Cashew Butter

Cashew butter is a smooth, creamy spread made from roasted or raw cashews. It has a mild, buttery flavour with subtle sweetness and a soft texture that makes it ideal for sauces, desserts, and dressings. Naturally rich and satisfying, it blends easily into both savoury and sweet plant-based recipes — from smoothie bowls to curries — adding creaminess and gentle nuttiness without overpowering other flavours.

Nutrition

Per 100 g cashew butter provides around 580 calories, 18 g protein, 46 g fat, and 30 g carbohydrates, including 3 g fibre.

✓ Excellent source of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats;
✓ Provides magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc;
✓ Contains plant-based protein and natural sweetness from the nuts themselves;

Cashew butter is nutrient-dense and energising, making it a wholesome ingredient for sauces, spreads, or baked goods in balanced plant-based meals.

Health Benefits

Cashew butter supports heart health thanks to its unsaturated fats, which may help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and improve overall lipid balance. It’s rich in magnesium and copper, essential for bone strength, energy metabolism, and collagen formation. The natural fats and protein help stabilise blood sugar and promote long-lasting satiety. Cashew butter is also gentle on digestion and free from cholesterol and lactose, making it suitable for most diets.

How Cashew Butter Is Made

Cashew butter is made by grinding roasted or raw cashews until their natural oils release and form a creamy paste. Roasted cashews produce a richer, deeper flavour, while raw cashews give a lighter, subtler taste. Some commercial versions include added salt or oil for texture, though pure cashew butter contains only nuts. The process is simple but requires steady blending to achieve the silky-smooth consistency characteristic of nut butters.

Types of Cashew Butter

✓ Raw Cashew Butter – Made from unroasted cashews; mild, creamy, and perfect for desserts or light sauces.
✓ Roasted Cashew Butter – Stronger, nuttier flavour; great for savoury dishes or as a spread.
✓ Crunchy Cashew Butter – Contains small nut pieces for added texture.

Choose according to recipe — smooth for sauces and baking, crunchy for toppings or texture in snacks.

How to Prepare

1. Stir before use to mix in any natural oil separation.
2. Spread on toast, blend into smoothies, or use as a base for creamy sauces and curries.
3. For dressings or desserts, mix with a little warm water or plant milk to achieve a pourable consistency.

Storage

Store cashew butter in a cool, dark cupboard before opening. Once opened, refrigerate to extend freshness and prevent oil separation. It keeps for about 3 months at room temperature or up to 6 months in the fridge. Always use a clean, dry spoon to avoid contamination.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes. Cashew butter can be frozen for up to 6 months. Store it in small portions or airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw at room temperature and stir well before use — freezing doesn’t affect its flavour or texture significantly.

Difference Between Cashew Butter and Other Nut Butters

Cashew butter is softer and naturally sweeter than almond or peanut butter, with a milder taste and creamier texture. It’s ideal when you want a neutral, buttery base rather than a strong nutty flavour. It also tends to be slightly lower in protein than peanut butter but higher in minerals like copper and magnesium.

What Do We Use?

At DAREBEETS, we use smooth roasted cashew butter with no added oil or sugar because it blends perfectly into sauces, dressings, and desserts while providing a naturally creamy texture and balanced flavour.