Size | Pieces per Pound | Typical Use | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W150 | Extra Large | 140-160 | Premium gifting, luxury presentation | $$$$$ (Highest) | Gourmet gifts, luxury hotels, premium events |
| W180 | Large | 170-190 | High-end restaurants, luxury confectionery | $$$$ | Fine dining, premium chocolates, luxury snacking |
| W210 | Medium-Large | 200-220 | Premium households, quality cooking | $$$ | Family use, premium cooking, value gifting |
| W240 | Medium | 230-250 | Everyday cooking, baking, snacking | $$ | Daily cooking, baking recipes, regular snacking |
| W320 | Small-Medium | 310-330 | Trail mixes, granola, cereal | $$ | Trail mixes, breakfast cereals, bulk recipes |
| W450 | Small | 440-460 | Baking, garnishing, recipes | $ (Most Economical) | Baking, garnishing, cost-effective recipes |
Choosing by Purpose
For Gifting: W150 or W180 – Impressive size shows premium quality
For Cooking: W210 or W240 – Best balance of size and value
For Baking: W320 or W450 – Smaller pieces distribute evenly
For Snacking: W180 or W210 – Satisfying mouthfeel
Price to Value Ratio
Best Premium: W150 – Largest, most impressive
Best Value Premium: W210 – Great size at better price
Best Economy Premium: W320 – Premium quality at lower cost
Most Economical: W450 – Whole cashews at lowest price
Nutritional Profile of White Whole Cashews
All White Whole Cashew grades share the same exceptional nutritional benefits. Size doesn’t affect nutrition.
Macronutrients (per 100g)
Energy – Sustained energy release
Protein – Plant-based complete protein
Healthy Fats – Mostly monounsaturated
Carbohydrates – Complex carbs for energy
Essential Minerals
✓ Copper: 2.2mg (110% DV) – Energy production
✓ Magnesium: 292mg (73% DV) – Bone health
✓ Phosphorus: 593mg (59% DV) – Cell function
✓ Zinc: 5.8mg (39% DV) – Immune support
✓ Iron: 6.7mg (37% DV) – Blood health
✓ Selenium: 19.9μg (28% DV) – Antioxidant
Health Benefits
✓ Heart Health: Rich in oleic acid, reduces bad cholesterol
✓ Bone Strength: Magnesium, phosphorus, calcium
✓ Eye Health: Zeaxanthin, antioxidant protection
✓ Blood Health: Copper and iron for red blood cells
✓ Weight Management: Protein and fiber promote satiety
✓ Skin Health: Copper for collagen production
Nutritional Consistency Across Grades
All White Whole Cashew grades (W150 to W450) have identical nutritional profiles. The only difference is physical size. Larger grades (W150, W180) are more impressive visually, while smaller grades (W320, W450) offer the same nutrition at better value for recipes.
How to Choose the Right Cashew Grade
Expert guidance on selecting, identifying, and purchasing the perfect cashew grade for your needs.
Selection Guide by Purpose
Define Your Primary Use
Are you buying for gifting, cooking, baking, snacking, or commercial use? Each purpose has an ideal grade.
Consider Your Budget
Higher grades (W150, W180) cost more due to rarity and visual appeal. Lower grades offer same nutrition at better value.
Check Quality Indicators
White Whole means light color, no blemishes, no scorching. All our grades meet premium White Whole standards.
Grade-Specific Recommendations
For Premium Gifting
• W150: Ultimate luxury gift • W180: Premium corporate gifting • W210: Value premium gifts
For Cooking & Recipes
• W210/W240: General cooking • W320: Curries, stir-fries • W450: Baking, garnishes
For Commercial Use
• Restaurants: W180 or W210 • Bakeries: W320 or W450 • Confectionery: W150 or W180
Quality Identification
White Whole Standards
• Light ivory to white color • Whole kernels, not broken • No dark spots or scorching • Uniform size within grade • Clean, sweet aroma
Storage & Freshness
Store in airtight container in cool, dark place. Refrigerate for long-term storage. Use within 6 months for optimal freshness.
