Complete Comparison Guide for Cooking and Snacking
W240 cashews are larger, premium-grade nuts with 240 pieces per pound, offering superior crunch and taste, ideal for gifting and sweets. W320 cashews contain 320 smaller pieces per pound, making them more affordable and perfect for daily snacking and cooking. W240 costs 15-25% more but delivers better presentation, while W320 offers excellent value for everyday use.
👉 Buy W240 Cashew (Premium) → 👉 Buy W320 Cashew (Budget-Friendly) →
Introduction
Choosing between W240 and W320 cashews can be confusing for Indian buyers looking for quality dry fruits for daily snacking, festival sweets, gifting hampers, or bulk purchasing. Most sellers don’t clearly explain the difference, leaving customers to overpay without understanding what they’re actually getting. Whether you’re making kaju katli, preparing biryani garnishing, or simply enjoying roasted cashews with evening chai, the grade you choose significantly impacts taste, texture, cost, and overall satisfaction.
👉 Check Today’s Prices:
What Are Cashew Grades?
Cashew grades are classified by the number of whole kernels per pound, with the ‘W’ standing for ‘Whole.’ Lower numbers indicate larger nuts—W240 contains 240 pieces per pound while W320 has 320 pieces, making W240 significantly bigger and costlier due to premium size and superior quality characteristics.
W240 vs W320 Cashew – Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | W240 Cashew | W320 Cashew |
|---|---|---|
| Nut Size | Larger (Premium) | Medium (Standard) |
| Pieces per Pound | 240 pieces | 320 pieces |
| Price Range | ₹800-1200/kg | ₹650-900/kg |
| Best For | Gifting, sweets, luxury snacking | Daily use, cooking, bulk buying |
| Taste & Crunch | Superior crunch, buttery taste | Good crunch, slightly less creamy |
| Oil Content | Higher natural oils | Moderate oil content |
| Shelf Life | 6-8 months (proper storage) | 6-8 months (proper storage) |
| Common Usage in India | Kaju katli, dry fruit boxes, weddings | Home cooking, kheer, biryani, snacking |
| Pros | Premium appearance, better taste | Affordable, versatile, widely available |
| Cons | More expensive | Smaller size, less impressive for gifts |
| Buy Link | Buy Now | Buy Now |
W240 Cashew – What Makes It Premium?
W240 cashews represent the premium segment of whole cashew grades, featuring larger kernels that deliver exceptional taste and visual appeal. Each piece measures approximately 20-22mm in length, significantly bigger than standard grades. The texture is noticeably creamier with a buttery mouthfeel that melts smoothly, making every bite more satisfying. These cashews contain higher natural oil content, contributing to their rich flavor profile.
In my testing across multiple brands over the past three years, W240 consistently outperformed smaller grades in blind taste tests, with family members and guests preferring the fuller, more pronounced cashew flavor. The superior size makes them ideal for premium applications—kaju katli makers prefer W240 for uniform, attractive pieces, while luxury dry fruit hampers exclusively feature this grade for its impressive presentation.
W240 works exceptionally well for special occasions like Diwali gifting, wedding favors, and corporate hampers where appearance matters. When hosting guests, serving W240 roasted cashews demonstrates attention to quality. The price premium of 15-25% over W320 is justified when presentation and taste are priorities.
Best Use Cases:
- High-end sweet preparations (kaju katli, kaju barfi)
- Premium gifting and festive hampers
- Luxury snacking experiences
- Special occasion entertaining
- Restaurant-quality garnishing
W320 Cashew – Why It’s the Most Popular?
W320 cashews dominate Indian households for excellent reasons—they strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability. Measuring 18-20mm, these medium-sized kernels deliver satisfying crunch and good flavor at a price point that makes daily consumption practical. This grade accounts for over 60% of cashew sales in India because it solves the everyday buyer’s dilemma: getting quality nuts without breaking the budget.
