How Many Calories Are There in 15 Cashews?

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a 1-ounce (28g) serving, which typically contains 15 to 18 cashews, provides approximately 157 calories. Therefore, a slightly smaller count of 15 cashews will fall in the range of 130 to 150 calories, with the exact number dependent on the nuts' size and preparation method.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 15 cashews ranges from 130-150, influenced by preparation method, including raw, roasted, or salted. This amount offers healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption as a nutritious snack.

Key Points

Calorie Estimate: 15 cashews typically contain between 130 and 150 calories, depending on their size and preparation.
Raw vs. Roasted: Raw cashews have the most natural nutrient profile, while oil-roasted versions have additional fat and calories.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Cashews are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Essential Minerals: A serving of cashews provides significant amounts of copper, magnesium, and zinc.
Portion Control is Key: Due to their calorie density, enjoying cashews in moderation is crucial for managing weight and overall health.
Mindful Snacking: To avoid overindulging, pair cashews with fruits or vegetables and pay attention to hunger cues.

The exact number of calories in 15 cashews can vary slightly based on their size and whether they are raw, dry-roasted, or oil-roasted. However, a standard 1-ounce serving (28g), which is a common daily recommendation and contains roughly 15 to 18 nuts, typically provides about 157 calories. Therefore, 15 nuts will be a healthy portion of this amount, usually around 130 to 150 calories.

Raw vs. Roasted: How Preparation Affects Calories

The way cashews are prepared significantly influences their final calorie count and nutritional profile. Understanding these differences helps in making informed dietary choices.

Raw vs. Dry-Roasted

Raw Cashews: These are not truly raw but have been steamed to remove the toxic urushiol from their shell before being shelled. They contain only their natural oils, and a 1-ounce portion has around 157 calories.
Dry-Roasted Cashews: The nuts are roasted without added oil. This process can slightly reduce the overall moisture content, but the calorie count remains very similar to raw cashews. Some sources indicate dry-roasted cashews may have a slightly higher antioxidant activity.

Oil-Roasted vs. Raw

Oil-Roasted Cashews: Roasting cashews in oil adds extra fat and therefore increases the calorie count. The amount of added oil varies by brand, so it is crucial to check the nutritional information on the packaging for the most accurate calorie information. The extra fat content also means these cashews will be higher in calories compared to their raw counterparts.
Salted Cashews: Whether raw or roasted, cashews with added salt will be much higher in sodium. While this doesn't affect the calorie count from the nut itself, it can have health implications, especially for those monitoring their sodium intake. Unsalted versions are often the healthier choice.

Nutritional Breakdown of 15 Cashews

Beyond just calories, 15 cashews offer a wealth of nutrients essential for overall health. This modest portion provides a significant amount of healthy fats, protein, and vital minerals.

Healthy Fats: Most of the fat in cashews comes from heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats can help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol and increase HDL ('good') cholesterol levels, which is great for heart health.
Protein: A 1-ounce serving provides about 5 grams of protein, a crucial macronutrient for muscle repair and satiety.
Carbohydrates and Fiber: With approximately 9 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fiber per ounce, cashews offer energy and support digestive health without causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
Minerals: Cashews are particularly rich in minerals such as copper, which is vital for immune function and energy production. They also contain magnesium, important for nerve and muscle function, and zinc, which supports a healthy immune system.


Feature	Raw Cashews (approx. 15 nuts)	Oil-Roasted Cashews (approx. 15 nuts)
Calories	~130-150 kcal	~140-160+ kcal
Preparation	Steamed, but labeled 'raw'	Cooked with added oils
Nutritional Profile	Natural, retains more original nutrients	Added fats, potentially higher calories
Sodium Level	Minimal, if unsalted	Higher, especially if salted
Fat Content	10-12 grams	Can be higher depending on oil

Practicing Mindful Snacking

Given their calorie density, portion control is vital when snacking on cashews. A single handful is often a good visual guide for a 1-ounce serving, but for those who are watching their intake closely, pre-portioned bags or containers can be a great help.

Combine with Other Foods: To add volume and nutrients without excess calories, try pairing a small portion of cashews with a piece of fruit or some vegetables. This helps increase satiety and balances the overall snack.
Check Labels: Always look at the nutrition label, especially for flavored or roasted varieties. These often have higher sodium, sugar, or calorie counts than raw or plain dry-roasted cashews.
Listen to Your Body: Mindful eating is about listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Enjoy the taste and texture of each cashew, which can help prevent overeating.

Health Benefits of Moderation

Consuming cashews in moderation provides numerous health benefits, including better heart health and potential weight management. The protein, fiber, and healthy fats they contain help you feel full longer, which can help curb cravings and reduce overall calorie intake throughout the day. Cashews' low glycemic index also makes them a smart snack choice for managing blood sugar.

Conclusion In summary, 15 cashews provide an energy-dense snack, with a calorie count typically ranging from 130 to 150, depending on processing. While their delicious taste makes it easy to overindulge, understanding and practicing portion control is key to reaping the maximum nutritional rewards. Incorporating them mindfully into a balanced diet provides essential vitamins and minerals, contributes to heart health, and supports weight management. Always opt for raw or dry-roasted, unsalted versions to maximize the health benefits and minimize unnecessary additives.

For more detailed information on cashew nutrition and health benefits, you can visit Healthline's comprehensive guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 15 cashews is a good serving size, as it is close to the recommended 1-ounce portion for most adults. This amount provides a balanced intake of nutrients without excessive calories.

Salted cashews do not inherently have more calories from the nut itself, but they are often oil-roasted, which adds extra fat and calories compared to raw or dry-roasted versions. They also have higher sodium.

Nutrition experts generally recommend sticking to about one ounce (28g) of cashews per day, which is roughly 15 to 18 nuts, as part of a balanced diet.

Cashews can support weight management when eaten in moderation. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber helps increase satiety and reduce cravings.

The majority of calories in cashews come from their fat content, which consists primarily of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Cashews have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. Their fiber, protein, and healthy fat content help with glucose control.

Yes, the calorie count in 15 cashews can vary slightly based on size. Larger cashews will contain more calories than smaller ones for the same quantity of nuts.