Wholesale Guides
Cashew Nut Grades Explained: W180, W240, W320 and Pieces
Oct
Cashew kernels are graded with codes like W180, W240, W320 and LWP, and those codes drive most of the price difference between one quote and another. They are not brand names or quality labels in the loose marketing sense. Each code describes colour, whether the kernel is whole or broken, and for whole kernels, how many fit in a pound. Once you can read them, it is much easier to buy the cheapest grade that does the job.
Reading a cashew grade
The letters describe colour and form. W means white wholes: pale, whole kernels. The number after a W is the approximate maximum count of kernels per pound (454g). A lower number means bigger kernels. So W180 kernels are much larger than W450 kernels.
| Grade | Kernels per pound (approx.) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| W180 | 170 to 180 | Premium gift packs and snack lines where size is the selling point |
| W210 | 200 to 210 | Premium snacks |
| W240 | 220 to 240 | Quality snack packs and roasted nuts |
| W320 | 300 to 320 | The most widely traded grade; mainstream snacks and retail packs |
| W450 | 400 to 450 | Budget snacks, mixes, cooking |
Scorched, dessert and pieces
Kernels that are not pale white are graded separately. Scorched wholes (SW) are light brown from longer heating during processing, and taste the same once roasted. Dessert wholes and lower grades have more discolouration or blemishes. These grades cost less and are a sensible choice for roasting, coating, sauces and processing, where colour does not show.
Broken kernels are sold by the type of break and size:
- B (butts) are kernels broken crosswise.
- S (splits) are kernels split lengthwise into their two halves.
- LWP and SWP are large and small white pieces.
- BB (baby bits) are very small pieces for bakery, confectionery and nut butters.
If the cashews will be chopped, ground or baked into another product, buying wholes is paying for a shape that disappears in production. Pieces are often the better buy.
Specifications to put in the order
Grade names are widely used, but buyers in many markets write contracts against the specifications published by the US Association of Food Industries (AFI), which set tolerances for broken kernels, lower grades, defects and moisture. Whatever standard you use, write down:
- The grade and the standard it refers to.
- Moisture limit (AFI specifications set a maximum of 5%).
- Tolerances for broken kernels and lower grades within the lot.
- Defect limits: insect damage, mould, rancidity and foreign matter.
- Aflatoxin and pesticide residue limits for your destination market.
- Crop year and packing date.
- Packing: vacuum or inert gas-flushed.
Packing and shelf life
Export cashew kernels are traditionally packed in 50lb (22.68kg) cartons containing two 25lb vacuum-sealed or gas-flushed tins or flexible pouches. The vacuum keeps oxygen and insects out. Once opened, kernels pick up moisture and odours and start to go rancid, so reseal or transfer them to airtight containers and store them cool and dry.
Origin
Raw cashew nuts are grown mainly in West Africa, India and Southeast Asia, and a large share is shipped to Vietnam and India for processing. The country of processing and the country where the nuts were grown are often different, which matters if your customers ask about origin. Ask the supplier for both.
Frequently asked questions
Which cashew grade is best?
There is no single best grade. W180 and W240 look impressive in a premium snack pack. W320 is the value grade for mainstream retail. Pieces are usually the right choice for manufacturing.
What does W320 mean?
White whole cashew kernels, with roughly 300 to 320 kernels per pound. It is the most commonly traded grade.
Are scorched cashews lower quality?
They are graded lower because of colour, not taste. For roasting, coating or processing they are often the better value.
Request a quote
Averra Trades supplies cashew kernels in grades from W180 to W450 as part of its wholesale nuts range. If you also buy macadamia, the macadamia buying guide explains that grading system. Send us the grade, volume and destination for a quote.