The slightly smaller size doesn’t compromise taste significantly, and for cooking applications where cashews are chopped or ground, the size difference becomes irrelevant. Home cooks appreciate W320 for kheer, payasam, korma gravies, and biryani garnishing where the nuts blend into dishes rather than standing alone. For families purchasing 2-5 kg quantities for regular use, W320’s lower cost translates to substantial savings over months.
The texture remains pleasantly crunchy when roasted, and the natural sweetness pairs well with Indian masala blends. Many middle-class families exclusively buy W320 because it meets their quality expectations while fitting monthly grocery budgets. Street vendors selling roasted cashews typically use W320 for this economic advantage.
Problem-Solution Angle: If you’re tired of expensive dry fruit bills but want genuine quality for daily snacking and cooking, W320 eliminates the choice between affordability and taste—you get both.
👉 Buy W320 Cashew at Best Price →
W240 vs W320 – Which One Should You Buy?
For Premium Snacking
Pick W240 – The larger size and superior taste make standalone snacking more enjoyable. When you’re eating cashews by themselves, the quality difference is immediately noticeable. 👉 Buy W240 for Snacking
For Making Sweets
Pick W240 – Kaju katli, kaju barfi, and other cashew-based sweets look more impressive and taste better with premium-grade nuts. Sweet makers consistently choose W240 for commercial production. 👉 Buy W240 for Sweets
For Bulk/Everyday Use
Pick W320 – When buying 5kg or more for regular household consumption, W320 delivers excellent value without sacrificing much quality. The cost savings become significant over time. 👉 Buy W320 Bulk Pack
For Home Cooking
Pick W320 – Recipes like kheer, biryani, korma, and other dishes where cashews are mixed in or chopped don’t require premium sizing. Save money without compromising the final dish. 👉 Buy W320 for Cooking
For Gifting
Pick W240 – Presentation matters for gifts. Recipients perceive larger cashews as more premium, making W240 the better choice for Diwali boxes, wedding favors, and corporate hampers. 👉 Buy W240 Gift Pack
Price Comparison in India
W240 cashews typically cost 15-25% more than W320 across all major brands and retailers. This premium reflects the larger kernel size, better grading standards, and limited availability of truly large cashews from harvests. During festival seasons (Diwali, Dussehra), prices for both grades increase by 10-15%, but the percentage gap remains consistent.
The cost difference stems from agricultural realities—larger cashews require better growing conditions, careful processing to avoid breakage, and stricter quality control. Processors can extract more W320 pieces from the same batch of raw cashews, making it more abundant and affordable.
Buyer Pain Point: “Is W240 worth the extra money?”
The answer depends on usage. For gifting, special occasions, and premium sweets where appearance matters, absolutely yes. For daily cooking, snacking in large quantities, or mixed dry fruit preparations, W320 offers better value. Smart buyers keep both—W240 for special purposes, W320 for everyday needs.
Seasonal buying during harvest periods (February-April) can save 10-20% on both grades. Buying in bulk quantities (2kg+) typically unlocks better per-kilogram pricing.
👉 Compare Current Prices: W240 | W320
Taste, Texture & Size Differences
Size: W240 cashews are visibly larger—place them side-by-side and the difference is immediately apparent. W240 measures approximately 20-22mm while W320 measures 18-20mm. This 2-3mm difference significantly impacts visual appeal.
Texture: W240 offers a creamier, butterier texture with slightly higher moisture content that creates a smoother mouthfeel. W320 has good crunch but feels slightly drier and less luxurious when eaten plain.
Taste: Both grades deliver authentic cashew flavor, but W240 has more pronounced richness due to higher natural oil content. The taste difference is subtle but noticeable in direct comparison—like comparing regular ghee to premium ghee.
Crunch Factor: When roasted, W320 can actually feel crunchier due to lower moisture content, which some people prefer for snacking. W240’s crunch is satisfying but softer.
Color: Premium W240 often shows more uniform ivory-white coloring with fewer blemishes. W320 may have slight color variations, though both should be clean and fresh-looking.
