Why do cashews cost so much?
Published on: July 14, 2026, 11:39 a.m. | Source: Times of India
Cashews are one of those foods that disappear from a bowl almost as quickly as they're served. They're creamy, mildly sweet, packed with nutrients and often considered a healthier alternative to processed snacks. Yet, a quick glance at supermarket shelves reveals something many shoppers have wondered about: Why are cashews so expensive compared to peanuts, almonds or walnuts? The answer lies in a long, labour-intensive journey that begins long before the nuts reach store shelves. Unlike many other tree nuts, cashews cannot simply be shaken from a tree, shelled by machines and packed for sale. Every edible cashew has gone through a careful, time-consuming process that requires skill, safety precautions and significant manual effort. Here's what makes cashews one of the costliest nuts in the world.
