W240 is a white whole cashew grade of about 220–240 kernels per pound — larger than the benchmark W320 and therefore a premium grade that commands a higher price. The “W” means white/first-quality whole, and “240” is the count per pound: fewer, bigger kernels. W240’s large, uniform kernels make it a favourite for gifting, premium retail and garnish, and it typically trades at a premium over W320. This page explains what W240 means, its size, why it costs more, and where it sits among the grades.
What W240 Means
W = white first-quality whole kernel; 240 = the approximate count per pound. W240 kernels are ivory-white, unbroken and noticeably large — a step up in size from the mid-range W320. Only W180 (“King”) and W210 (“Jumbo”) are larger. See the full range on the cashew grades chart.
Size & Count per Lb (220–240)
At about 220–240 kernels per pound, W240 has fewer, bigger kernels than W320’s 300–320. The lower the count number, the larger the kernel, so W240 reads as a premium size without being the very largest.
| Grade | Count per lb | Size vs W320 | Price vs W320 |
|---|---|---|---|
| W180 | ~170–180 | Much larger | Highest |
| W210 | ~200–210 | Larger | Higher |
| W240 | ~220–240 | Larger | Premium |
| W320 | ~300–320 | Benchmark | — |
Why W240 Is a Premium Grade
Large, uniform whole kernels are harder to recover — bigger nuts are less common and more easily broken — so they are scarcer and priced higher. W240’s size and clean appearance make it the choice where presentation matters, which sustains its premium over the benchmark W320.
Typical Uses
W240 suits premium retail packs, gifting tins, and garnish on desserts and dishes where a large, attractive kernel counts. It is less common in cooking or ingredient uses, where the smaller, cheaper grades do the same job.
W240 vs W320 (Size & Price)
W240 is the natural step up from W320: larger kernels at a premium. For everyday snacking and cooking, W320 offers better value; for premium and gift markets, W240’s size justifies the extra cost. The two are the most-quoted white grades.
Price Premium Context
W240 consistently trades above W320, with the exact spread moving with crop, origin and demand. For current grade pricing and the drivers behind it, see cashew kernels price per kg — and ask us for a live quote rather than a dated number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does W240 mean? W = white first-quality whole kernel; 240 = the approximate number of kernels per pound. So W240 is a large, unbroken white cashew, a premium size grade.
Is W240 bigger than W320? Yes. W240 is about 220–240 kernels per pound versus 300–320 for W320, so W240 has fewer, larger kernels.
How much more expensive is W240 than W320? W240 trades at a premium over W320, but the exact spread changes daily with crop, origin and demand. Check current grade prices for the live gap.
What is W240 cashew used for? Premium retail packs, gifting tins and garnish — uses where a large, uniform kernel matters. For cooking and ingredients, smaller grades are more economical.