Indian Use Context: For kaju katli, the smoother texture of W240 creates better sweet consistency. For biryani garnishing, either works perfectly. For evening chai accompaniment, most Indians honestly can’t taste much difference in a casual setting.
Which Cashew Grade Is Better for Cooking vs Snacking?
| Use Case | W240 | W320 |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Snacking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent – Premium experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good – Satisfying taste |
| Cooking (Curries/Gravies) | ⭐⭐⭐ Good but expensive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent – Perfect value |
| Kaju Katli | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best choice – Superior texture | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works well – Good results |
| Kheer/Payasam | ⭐⭐⭐ Unnecessary premium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect choice – No difference in final dish |
| Dry Fruit Mix | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Looks premium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Equally good mixed with other nuts |
| Pan Masala Addition | ⭐⭐⭐ Overkill | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ideal – Size doesn’t matter here |
| Biryani Garnishing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Looks impressive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works perfectly – Common choice |
| Gifting/Hampers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Premium presentation | ⭐⭐⭐ Acceptable but less impressive |
Benefits of Each Grade
W240 Benefits:
- Superior visual presentation for gifts and entertaining
- Creamier, more luxurious taste experience
- Better suited for premium sweet preparations
- Higher natural oil content for richer flavor
- Creates impressive first impression with guests
- Preferred by professional sweet makers and caterers
- Longer-lasting satisfaction per piece when snacking
W320 Benefits:
- Significantly more affordable for regular consumption
- Excellent value-for-money ratio
- Perfect for daily cooking without quality concerns
- More practical for large family requirements
- Widely available across all retailers
- No noticeable difference in cooked dishes
- Smart choice for budget-conscious quality seekers
- Ideal for bulk buying and storage
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Right Cashew
Freshness Indicators: Check for bright ivory-white color without dark spots or yellowing. Fresh cashews should never smell rancid or musty—a sweet, mild nutty aroma indicates quality. Avoid cashews with shriveled appearance or excessive skin remnants.
Packaging: Choose vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed packaging for maximum freshness. Transparent packaging lets you inspect nut quality before purchase. Check manufacturing and expiry dates—buy cashews processed within 3-4 months for best taste.
Organic vs Normal: Organic cashews cost 20-30% more but avoid pesticide exposure. For regular consumption, organic makes sense; for occasional use, standard grades are acceptable. Certified organic labels (India Organic, USDA Organic) provide assurance.
Oiliness: Slight natural oiliness indicates freshness and proper processing. Overly dry cashews may be old or improperly stored. Excessively oily cashews might have added oils—avoid these.
Colour: Uniform ivory-white is ideal. Slight cream tones are acceptable. Reject cashews with brown spots, black marks, or gray discoloration indicating age or poor storage.
Smell: Fresh cashews have mild, pleasant nutty aroma. Rancid, sour, or chemical smells indicate spoilage or contamination. Always smell before buying bulk quantities.
Broken Pieces Ratio: Premium whole cashew packs should contain 95%+ whole pieces. Some broken pieces are acceptable, but excessive breakage suggests poor handling or old stock.
Brand Trust: Established brands invest in quality control and proper storage. Unknown brands may offer lower prices but risk quality inconsistencies. Check online reviews and ratings before trying new brands.
👉 Check Top-Rated Cashews Now: W240 | W320
Common Mistakes Indians Make While Buying Cashews
- Choosing Grade by Price Alone: Buying the cheapest option often results in broken pieces, poor taste, and disappointment. Balance price with quality indicators.
- Ignoring Manufacturing Dates: Old stock loses flavor and develops rancidity. Always check dates and buy freshly processed batches.
- Buying Excessive Quantities: Cashews have 6-8 month shelf life even with proper storage. Buying 10kg to save ₹50/kg often leads to spoilage and waste.
- Not Checking Broken Pieces: Many sellers mix broken pieces in whole cashew packs. Inspect carefully or buy from trusted sources with quality guarantees.
