Peanut butter is the OG when it comes to nut butter—anyone who grew up eating PB&J sandwiches can attest to that. However, in recent years, almond butter has been gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to peanut butter. So, what’s the difference between these 2 kinds of nut butter? Is one actually better for you than the other? In this article, we’ll reveal why you may want to choose one over the other. We’ll review the benefits and drawbacks of each type of nut butter, as well as their nutrient profiles. By the end, you’ll know everything there is to know about almond butter vs. peanut butter— and which one is right for you.
Peanut butter is a spread made from ground, roasted peanuts. It’s typically smooth in texture, although you can also find crunchy varieties. Peanut butter is a popular food all around the world and has been eaten for centuries. In fact, it was first created in the late 1800s as a protein-rich food for those who couldn’t afford meat.
Peanut butter is a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also relatively low in carbohydrates (7). Thanks to its creamy texture and nutty flavor, peanut butter makes a delicious addition to many different recipes.
Like peanut butter, almond butter is a spread made from ground, roasted nuts. However, as you might’ve guessed from its name, almond butter is made from almonds instead of peanuts.
Almond butter shares many of the same nutrients as peanut butter. It’s a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals (1). Just like peanut butter, almond butter is also relatively low in carbohydrates.
So, now that you know a little bit about each type of nut butter, let’s compare their nutrient profiles side-by-side.
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Both almond butter and peanut butter are good sources of nutrients.
Here’s a closer look at the nutrient profiles of each:
16 grams of almond butter (one tablespoon) contains the following nutrients:
16 grams of peanut butter (one tablespoon) contains the following nutrients:
Nut butter is generally high in calories— and almond butter and peanut butter are no exception.
One tablespoon of almond butter contains approximately 98 calories while an equal amount of peanut butter contains approximately 96 calories.
The slight difference in calories is due to the different amounts of fat and protein in each type of nut butter. Almond butter has very slightly more fat than peanut butter, while peanut butter has a very slightly higher protein content.
So, if you’re watching your calorie intake, the difference between the two is negligible. r What you may want to keep in mind with either is to limit your portion size to 1 tablespoon.
Both almond butter and peanut butter are good sources of plant-based protein. One tablespoon of almond butter contains 3.4 grams of protein while an equal amount of peanut butter has 3.6 grams.
Protein is an important nutrient that helps your body repair and grow cells, produce enzymes and hormones, and provide energy. It’s especially important for athletes and people who exercise regularly, as protein helps build and repair muscle tissue (6).
Incorporate almond butter or peanut butter into your diet by spreading it on whole-wheat toast, adding it to oatmeal or smoothies, or using it as a dip for fruits and vegetables. Pairing it with low-calorie foods will help you reach your protein goals without going over your daily calorie budget.
Dietary fat is an important nutrient that your body needs for many different functions. Fat helps absorb vitamins, insulate your body, and protect your organs. It’s also a source of energy. In fact, fat provides more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrates (2).
There are 3 main types of fat: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. Saturated fat is the type of fat that in high amounts can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are considered to be “healthy” fats because including more of them and less saturated fat can help lower your cholesterol levels and may reduce your risk of heart disease (2).
Almond butter is slightly richer in healthy fats than peanut butter, but they are both great sources. A tablespoon of almond butter contains 5.2 grams of monounsaturated fat and 2.2 grams of polyunsaturated fat. Peanut butter has a slightly lower content of healthy fats with 4.2 grams of monounsaturated fat and 2.0 grams of polyunsaturated fat per tablespoon.
Peanut butter has slightly more saturated fat than almond butter. If you’re looking for nut butter that’s a little bit higher in healthy fats and lower in saturated fat, you can choose almond butter over peanut butter. However, the difference is small and they are both still great sources of healthy fats while being considered low in saturated fat.
Fiber is an important nutrient that helps keep you regular and may also reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, and type II diabetes. Your gut health also benefits from a high-fiber diet (3).
Almond butter is a good source of fiber, with 2.5 grams per tablespoon. Peanut butter, in comparison, has slightly lower fiber content, with 0.8 grams per tablespoon.
Incorporating more fiber into your diet is easy with either almond butter or peanut butter. You may spread either one on whole-wheat toast, add it to oatmeal or yogurt, or use it as a dip for fruits and vegetables.
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Almond butter is the star when it comes to vitamins and minerals.
Some of the vitamins and minerals found in almond butter include:
Peanut butter still contains all three of these nutrients, just not as much as almond butter.
Both almond butter and peanut butter are good sources of other vitamins and minerals, including:
Natural, unsweetened almond butter and peanut butter don’t contain much sugar. Peanut butter has slightly more sugar than almond butter, but the difference is small. Unfortunately, many commercially-available brands of peanut butter and almond butter are loaded with added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.
When you’re at the store, be sure to read the nutrition label carefully. Look for brands that contain only peanuts or almonds (or other nuts) and salt. Avoid brands that contain added sugar, hydrogenated oils, or other unhealthy ingredients.
Taste is subjective, but many people find that almond butter has a richer, more complex flavor than peanut butter. Peanut butter tends to have a creamier texture than almond butter.
If you’re looking for nut butter with a more intense flavor, choose almond butter over peanut butter. If you prefer a smoother, creamier texture, go for peanut butter. You may find you like both, perhaps just for different applications.
Almond butter is usually more expensive than peanut butter. This is because almonds are more expensive than peanuts. If you’re on a budget, choose peanut butter over almond butter.
Store-bought nut butters are convenient, but they may contain unhealthy ingredients like added sugar and hydrogenated oils. You can control the ingredients in your nut butter by making it at home.
Making nut butter at home is easy. All you need is a food processor and your favorite nuts. Simply place the nuts in a food processor and blend until they reach the desired consistency. Use the recipes below to make your own almond butter or peanut butter at home.
This easy almond butter recipe only requires 3 ingredients: almonds, a neutral-tasting oil, and salt.
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This peanut butter recipe gives a smooth, creamy texture and a rich flavor.
Both almond butter and peanut butter can be part of a healthy diet.
Here are some tips for using them:
Both almond butter and peanut butter make excellent spreads. Pair them with high-fiber fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, or carrots. You can also use them in place of butter or margarine on toast or sandwiches.
Use almond butter or peanut butter in place of other fats when baking. For example, you can use either nut butter in place of butter or oil when making muffins, cookies, or quick bread. You can also use nut butter to make a healthier frosting for cakes or cupcakes.
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Almond butter and peanut butter make excellent healthy snacks. Enjoy them with whole-wheat crackers or bread, or pair them with fruits or vegetables. You can also use either nut butter to make a healthy energy bar or bite.
Use almond butter or peanut butter as a dipping sauce for fruits and vegetables. You can also use nut butter to make a healthy salad dressing or sauce for noodle dishes. Thin it out with lemon or lime juice, water, and a touch of herbs or spices.
To build muscle, you need to consume enough protein. Add a scoop of almond butter or peanut butter to your morning smoothie or shake to boost its protein content. Include your choice of nut butter in other high-protein recipes like pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt bowls.
So, is almond butter better than peanut butter? The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and preferences. If you are watching your calorie intake and looking for a heart-healthy option, both nut butters offer similar benefits.
Almond butter contains a bit more of certain minerals but comes at a higher price tag. Feel free to choose based on your personal taste preferences and budget, unless you have an allergy to one or the other. No matter which nut butter you choose, be sure to read the nutrition label carefully and choose a product that doesn’t contain any added sugar or unhealthy ingredients.
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