What's The Difference Between Costco's Black Label And Classic Kirkland Signature Cashews?

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Customers adore Costco's products for many reasons, but one of the top attractions of Kirkland Signature, which we ranked as the best store brand, is its refreshing simplicity. No need to spend precious shopping time deliberating over 12 different brands of the same item – you can just pick the Costco version and move on (Kirkland Signature is often better than the brand-name competition anyway). One aisle where the choice isn't so simple, however, is where the nuts are. If you've ever browsed for cashews at the warehouse chain, you may have noticed that there are multiple Kirkland Signature options to choose from.

Costco sells two varieties of private-label cashews: Kirkland Signature Black Label whole cashews and Kirkland Signature fancy whole cashews. Both products are roasted in peanut oil and lightly seasoned with sea salt. Nutritionally, they're nearly identical, leading many customers to wonder what, exactly, is the difference between these nuts. At the simplest level, Costco's black label cashews are the bigger, more exclusive (and therefore pricier) of the two, while the more classic, fancy cashews are, despite their name, considered the less-fancy option. However, like a great cashew, the difference is more complex and nuanced than meets the eye.

Costco's Kirkland Signature Black Label cashews come in an elegant glass jar that gives the impression of a premium product, and they have the pedigree to match. These are W180 grade cashews, meaning there are between 140 and 180 nuts per pound. For context, the most common cashew grade is W320, so Costco's black label cashews are nearly double the size of your standard supermarket nut.

In this case, bigger really does mean better — W180 cashews are truly the cream of the crop, making up just a tiny fraction of the global cashew market (which Costco dominates). They are known as the "king of cashews" and are coveted for their rich flavor and silky-smooth texture. Costco's black label offering is no exception. One Reddit user gushed, "These cashews are larger, taste very creamy and buttery, and have an incredibly satisfying and fresh crunch to them."

The premium packaging is a major bonus. Several Reddit commenters noted that the handy reusable glass jars are part of why they buy the black label cashews (here's why you should never throw away old jars). While price varies by location, Costco's Kirkland Signature Black Label cashews will typically set you back about $23 for a 38-ounce jar. While this is a few bucks per pound more than the Kirkland Signature fancy cashews, if you're looking for an extra-special nut, these ultra-premium black label cashews are worth the splurge.

If the black label nuts are the Johnnie Walker of the cashew aisle, Costco's Kirkland Signature fancy cashews are a solid mid-shelf whisky. They come in a convenient resealable, 2½-pound plastic bag, making them a fabulous option for daily snacking, baking, and cooking. It's not clear exactly what grade these cashews are, but they're likely W240 or W210, which are more widely available "jumbo" grades of the nut.

Costco's fancy cashews may not be quite as luxurious as their black label counterpart, but they do have some advantages. For one thing, they're cheaper — they typically cost around $19 for a 40-ounce bag, or roughly $7.60 per pound. The black label cashews' price per pound is just over $10. Kirkland Signature fancy cashews are also more consistently available, probably because the smaller cashews are easier to reliably source.

While many people prefer the black label cashews, not everyone is convinced. Some Reddit reviewers find that Kirkland Signature fancy cashews taste the same as, or even better (more roasted) than, the black label version. Taste is subjective and highly personal, but what's clear is that Costco's fancy cashews are a popular product that receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. They are a great everyday nut option, especially if you're looking to save a little dough. If you're craving more ways to upgrade your Costco snacking game, here's our ultimate ranking of Kirkland Signature snacks.