Post actualizado el día octubre 25, 2026 by DeiviSanzPlay
I’ve bought cashews at Mercadona more times than I can count. And I always have the same doubt: are they really as good as the ones from a specialty store, or does it just seem that way because they’re right there? After comparing labels, prices, and trying several brands, I’ll tell you what I’ve figured out.
Mercadona Cashews: What Nobody Tells You About Their Quality
Mercadona sells cashews under its own brand, Hacendado. You can find them in natural, roasted, and salted varieties. Most come from Vietnam, India, or Ivory Coast, which are the world’s major producers. That’s not bad per se, but it does make a difference in flavor and in the final price.
If you’re looking for Mercadona cashews at a good value, the scales tip toward the positive side. They’re not the best on the market, but they more than do the job for everyday snacking. Their strong point is value for money: they run about 2.50–3 euros per 200-gram bag, depending on the variety. Compare that to the 5–6 euros they charge at a bulk nut shop and you’ll see the difference.
That said, if you’re a flavor purist, you’ll notice that Mercadona’s cashews have a more uniform roast and sometimes a touch more salt than you’d expect. It’s not a serious flaw, but it’s there.
Benefits of Cashews: What Science Supports (and What It Doesn’t)
There’s a lot of talk about cashews as a superfood, and that’s partly true. They’re rich in monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, the same one found in olive oil. That helps keep LDL cholesterol in check. They also provide magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamin K.
But beware of exaggerations. A handful of cashews (about 30 grams) has around 160–170 calories. It’s not a light snack. If you overdo it, you’ll gain weight. The key is moderation: 20–30 grams a day is a reasonable amount.
And what about the claim that they help you lose weight? Not directly. What they do is fill you up more than a cookie or a bag of chips, because they combine healthy fat, protein, and fiber. If you swap junk snacking for a handful of cashews, you come out ahead. But don’t expect miracles.
Cashews for Weight Loss: The Truth, No Beating Around the Bush
I’ve read some truly outrageous things about cashews and weight loss. The reality is simple: they’re calorie-dense but nutritious. If you include them in a balanced diet and control your portions, they help keep hunger at bay. If you eat the whole bag while watching a series, you’re adding 800 calories without realizing it.
A trick I use: I divide them into 30-gram bags as soon as I get home. That way I don’t overdo it. It sounds fussy, but it works. And if you buy the salted ones, watch out for the sodium. The natural ones are a better choice for weight and blood pressure control.
Prices and Varieties: What You’ll Find on the Shelf
Mercadona doesn’t always have the same selection. It depends on the season and the store. What you’ll usually find:
- Hacendado natural cashews: 200 g bag, about €2.80. No added salt.
- Roasted salted cashews: same weight, similar price. Tastier but less versatile for cooking.
- Spiced or wasabi cashews: harder to find, but they show up in occasional promotions. Slightly higher price.
You can also find cashew butter in some stores, though it’s not a regular product. If you see it, try it: it’s good and has no added oils.
Are They Worth It Compared to Other Brands?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want organic or fair-trade cashews, Mercadona isn’t your place. You’ll have to go to specialty stores or buy online. But for regular, no-frills consumption, the Hacendado ones do the job.
I’ve compared them with brands like Borges or Soria Natural. Mercadona’s come out cheaper and the flavor is very similar. The difference lies in the origin and the type of roasting. Mercadona’s tend to be more uniform, which some people find artificial. Personally, I don’t care as long as they taste good.
How to Include Them in Your Diet Without Getting Bored
Cashews are very versatile. Not just for snacking. I use them in:
- Breakfast: a handful in yogurt or oatmeal. They add crunch and protein.
- Smoothies: with banana and milk, they turn out creamy. A trick: soak them 2 hours beforehand and blend them.
- Sauces: the famous cashew sauce for stir-fry. You make it by blending soaked cashews with water, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
- Baking: homemade cashew butter. All you need is cashews and a food processor. No sugar or oils.
If you’ve never used them in cooking, start with the sauce. It’s the most impressive and surprises anyone.
Straightforward Conclusion: Should I Buy Them or Not?
Mercadona’s cashews are a practical, cheap, and decent option. They’re not gourmet, but they don’t pretend to be. If you’re looking for a healthy snack to take to work or to nibble between meals without breaking the bank, go for it. If you’re a nut connoisseur, you’ll probably prefer other options.
My advice: try a bag. If they win you over, keep buying them. If not, you’ll always have the neighborhood nut shop. But don’t believe everything you read about superfoods. Cashews are good, yes, but they don’t work miracles. The key is in your overall diet and not overdoing your portions.