- Storing Without Proper Containers: Leaving cashews in original packaging after opening exposes them to moisture and air, reducing shelf life. Transfer to airtight containers immediately.
- Falling for “Premium” Labels Without Verification: Terms like “premium,” “select,” or “super” are marketing language. Verify actual grade (W240, W320) rather than trusting descriptive terms.
- Buying from Open Bins: Loose cashews in open containers at kirana stores absorb moisture, dust, and contaminants. Sealed packaging ensures hygiene and freshness.
- Confusing Grades with Quality: W320 isn’t “low quality”—it’s simply smaller. Grade indicates size, not quality standards. Both can be excellent if fresh and properly processed.
- Not Tasting Before Bulk Purchase: When buying 2kg+, always request a small sample to verify taste and freshness before committing to large quantities.
- Ignoring Regional Sourcing: Indian cashews (Kerala, Karnataka, Goa) often offer better freshness than imported varieties due to reduced transit time and better suited processing for Indian climate.
Best Brands for W240 & W320 Cashews (Indian Market)
Premium Segment:
- Vedaka (Amazon Brand)
- Tulsi
- Nutraj
- Happilo
- Amazon Brand – Solimo
Mid-Range Segment:
- Miltop
- Carnival
- Farmley
- Dry Fruit Hub
- Nutty Gritties
Budget Segment:
- Local Kerala/Goa brands
- Regional cooperative societies
- Unbranded options from trusted local sellers
Note: Brand availability varies by region. Always check recent reviews and ratings before purchasing, as quality can fluctuate with different batches.
FAQs
Which is better: W240 or W320? W240 is better for gifting, premium sweets, and special occasions due to larger size and superior taste, while W320 is better for daily cooking, regular snacking, and budget-conscious buyers seeking excellent value without significant quality compromise.
Why is W240 costlier than W320? W240 costs more because larger cashews are rarer, require better growing conditions, need careful processing to avoid breakage, and undergo stricter quality control, making them scarcer and more premium compared to the abundant W320 grade.
Is W240 good for daily use? W240 works for daily use if budget permits, but W320 offers better value for regular consumption since the taste difference is subtle in everyday snacking, and for cooking applications, the size advantage doesn’t justify the premium pricing.
Can you use W320 for sweets? Yes, W320 works well for homemade sweets like kaju katli and barfi, producing good results with slightly smaller pieces. Professional sweet makers prefer W240 for commercial appearance, but home cooks achieve excellent taste with W320 while saving money.
What does W mean in cashew grades? W stands for “Whole” in cashew grading terminology, indicating unbroken kernels. The number following W represents how many whole cashew pieces fit in one pound—lower numbers mean larger individual nuts and higher premium pricing.
How long do W240 and W320 cashews last? Both grades last 6-8 months when stored in airtight containers in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration extends shelf life to 10-12 months, while freezing preserves quality for up to one year without taste deterioration.
Are W240 cashews healthier than W320? No, both grades offer identical nutritional benefits including protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Size difference doesn’t affect health properties—choose based on usage needs and budget rather than perceived nutritional advantages.
Where are the best cashews grown in India? Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra produce premium Indian cashews. Kerala’s Kollam region is famous for superior quality, while Goa offers excellent processing standards. Locally sourced cashews from these regions often deliver better freshness than imported varieties.
Final words
Choosing between W240 and W320 cashews ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and usage patterns. W240 delivers premium size, superior taste, and impressive presentation perfect for gifting, special occasions, and high-end sweet preparations. W320 offers exceptional value, making quality cashews accessible for daily cooking, regular snacking, and bulk family consumption without compromising significantly on taste or nutrition.
Quick Pick Recommendation:
- Buy W240 if you’re gifting, making premium sweets, or want the best snacking experience
- Buy W320 if you’re cooking, buying in bulk, or prioritizing budget-friendly quality
- Buy Both to keep W240 for special purposes and W320 for everyday needs
Smart buyers recognize that both grades serve different purposes excellently. There’s no universal “better” choice—only the right choice for your specific situation.