Common Grades Beyond WW
• SW: Scorched Wholes (slightly browned) • B: Butts (broken pieces) • S: Splits • LP: Large Pieces
Global Cashew Grading System
Understanding international cashew grading standards and terminology.
International Grade Standards
US Standards: W180, W210, W240, W320, W450, W500
Indian Standards: Similar to US with additional local grades
Vietnamese Grades: Often use different numbering systems
Brazilian Grades: Large, jumbo sizes popular
Note: We follow international US grading standards for consistency.
Other Cashew Categories
Scorched Wholes (SW): Lightly roasted appearance
Dessert Wholes (DW): Light brown, for roasting
Butts (B): Broken but large pieces
Splits (S): Cashews split in half
Pieces (P): Small pieces for cooking
Baby Bits (BB): Tiny pieces for garnishing
Specialty Grades
Jumbo Size: Larger than W150 (rare)
Organic Grades: Same sizing, organic certified
Raw Cashews: Unroasted, for specific diets
Roasted & Salted: Processed with seasoning
Flavored Cashews: Various seasonings added
Cashew Butter Grade: Specific for butter making
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about White Whole Cashew grades.
W180 means White Whole 180. “W” stands for White (light color), “Whole” means unbroken kernels, and “180” means approximately 180 pieces per pound. This is a large, premium grade cashew ideal for high-end uses.
For premium gifting: W150 (largest, most impressive). For corporate gifting: W180 (premium but practical). For value gifting: W210 (great quality at better price). Larger grades make better gifts as size is visually impressive and associated with premium quality.
No, all White Whole grades have the same taste and nutritional profile. The only difference is physical size. Larger grades might feel more substantial when eating whole, but the flavor is identical. Quality (freshness, proper storage) affects taste more than grade size.
W150 cashews command premium pricing because: 1. Rarity – fewer cashews grow to this large size 2. Visual appeal – impressive for gifting 3. Lower yield – more cashews rejected to maintain size consistency 4. Premium demand – luxury market willing to pay more 5. Processing – requires careful handling to prevent breakage.
For general cooking: W210 or W240 (best value). For dishes where appearance matters: W180. For baking or recipes with many ingredients: W320 or W450. Smaller grades distribute more evenly in dishes and offer better value since they’re broken during cooking anyway.
Store in airtight container in cool, dark place. For optimal freshness: Room temperature: 3-6 months • Refrigerator: 6-12 months • Freezer: 12-24 months. Cashews contain oils that can turn rancid, so proper storage is crucial. Always check aroma before use – fresh cashews smell sweet and nutty.
Why Buy Premium Cashews From Shudh Desi Taste
We’re cashew specialists committed to quality, authenticity, and your satisfaction.
Grade Guarantee
Every batch is grade-verified. W150 means exactly 140-160 pieces/lb. No misgrading or size mixing.
Direct Sourcing
We source directly from premium growing regions. No middlemen, ensuring freshness and best prices.
Quality Control
Every batch undergoes 7-point quality check: size, color, wholesomeness, moisture, aroma, taste, purity.
Fresh Packaging
Vacuum-sealed, opaque packaging protects from light, air, and moisture. Delivered fresh to you.
Expert Selection
We’ve tested hundreds of cashew samples to select only premium grades. Our expertise ensures quality.
Customer Support
Need help choosing? Our cashew experts provide personalized recommendations based on your needs.
Our Quality Promise
Every cashew we sell meets strict White Whole standards: Whole kernels • White/light ivory color • No blemishes or scorching • Proper moisture content • Fresh, sweet aroma • Grade-accurate sizing
Ready to Choose Your Premium Cashews?
Now that you understand cashew grades, select the perfect grade for your needs. All our cashews are premium White Whole quality, just different sizes for different purposes.
Quick Guide: Gifting → W150/W180 • Cooking → W210/W240 • Baking → W320/W450 • Snacking → Any grade!

