Almonds Cashews

Almonds are the edible seeds of the almond tree, a species native to the Middle East and South Asia. Cashews are kidney-shaped seeds that grow at the bottom of the cashew apple, native to tropical regions. Both are harvested, shelled, and often roasted or salted before consumption.

Almonds and cashews are widely used in the food industry for their distinct flavors, crunchy textures, and nutritional value. They are popular ingredients in snack mixes, trail mixes, baked goods like cookies and cakes, and confections such as chocolates and candies. They are also processed into nut butters and milks.

Almonds and cashews are whole foods and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption by the FDA. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. Neither JECFA nor EFSA typically evaluate whole foods like nuts as food additives. There are no known controversies regarding their safety at typical intake levels, apart from their status as major allergens.