Out of Cashew, one case
Vegan cashew substitutes
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sunflower seeds
Same amount as the cashew
The best vegan cashew substitutes are sunflower seeds, white beans, almonds, and macadamia nuts using a 1:1 ratio. For creamy applications, use soaked cashews, coconut cream, or blended white beans.
- Best for —
- nut-free recipes
One casethe full cashew card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cashew |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunflower seedsnut-free recipes | Same amount |
| 2 | White beansvegan cheese sauces | Same amount |
| 3 | Almondsbaking | Same amount |
| 4 | Macadamia nutsvegan baking | Same amount |
| 5 | Coconut creamvegan cheese sauces | Same amount |
| 6 | Pine nutsvegan pesto | Same amount |
| 7 | Walnutsvegan baking | Same amount |
| 8 | Brazil nutsvegan baking | Same amount |
Sunflower seeds
mild, slightly nutty
Sunflower seeds are an excellent vegan cashew substitute with a mild, slightly nutty flavor and good texture. Good for people with nut allergies.
- Best for
- nut-free recipes, baking, cooking, trail mix, salads, vegan cheese, when you need nut-free option
- Texture
- similar to cashews
Sunflower seeds are good for vegan cooking and provide a mild flavor that works well in most recipes. They're also more affordable than cashews.
White beans
neutral, slightly earthy
White beans are an excellent vegan cashew substitute for creamy applications. When blended, they provide a smooth, creamy texture good for sauces and dips.
- Best for
- vegan cheese sauces, creamy soups, dips, spreads, when you want protein-rich substitute, vegan mac and cheese
- Texture
- creamy when blended
White beans provide a creamy texture similar to cashews when blended. They're good for vegan cheese sauces and creamy applications. Soak overnight for best results.
Almonds
mild, slightly sweet
Almonds are a versatile vegan cashew substitute with similar texture and mild flavor. They work well in both sweet and savory vegan dishes.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, trail mix, salads, vegan curry, Indian cooking
- Texture
- similar to cashews
Almonds have a slightly firmer texture than cashews but provide similar nutritional benefits. They're good for most vegan recipes that call for cashews.
Macadamia nuts
very similar to cashews
Macadamia nuts are the closest vegan substitute to cashews with their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. Good for vegan desserts and creamy applications.
- Best for
- vegan baking, desserts, creamy applications, when you want creamy texture, vegan cheesecake
Macadamia nuts are the most similar to cashews in both texture and flavor. They're good when you want the closest possible vegan substitute.
Coconut cream
slightly coconut
Coconut cream is an excellent vegan cashew substitute for creamy applications. It provides a rich, creamy texture good for sauces and desserts.
- Best for
- vegan cheese sauces, creamy soups, desserts, when you want coconut flavor, vegan mac and cheese
- Texture
- creamy, smooth
Coconut cream provides excellent creaminess and works well in most vegan recipes. It adds a subtle coconut flavor that complements many dishes.
Pine nuts
buttery, mild
Pine nuts are an excellent vegan cashew substitute, especially for pesto and Mediterranean dishes. They have a buttery, mild flavor.
- Best for
- vegan pesto, Mediterranean dishes, pasta, salads, when you want buttery flavor
- Texture
- similar to cashews
Pine nuts are more expensive than cashews but provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Good for vegan pesto and Italian dishes.
Walnuts
rich, earthy
Walnuts offer a rich, earthy flavor that works well as a vegan cashew substitute, especially in baking and cooking applications.
- Best for
- vegan baking, cooking, pesto, salads, trail mix, when you want richer flavor
- Texture
- similar to cashews
Walnuts have a more pronounced flavor than cashews and are slightly more bitter. They work well in vegan recipes where you want a stronger nut presence.
Brazil nuts
rich, slightly sweet
Brazil nuts offer a rich, creamy texture similar to cashews with a slightly different flavor profile. Great for vegan cooking and baking.
- Best for
- vegan baking, cooking, snacking, when you want rich flavor
- Texture
- similar to cashews
Brazil nuts are larger and have a richer flavor than cashews. They work well in vegan recipes where you want a more substantial nut presence.
Tips for substituting cashew
6 tips- For best results, soak nuts overnight before using in creamy applications
- When making vegan cheese sauces, blend white beans or soaked cashews until completely smooth
- Toasted nuts provide better flavor than raw nuts in most recipes
- For nut-free options, sunflower seeds or white beans work best
- Coconut cream works well in sweet and savory vegan dishes
- When substituting in baking, consider the fat content for best texture
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for cashews in vegan cheese?
White beans and soaked cashews are the best vegan substitutes for cashews in vegan cheese. White beans provide a creamy texture when blended, while soaked cashews offer the closest flavor match. Use a 1:1 ratio and blend until completely smooth.
Can I use sunflower seeds instead of cashews in vegan recipes?
Yes, sunflower seeds are an excellent vegan substitute for cashews. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and work well in most vegan recipes. They're also nut-free, making them good for people with nut allergies.
What's the best substitute for cashews in vegan mac and cheese?
White beans and coconut cream are the best substitutes for cashews in vegan mac and cheese. White beans provide a creamy texture when blended, while coconut cream adds richness. Use a 1:1 ratio and blend until smooth.
Can I substitute almonds for cashews in vegan cooking?
Yes, almonds are a great vegan substitute for cashews in cooking. They have a similar texture and mild flavor that works well in most vegan recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio and toast them lightly for best flavor.
What's the best nut-free substitute for cashews in vegan recipes?
White beans and sunflower seeds are the best nut-free substitutes for cashews in vegan recipes. White beans work well for creamy applications, while sunflower seeds are good for baking and cooking.