If you're sourcing wholesale cashew nuts, you've likely encountered terms like W320 and W240. These are two of the most commonly exported cashew nut grades, and understanding their differences is crucial when choosing the right product for your needs.
In this guide, we break down the W320 vs. W240 cashew comparison in terms of size, price, quality, and usage—helping importers, retailers, and food manufacturers make informed buying decisions.
What Do “W320” and “W240” Mean?
These codes are part of the cashew grading system, where:
“W” stands for “White whole” (undamaged, white-colored whole kernels)
The number refers to the number of kernels per pound
🔹 W320 Cashew:
Approx. 300–320 kernels per pound
Most commonly traded grade globally
Good balance of size, price, and availability
🔹 W240 Cashew:
Approx. 220–240 kernels per pound
Larger and considered a premium grade
Slightly higher price point due to size and visual appeal
Size & Appearance Comparison
| Grade | Kernel Count (Per Pound) | Size | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| W320 | 300–320 | Medium | Uniform, creamy white |
| W240 | 220–240 | Larger | Plump, attractive white |
W240 cashews are more visually impressive, making them ideal for luxury packaging or gift products, while W320 is the workhorse of the industry, balancing quality and affordability.
Price Difference Between W320 and W240
W240 cashew nuts are usually 5–15% more expensive than W320, depending on the harvest season, supplier, and global demand.
W320 Price (2025 average): $3.50–$4.20 per lb FOB
W240 Price (2025 average): $3.90–$4.60 per lb FOB
Note: Prices vary by region, certification (organic, HACCP), and packaging.
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Best Uses for W240 vs. W320 Cashew Grades
✅ W240 – Best For:
Premium retail packaging
Gourmet snacks
Gift sets
High-end foodservice (hotels, airlines)
✅ W320 – Best For:
Supermarket brands
Bulk snacks and mixes
Everyday retail packaging
Industrial food processing
Which Cashew Grade Should You Choose?
| If You Need... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective volume | W320 |
| Premium presentation | W240 |
| Large-scale food processing | W320 |
| Luxury packaging or gifting | W240 |
Common Packaging for W240 and W320
Vacuum-sealed bags (10kg or 25lb)
Tin-lined cartons for longer shelf life
Optional: CO₂ flushed packaging to retain freshness
Exporters often provide both grades with custom branding or private label options.
Final Thoughts
Both W320 and W240 cashew grades offer quality, but your ideal choice depends on your target market, budget, and product positioning. W320 is ideal for cost-conscious buyers, while W240 is perfect for premium and gift-oriented uses.
References & Sources
Learn more:
=> About cashew plant and cashew nut industry
- Vietnam Cashew Export Industry - A Comprehensive Overview
- Are Cashews Legumes? Let's find out here
- Can you eat the fruit of a cashew tree? All about nutritional values, benefits, and procession
- Cashew Flower: Everything You Need to Know
- Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) or Cashew shell oil- How To Use?
- How to Choose a Reliable Cashew Nut Supplier: 7 Key Tips for Importers
- Vietnam vs India: Which Cashew Nut Origin Is Better for Importers?
- Cashew Shell: Hidden Value Beyond the Nut
=> About cashew's nutrition
- Are Cashew Nuts Good for Your Health? Health benefits, Nutrition, Risks, and Proper Consumption
- Are Cashew Nuts Friendly with Keto Diet?
- Are Cashews Poisonous? Everything You Need to Know
- Cashew Calories: Everything You Need to Know
- How Much Sugar Is in Cashews? A comprehensive answer
- Do cashews have lutein?
- Protein in Cashews - Everything You Need to Know
- How Much Resistant Starch In Cashews ?
- How Cashew Benefits for Males and Females
- Is cashew good for a pregnant woman?
- Can Dogs Eat Cashews? All good and bad sides and how to feed them safely
=> Delicious Recipes:
- Cashew Chicken [ Easy-to-Follow Recipe ]
- Cashew Milk [Simple Recipe You Can Do at Home]
- Cashew Butter [Easy-to-Make Recipe]
- How to Make Cashew Cheese Easily: A Simple Vegan Recipe
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- How to Roast Cashews: A Step-by-Step Guide
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