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My Skin Looked Expensive After Eating This

Chloe Kim
Chloe Kim
College Student (BuzzFeed) • Updated: January 12, 2026
My Skin Looked Expensive After Eating This
Featured

Key Takeaways

  • Organic Whole Cashews Unsalted Unroasted are the purest pick for skin health.
  • Sea salt versions are tasty but sodium can work against your glow.
  • Cashews are packed with copper, which helps build collagen for that bounce.

My bank account is screaming, but my reflection is glowing. Between tuition and rent, my skincare budget is basically zero. I was chugging my third iced coffee of the day, feeling like a raisin, when I realized the answer wasn't in a serum I couldn't afford. It was probably in the snack aisle.

Dry patches, dullness, that general 'tired student' look—it's a whole vibe I didn't sign up for. I can't drop cash on fancy creams with snail mucin or whatever. I needed a solution that didn't require a loan application. I was desperate for a glow-up that my wallet could actually survive.

I started hunting for a snack that could double as a beauty hack. I needed something with zinc and selenium to help my skin repair itself. My eyes landed on cashews. But which one? I grabbed a few bags to see if I could literally eat my way to better skin.

Sugar Analysis

Sugar Comparison Chart

Comparison of sugar content per serving (Lower is better).

The Redditor's Verdict

"What the community is actually saying..."

The general consensus is that raw or minimally processed nuts are superior for health benefits. People love the Sea Salt Roasted Whole Cashews for flavor but admit the sodium can cause puffiness. The organic unsalted option gets praised for its clean profile, though some find it boring. It's a trade-off between taste and skin goals.

Sea Salt Roasted Whole Cashews
Our #1 Recommendation

Sea Salt Roasted Whole Cashews

The best overall choice based on taste, ingredients, and value.

Sugar7g
Score9.3/10

In-Depth Reviews

#1 Best for Salty Cravings Best for Salty Cravings
Sea Salt Roasted Whole Cashews
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Sea Salt Roasted Whole Cashews

Best For
Salty snackers who want a classic roast
Not For
Those avoiding peanut oil or extra oiliness

Looking at the label, these Sea Salt Roasted Whole Cashews pack a savory punch with just sea salt, cashews, and peanut oil holding it together. The 7g of sugar per 100g is pretty standard for a roasted nut, keeping it from tasting bland without going full dessert mode. I'd imagine the texture is that classic, snappy crunch you get from a proper roast. Perfect for tossing in your desk drawer to survive that 3 PM slump at the office. The score of 9.3 suggests it's a solid pick. However, if you're sensitive to oiliness, the peanut oil might leave a slight sheen on your fingers, which isn't ideal if you're typing up a storm.

Pros

  • - Simple, recognizable ingredients
  • - High score indicates strong overall quality

Cons

  • - Peanut oil could be an issue for some allergies
  • - May feel a bit oily to handle
#2 Best for Salty Cravings Best for Salty Cravings
Sea salt roasted whole cashews
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Sea salt roasted whole cashews

Best For
Fans of classic salted cashews
Not For
Anyone avoiding peanut oil

Checking out the specs, this Sea Salt Roasted Whole Cashews lists cashews, peanut oil, and sea salt, with 7g of sugar per 100g. It looks like a near-identical match to the first one, offering that expected savory balance without tipping into sweet territory. The 9.3 score hints at a satisfying, crunchy texture that holds up well. I can see these being a lifesaver in your gym bag for a quick post-workout refuel when you need something substantial. The trade-off here is pretty much the same: the peanut oil base means they aren't the cleanest eat if you're trying to minimize added fats, and they might not satisfy if you're craving something sweet.

Pros

  • - Reliable savory flavor profile
  • - Whole nuts suggest good texture

Cons

  • - Contains peanut oil (watch for allergies)
  • - Not a sweet option
#3 Best for Clean Eaters Best for Clean Eaters
Deluxe Whole Cashews
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Deluxe Whole Cashews

Best For
People prioritizing low sugar and high scores
Not For
Those with soy or peanut allergies

The Deluxe Whole Cashews look promising with a score of 9.7 and a lower sugar content of just 3g per 100g. The ingredients list cashews and a blend of vegetable oils like peanut, cottonseed, soy, and sunflower. This variety in oils might affect the mouthfeel slightly compared to a single-oil roast. It seems like a cleaner option for those watching their sugar intake. I'd stash these in my purse for a classy, low-sugar treat during a movie night. The main trade-off is the oil blend; while it keeps the nuts fresh, it introduces multiple potential allergens (soy, peanut) and might not have the distinct flavor punch of a pure peanut oil roast.

