Although lower in protein than peanut butter, cashew butter is higher in many minerals, including iron. One 2 tbsp. serving of cashew butter contains more than twice as much iron and copper as peanut butter. Two tablespoons contain more phosphorus and magnesium than peanut butter as well. In addition, cashew butter is a healthy alternative for those with peanut allergies.
Calories and Fat
One serving of cashew butter contains 188 calories, most of which come from fat. One serving contains 15.8g of fat, which makes up 142 of the 188 calories. However, nearly all of the fat in cashew butter is heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Unsaturated fats are a healthier alternative to saturated fats because saturated fats can increase the levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol in the blood. Cashew butter also contains no cholesterol.
Protein
One serving of cashew butter contains 5.62g of protein. Although this is less protein than the amount in either almond or cashew butter, it is still over 10 percent of the dietary reference intake, or DRI, of protein for both men and women under age 50. Dietary reference intakes are the recommended intake amounts for each nutrient per day.
Carbohydrates
One serving of cashew butter contains 8.8g of carbohydrates per serving. Cashew butter is low in sugar, with only 1.6g per serving. Peanut butter contains nearly twice as much sugar, with 3g per serving. Cashew butter also contains little fiber. One serving contains only .6g, which is less than 3 percent of the DRI.
Sodium
Salted cashew butter contains 195mg of sodium per serving, which is 8 percent of the DRI. Unsalted cashew butter is an alternative for those looking to keep their sodium intake low. One serving of unsalted cashew butter contains only 4mg of sodium per serving.
Other Minerals
Along with sodium, cashew butter contains other essential minerals. One serving contains 1.6mg of iron, which is 20 percent of the DRI for men and 9 percent for women. One serving also supplies 78 percent of the DRI for copper, which works with iron to help produce red blood cells. In addition, one serving of cashew butter provides 21 percent of the DRI for phosphorus and more than 10 percent for both magnesium and manganese.
Vitamins
Although cashew butter is low in most vitamins, one serving does contain 11.2mcg of vitamin K, which is 13 percent of the DRI for women and 9 percent for men. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin important for blood clotting and strong bones. Unlike peanut butter, cashew butter is low in vitamin E. It contains less than 2 percent of the DRI per serving, while peanut butter provides nearly 20 percent of the DRI.
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