Cashew substitutes
Cashew substitutes — 8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Almonds
Same amount as the cashew
The best cashew substitutes are almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, and macadamia nuts using a 1:1 ratio. For vegan cooking, use soaked cashews, sunflower seeds, or white beans. For creamy applications, try cashew cream or coconut cream.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cashew | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Almondsbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Walnutsbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Pine nutspesto | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Macadamia nutsbaking | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 5 | Sunflower seedsnut-free recipes | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | White beansvegan cooking | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 7 | Brazil nutsbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 8 | Pecansbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Almonds
similar taste and texture
Almonds are the most versatile cashew substitute with similar texture and mild flavor. They work well in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, trail mix, salads, curry, Indian cooking
Almonds have a slightly firmer texture than cashews but provide similar nutritional benefits. They're good for most recipes that call for cashews.
Walnuts
different taste, similar texture
Walnuts offer a rich, earthy flavor that works well as a cashew substitute, especially in baking and cooking applications.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, pesto, salads, trail mix, when you want richer flavor
Walnuts have a more pronounced flavor than cashews and are slightly more bitter. They work well in recipes where you want a stronger nut presence.
Pine nuts
similar taste and texture
Pine nuts are an excellent cashew substitute, especially for pesto and Mediterranean dishes. They have a buttery, mild flavor.
- Best for
- pesto, Mediterranean dishes, pasta, salads, when you want buttery flavor
Pine nuts are more expensive than cashews but provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Good for pesto and Italian dishes.
Macadamia nuts
very similar
Macadamia nuts are the closest substitute to cashews with their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, when you want creamy texture, desserts
Macadamia nuts are the most similar to cashews in both texture and flavor. They're right when you want the closest possible substitute.
Sunflower seeds
different taste and texture
Sunflower seeds are a great nut-free cashew substitute with a mild, slightly nutty flavor and good texture.
- Best for
- nut-free recipes, baking, cooking, trail mix, when you need nut-free option
Sunflower seeds are good for people with nut allergies. They have a mild flavor and work well in most recipes that call for cashews.
White beans
neutral taste · creamy when blended
White beans are an excellent cashew substitute for creamy applications, especially in vegan cooking and sauces.
- Best for
- vegan cooking, sauces, creamy applications, soups, when you want protein-rich substitute
White beans provide a creamy texture similar to cashews when blended. They're good for vegan cheese sauces and creamy soups.
Brazil nuts
different taste, similar texture
Brazil nuts offer a rich, creamy texture similar to cashews with a slightly different flavor profile.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, when you want rich flavor
Brazil nuts are larger and have a richer flavor than cashews. They work well in recipes where you want a more substantial nut presence.
Pecans
different taste, similar texture
Pecans are a good cashew substitute with a sweet, buttery flavor that works well in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, desserts, when you want sweet flavor
Pecans have a sweeter flavor than cashews and work particularly well in baked goods and desserts.
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute cashews for walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute cashews for walnuts using a 1:1 ratio. Cashews are creamier and milder, while walnuts are more bitter and earthy. Both work well in baking, cooking, and snacking.
What's the best substitute for cashews in curry?
Almonds are the best substitute for cashews in curry. They have a similar texture and mild flavor that complements Indian spices well. Use a 1:1 ratio and toast them lightly before adding to the curry.
Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw?
Yes, you can substitute roasted cashews for raw cashews, but roasted cashews have a stronger, more intense flavor. For creamy applications, raw cashews work better, while roasted cashews are great for snacking and cooking.
What's a good nut-free substitute for cashews?
Sunflower seeds and white beans are the best nut-free substitutes for cashews. Sunflower seeds work well for snacking and baking, while white beans are good for creamy applications like vegan cheese sauces.
Can I substitute cashews for pine nuts in pesto?
Yes, cashews work well as a substitute for pine nuts in pesto. They provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio and blend until smooth.
Tips for substituting cashew
6 tips- For best results, toast nuts before using as cashew substitutes to enhance their flavor
- When substituting in creamy applications, soak nuts for 2-4 hours before blending
- For nut-free options, sunflower seeds or white beans work best
- In Indian cooking, almonds are the most traditional cashew substitute
- For pesto, pine nuts are the closest match to cashews
- When baking, consider the fat content of your substitute for best texture