Some people also enjoy cashew butter, which is a spread made from blended roasted cashews. If you are choosing nut butter for a boost of protein, peanut butter is a better bet. But some people prefer the milder taste of cashew butter. Ultimately, the nutrition in your nut butter depends on the ingredients added during processing. Look for nut butter that contains just nuts. Some may also include added oil. Try to avoid nut butter with added sugars or excess sodium. Cashew milk is also available and may be a smart choice, especially for those that need to avoid the lactose found in dairy products. However, keep in mind that many nut milk such as cashew milk may contain other ingredients like added sugar, and they may not provide as many micronutrients as dairy milk. Be sure to check the nutrition facts label and the ingredients list on the nut milk you're thinking of trying before you make your decision.

Cashews are native to Central and South America, as well as several Caribbean Islands. In these places, they have been enjoyed for thousands of years. They did not become popular in the United States until the General Food Corporation began shipping them in bulk during the 1920s. Today, however, Americans are among the world's most dedicated cashew consumers. Cashews have previously received a bad rap for including saturated fat, but this may not be as problematic as the saturated label suggests. Much of the fat in cashews come from stearic acids, which experts believe has a neutral impact on blood cholesterol. Research suggests that people who eat a small serving of cashews every day see a minor reduction in cholesterol.