Are Cashews Bad for Low Carbs? The Definitive Guide

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single ounce (28g) of cashews contains around 8 grams of net carbs. The question of whether cashews are bad for low carbs isn't a simple 'yes' or 'no', but rather depends on your specific diet, portion control, and other food choices.

Quick Summary

Cashews are relatively higher in net carbs than other nuts, making them a moderate-carb snack best consumed in small, controlled portions on a low-carb or keto diet, rather than a staple.

Key Points

Higher Net Carbs: Cashews contain approximately 8 grams of net carbs per ounce, more than most other nuts.
Moderation is Key: Small, measured portions (e.g., 5-10 nuts) can fit into a moderate low-carb plan.
Practice Portion Control: For strict ketogenic diets, the carb count in cashews can quickly exceed daily limits.
Choose Lower-Carb Nuts: Alternatives like macadamia nuts, pecans, and almonds are more suitable for those prioritizing very low carb intake.
Check Labels: Always verify the carb count on cashew-based products like butters and milks, as it can vary.
Avoid Sweetened Varieties: Stay away from honey-roasted or sweetened cashews to avoid unnecessary sugars and extra carbs.

The Carb Conundrum: Why Cashews Are Different

When examining if cashews are bad for low carbs, it's essential to understand their nutritional profile compared to other nuts. While all nuts contain varying amounts of healthy fats, protein, and minerals, cashews have a distinctly higher carbohydrate count due to their sweeter, starchier nature. For those following a very strict low-carb or ketogenic diet, where daily net carb intake is often limited to 20–50 grams, a single serving of cashews can consume a significant portion of that budget.

The Net Carb Reality

Understanding the concept of net carbs is crucial for low-carb diets. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbohydrates, as fiber is not digested or absorbed by the body. For cashews, the numbers are as follows:

Total Carbs (per 1 ounce/28g): Approximately 9 grams
Fiber (per 1 ounce/28g): Approximately 1 gram
Net Carbs (per 1 ounce/28g): Approximately 8 grams

This amount is considerably higher than many other nuts and highlights why moderation is so important when including them in a low-carb meal plan.

Cashews vs. Other Low-Carb Nuts: A Comparison

To put the carb count of cashews into perspective, consider how they stack up against other popular nuts for low-carb dieters.


Nut Type	Total Carbs per Ounce (g)	Net Carbs per Ounce (g)
Cashews	9	8
Almonds	6	3
Pecans	4	1
Walnuts	4	2
Macadamia Nuts	4	2

This table illustrates that alternatives like pecans and macadamia nuts offer a much lower net carb count, providing similar health benefits from fats and minerals without the higher carb load.

Navigating Cashews on a Low-Carb Diet

While cashews may not be the ideal nut for strict keto followers, they don't have to be completely off-limits for those on a more moderate low-carb plan. The key lies in strategic inclusion and mindful portion control.

Practical Tips for Inclusion

Portion Control is Paramount: Measure your serving. A small handful of 5-10 cashews is a reasonable serving size that can satisfy a craving without derailing your carb intake for the day.
Smart Swaps and Pairings: Mix a small amount of cashews with lower-carb nuts like almonds or pecans to reduce the overall net carb count of your snack mix. You can also use a few crushed cashews as a garnish for salads to add flavor and texture.
Avoid the 'Cashew Trap': Steer clear of sweetened or honey-roasted cashews, which add significant sugar. Likewise, be vigilant about store-bought cashew butter and cashew milk, as some varieties can contain added sugars or higher carbs. Always check the label.

The Health Benefits of Cashews

Despite their carb content, cashews are a nutritional powerhouse packed with beneficial components:

Healthy Fats: They are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL cholesterol.
Essential Minerals: Cashews are an excellent source of magnesium, copper, and zinc, which support bone health, immune function, and metabolism.
Protein and Fiber: These macronutrients help increase feelings of fullness and can aid in appetite control, which is helpful for weight management.

Conclusion

So, are cashews bad for low carbs? The answer depends on your approach. For very strict ketogenic diets, cashews are best avoided or consumed only on rare occasions due to their higher net carb count. For those on a more lenient low-carb diet, a small, carefully portioned serving can be included without issue. The crucial takeaway is to be mindful of the carb load, practice portion control, and consider lower-carb nut alternatives like macadamia nuts and pecans for more flexibility. By doing so, you can still enjoy the creamy taste and nutritional benefits of cashews without jeopardizing your low-carb goals.

For more information on nuts in a low-carb diet, you can read further from diet experts at Diet Doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small, controlled portion of around 5-10 cashews (or about a half-ounce) is typically manageable for a moderate low-carb diet, as it limits the net carb intake to around 4 grams. Strict keto dieters may need to avoid them entirely.

A one-ounce serving (28g) of cashews contains approximately 8 grams of net carbs. This is calculated by subtracting the 1 gram of fiber from the 9 grams of total carbohydrates.

Yes, if you eat too many. Because cashews have a higher carb content compared to other nuts, overconsuming them can easily push you over your daily carb limit and disrupt a state of ketosis.

For a low-carb diet, almonds are generally a better choice than cashews. Almonds contain only 3 grams of net carbs per ounce, compared to cashews' 8 grams, allowing for larger portion sizes.

Excellent low-carb nut alternatives to cashews include macadamia nuts, pecans, and walnuts, which all contain significantly fewer net carbs per serving.

Cashew butter is generally higher in carbs than almond or peanut butter. A typical 2-tablespoon serving can have around 8-9 grams of total carbs, so it should be used sparingly.

Yes, relative to other nuts, cashews are considered high in carbs. They have a higher starch and sugar content, giving them a sweeter taste but also a higher net carb count.