Ingredient

Cashew

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Cashews are often eaten as a snack or used in cooking and baking. They …

What is Cashew?

Cashews are kidney-shaped seeds that grow at the bottom of the cashew apple, a fruit native to northeastern Brazil. After harvesting, the cashew apple is separated from the seed. The seed, or cashew nut, is then processed to remove its toxic shell oil before it can be eaten.

Is Cashew vegan?

Cashew is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Cashew a major allergen?

Cashews are a tree nut, which is one of the 9 major allergens recognized by the FDA.

What is Cashew used for?

Cashews are often eaten as a snack or used in cooking and baking.

Is Cashew safe?

Cashews are a source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Why it's used

Cashews are often eaten as a snack or used in cooking and baking. They add a creamy texture and rich flavor to dishes like sauces, curries, and desserts. Cashews are also processed into cashew butter, milk, and cheese alternatives.

Health notes

Cashews are a source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The FDA recognizes cashews as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated cashews, and they are widely consumed globally. While generally considered healthy, excessive intake of any food can contribute to weight gain due to calorie density.

Allergen info

Cashews are a tree nut, which is one of the 9 major allergens recognized by the FDA. People with tree nut allergies should avoid cashews.

Foods that contain Cashew

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.