Are Cashew LPs as Nutritious as Whole Cashews?

When browsing the nut aisle or ordering in bulk, you may come across Cashew LPs (Large Pieces) and wonder: Are they as nutritious as whole cashews? It’s a fair question—especially if you’re prioritising both health and value for money in your food choices.

In this article, we break down the nutritional differences, benefits, and practical uses of Cashew LPs versus whole cashews, helping you make the best choice for your diet and lifestyle.

What Are Cashew LPs?

Cashew LPs (Large Pieces) are simply broken pieces of whole cashew nuts, typically resulting from mechanical processing during shelling or packaging. While they may not be as visually pristine as whole nuts, they retain the same origin—they come from the same cashew kernels.

These pieces are often used in cooking, baking, snacks, and nut blends, particularly when appearance isn’t crucial but flavour and texture matter.

Nutritional Profile: Cashew LPs vs Whole Cashews

From a nutritional standpoint, Cashew LPs are nearly identical to whole cashews. Here’s a side-by-side look at their average nutritional values per 100g:

There’s no significant nutritional difference between whole cashews and Cashew LPs. As long as they’re unroasted and unsalted, both forms offer the same healthy fats, protein, fibre, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron.

Why Consider Cashew LPs?

1. Cost-Effective Nutrition

One of the key benefits of Cashew LPs is affordability. Because they’re not whole, they often come at a lower price point—sometimes up to 20% cheaper per kilo. This makes them ideal for:

• Families on a budget

• Bulk buyers

• Businesses using cashews in recipes

2. Less Waste in Cooking

If you’re using cashews for blending, baking or garnishing, LPs make more sense. Why pay extra for whole nuts if you’re going to crush or chop them anyway?

They’re especially ideal for:

• Cashew butter

• Vegan cream sauces

• Energy bars

• Nut granola

• Asian-inspired stir-fries and curries

3. Same Health Benefits

Cashews—whether whole or broken—offer key health benefits that align with a balanced diet:

• Heart Health: Rich in unsaturated fats and plant sterols

• Weight Management: High in protein and fibre to keep you fuller longer

• Bone Health: Packed with magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K

• Blood Sugar Control: Low glycaemic index and beneficial for glucose regulation

These benefits apply equally to Cashew LPs, provided no sugar or salt is added during processing.

When Whole Cashews Might Be Better

While Cashew LPs are nutritionally equivalent, there are some instances where whole cashews might be preferred:

• Gifting or serving: Whole cashews look better for presentation.

• Roasting: Whole nuts tend to roast more evenly.

• Portion control: Whole nuts are easier to count out and snack on mindfully.

That said, for day-to-day cooking and blending, Cashew LPs are often the more practical and economical choice.

Key Considerations When Buying Cashew LPs

If you’re ready to give Cashew LPs a try, keep the following in mind:

• Check for Additives: Always choose unsalted, unroasted LPs for maximum health benefits.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.

• Source Responsibly: Look for sustainably sourced or ethically certified options when possible—especially if you’re buying in bulk.

Final Verdict

Yes, Cashew LPs are just as nutritious as whole cashews. They come from the same nut, offer the same health benefits, and can be a smarter choice in many culinary applications.

Whether you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget, reduce waste, or simply blend up a batch of cashew cream, Cashew LPs deliver all the nutrition without the premium price tag.

So next time you’re shopping for cashews, don’t overlook the large pieces—they might be small in size, but they’re big on value.