2% Milk vs Cashews

Side-by-side macro comparison. 2% Milk vs Cashews per their standard serving sizes.

2% Milk

per 1 cup (240ml)

122 cal
8g Protein
12g Carbs
5g Fat
Full 2% Milk macros →
vs

Cashews

per 1 oz (28g)

157 cal
5.2g Protein
9g Carbs
12g Fat
Full Cashews macros →

Macro Comparison Table

Macro 2% Milk Cashews Difference
Calories 122 cal 157 cal -22% 2%
Protein 8g 5.2g +54% 2%
Carbs 12g 9g +33% 2%
Fat 5g 12g -58% 2%

Differences shown relative to 2% Milk. Positive = 2% Milk has more.

Quick Take

2% Milk delivers 122 calories per serving with 8g protein, 12g carbs, and 5g fat. Cashews delivers 157 calories with 5.2g protein, 9g carbs, and 12g fat. The most meaningful difference: 2% Milk saves 35 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. Both deliver similar protein density.

When to Pick Each

For Cutting / Weight Loss

When cutting on a tight calorie budget, 2% Milk gives you 35 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), 2% Milk delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.

For Bulking / Muscle Gain

For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Cashews brings 157 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. 2% Milk delivers 8g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.

For Keto / Low-Carb

Cashews fits cleanly into keto with only 9g carbs. 2% Milk at 12g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20g carb budget.

Frequently Asked

Which has more protein, 2% Milk or Cashews?

2% Milk has more protein: 8g vs 5.2g per serving. That's a difference of 2.8g.

Which has fewer calories, 2% Milk or Cashews?

2% Milk has 122 calories per serving vs 157 calories in Cashews — a difference of 35 calories.

Is 2% Milk or Cashews better for keto?

Cashews is the better keto choice at 9g carbs per serving vs 12g carbs in 2% Milk.

Is 2% Milk or Cashews better for weight loss?

For weight loss, 2% Milk gives you more calorie flexibility (35 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, 2% Milk delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from 2% Milk.

Which Is Better for Your Goal?

🔥 Weight Loss

2% Milk

Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.

💪 Muscle Gain

2% Milk

Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.

🥑 Low-Carb / Keto

Cashews

Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.

Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.

Find Your Personal Macros

The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:

→ Calculate My Macros (Free)

Related Comparisons

Other ways 2% Milk and Cashews stack up:

Full 2% Milk guideFull Cashews guideAll comparisons