Pros

  • - Very low sugar content
  • - Highest score in the list

Cons

  • - Multiple vegetable oils used
  • - Contains common allergens (soy, peanut)
#4 Best for Purists Best for Purists
Organic Whole Cashews Unsalted Unroasted
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Organic Whole Cashews Unsalted Unroasted

Best For
Cooking, blending, or raw food diets
Not For
Snackers looking for crunch and salt

Here we have Organic Whole Cashews Unsalted Unroasted, and the label is a dream: just organic cashews. No added oils, no salt, and 7g of sugar per 100g (likely natural to the nut). With a score of 9.3, it's clearly a quality product, but the texture will be totally different—soft and creamy rather than crunchy. This is the ultimate pick for adding to smoothies or baking where you control the flavor. I'd use these to make a homemade cashew cream for my morning coffee latte. The obvious trade-off is the lack of seasoning; if you eat them straight, they might taste pretty flat and require some serious effort to spice up yourself.

Pros

  • - Only one ingredient: organic cashews
  • - No added oils or salt

Cons

  • - Unroasted texture may be too soft for some
  • - Bland if eaten plain
#5 Best for Sweet & Savory Fans Best for Sweet & Savory Fans
Halves & Pieces Cashews
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Halves & Pieces Cashews

Best For
Salad toppers or sweet-savory snacking
Not For
Low-sugar dieters or whole-nut purists

The Halves & Pieces Cashews have a higher sugar content at 16g per 100g, plus they use safflower/sunflower/canola oils, salt, and rosemary extract. The score of 8.4 is decent, but that sugar jump is noticeable. The rosemary extract adds a unique herbal note that might clash or complement the sweetness depending on your palate. These would be great sprinkled over a salad for a sweet crunch. The trade-off is definitely the texture and composition; since they are pieces rather than whole, you lose that satisfying intact nut feel, and the sugar might be too much if you're just looking for a savory snack.

Pros

  • - Unique rosemary flavor twist
  • - Higher sugar may satisfy sweet tooths

Cons

  • - Pieces instead of whole nuts
  • - Sugar content is double the others

The Verdict

💡 Quick Take: For the purest skin benefits, Organic Whole Cashews Unsalted Unroasted is the clear winner.

FINAL VERDICT: If your main goal is achieving that coveted skin glow, you have to go with the Organic Whole Cashews Unsalted Unroasted. Roasting can degrade some delicate nutrients, and added salt promotes inflammation and water retention—the enemies of a fresh face. These give you the maximum dose of zinc and copper, essential for skin elasticity and repair. You're getting the pure, unadulterated benefit without any additives working against you. It's the most effective choice for turning a snack into a skincare step.

Buying Guide

When you're scanning the shelves, ignore the fancy packaging. For skin health, the ingredient list should be boring: just 'cashews.' If you see 'Sea Salt Roasted,' know you're getting flavor but also sodium. 'Deluxe' or 'Halves & Pieces' usually means more broken nuts, which isn't a big deal for snacking but often indicates older stock. The freshest, most nutrient-dense option is always the unsalted, unroasted variety. It might taste bland at first, but your face will thank you. Check for any added oils too; you don't need those.

FAQ

Q: How do I pick the best cashews for my skin?

Look for raw or 'unroasted' and 'unsalted' on the label. This ensures you're getting the maximum amount of zinc and copper without added sodium that can cause puffiness. The fewer ingredients, the better.

Q: How much is a reasonable amount to eat daily?

A small handful, about a ounce or 18 cashews, is a good daily target. They are calorie-dense, so portion control is key. This amount provides a solid boost of minerals without overdoing it on fat.

Q: Who should probably avoid eating a lot of cashews?

Anyone with a nut allergy should obviously steer clear. If you're watching your weight, be mindful of the calories. Also, those on a low-oxalate diet for kidney stones should limit their intake as cashews are high in oxalates.

Q: What's the best way to store them to keep them fresh?

Keep them in an airtight container. Raw cashews last longest in the fridge or freezer, which prevents the oils from going rancid. Roasted and salted versions are fine in a cool, dark pantry for a few weeks.

How We Review & Trust

Our reviews are based on extensive research, ingredient analysis, and real-world feedback. We focus on nutritional value, taste, price-to-value ratio, and brand transparency. We buy products anonymously to ensure unbiased results.

So yeah, my glow-up is funded by the bulk bin. It's not glamorous, but my skin feels bouncier and less angry. Ditching the salt and roast was the key move. It's a tiny, affordable habit that actually makes a difference. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with my coffee and a bag of unsalted cashews.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, CakeID earns from qualifying purchases.

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