Cashew Grades Explained: W180 vs W240 vs W320 – Which Kaju Should You Buy?

Cashew buying guide

W180 vs W240 vs W320: Cashew Grades Made Simple

What the numbers on a kaju pack mean – and which size suits your family.

NUTTB | nuttb.com | Healthy Snacks from Kerala

Short answer: The number in a cashew grade tells you roughly how many whole kernels make up one pound (about 454 g). So W180 cashews are the biggest, W240 are large, and W320 are medium-sized. The letter W means “white wholes” – whole, unbroken, pale kernels. For snacking and gifting, W240 is a popular sweet spot of size and value; W320 works well for daily cooking.

What does “W” and the number mean?

Cashew kernels are sorted after the shells and skins are removed. Graders separate them by colour, by whether they are whole or broken, and by size. The most common label you will see in India is a W followed by a number. “W” stands for white wholes – kernels that are whole and pale ivory in colour. The number is the approximate count of kernels per pound. Fewer kernels in a pound means each one is bigger.

That is why W180 is often called the “king of cashews” – only around 180 kernels fill a pound. W240 has around 240 per pound, W320 around 320, and so on. Kerala, especially the Kollam belt, has a long history of cashew processing, so many families here already know the feel of a good bold kaju.

W180 vs W240 vs W320 vs broken grades

Which cashew grade should you buy?

For snacking and guests: W240 gives you a satisfying, bold kernel without paying the jumbo W180 price. It looks generous in a bowl and roasts evenly.

For gifting: W180 or W240 look impressive in Christmas, New Year and wedding gift boxes. Pick whole, unbroken, evenly coloured kernels.

For cooking: If cashews are going into a korma paste, ghee-fried garnish for payasam or biryani, W320 or even splits are perfectly fine. Once ground or fried, size hardly matters.

For kids: Any grade works, but chop or crush cashews for children under five to reduce choking risk.

How to check cashew quality at home

1. Look: Kernels should be creamy-white to light ivory, without dark spots, mould or insect holes.
2. Uniformity: A good grade looks even in size. Lots of broken bits in a “W” pack is a red flag.
3. Smell: Fresh cashews smell mild and nutty. A sharp, paint-like or stale smell means the oils have gone rancid.
4. Snap: Fresh cashews are crisp, not rubbery. Soft, bendy kernels have absorbed moisture.
5. Label: Check the packing date, best-before date and storage instructions on the pack.

How many cashews per day?

Cashews are nutritious but energy-dense, so portion size matters. A small handful – roughly 15 to 18 whole cashews, or about 25–30 g – is a common snack portion for adults. Kids can have a smaller portion, chopped. If you are already eating other nuts that day, split the handful between them. Plain or lightly salted cashews are better for everyday snacking than heavily salted or sugar-coated versions. Anyone with a nut allergy should avoid cashews completely.

Storing cashews in hot, humid Kerala weather

• Move cashews into a clean, dry, airtight glass or steel jar once the pack is opened.
• Keep the jar away from the stove, sunlight and the window – heat speeds up rancidity.
• Always use a dry spoon; even a little moisture in monsoon months can make kernels soft.
• For stock you won’t use within a month or two, keep it in the fridge in an airtight box; bring it to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
• If cashews turn slightly soft, dry-roast them on low heat for a few minutes, cool fully and store again.

From the Nuttb pantry

Nuttb Premium Cashew W240 – Whole Creamy Kaju
Large, whole W240 kernels hand-selected for snacking and gifting.
Coming soon on nuttb.com

Nuttb Premium Salted Cashew W240
Big W240 whole cashews, simply roasted with a pinch of salt.
Coming soon on nuttb.com

Nuttb Premium Cashews 350g
Creamy, crunchy kaju in a family pack for snacking and cooking.
Shop on nuttb.com – from ₹699

Frequently asked questions

Which is bigger, W240 or W320?

W240 is bigger. About 240 W240 kernels make a pound, while it takes about 320 of the smaller W320 kernels.

Is W180 better than W240?

W180 is larger and costs more, but taste and nutrition are very similar. W240 gives good size and better value for daily use.

Which cashew grade is best for cooking?

W320 or splits and pieces are practical for gravies, cashew paste, payasam and biryani garnish because size doesn’t matter once cooked.

What does LWP mean on cashews?

LWP means large white pieces – broken cashew bits. They are cheaper and handy for sweets and curries.

How many cashews can I eat in a day?

A small handful of about 15–18 cashews is a common snack portion for adults. Adjust it within your overall diet.

Why do cashews turn soft?

They absorb moisture from humid air. Store them airtight and dry-roast lightly on low heat to bring back crunch.

Keep reading on the Nuttb blog

• Benefits of cashews: nutrition, portions and uses
• Cashew nuts online: buying guide for India

This article shares general food information and is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for personal dietary needs, allergies or health conditions. Always check the current pack label for ingredients, allergens and storage instructions.