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What’s the Difference Between Almond Butter and Peanut Butter?

Katie Bandurski

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It’s subtle, that’s for sure.

When reaching for a sandwich spread, you have more options than ever. But navigating the nut butter aisle can be a bit challenging—especially if you’re not sure what to look for.

That’s why we’re breaking down two of the most common varieties: almond butter and peanut butter. Here’s everything you need to know.

This is why nuts (and nut butters!) are worth eating.

An Intro to Almond Butter

Almond butter is what it sounds like—almonds ground into a paste-like consistency. The spread is commonly used on sandwiches, in baked goods or as an ingredient in oatmeal and smoothies.

From a nutritional standpoint, almond butter is rich in plant-based protein, monounsaturated fat (which is a good fat!), vitamins and minerals. It contains roughly 200 calories per serving.

Almond butter is a popular choice for anyone allergic to legumes or for those who dislike the taste of peanuts. It is, however, pretty pricey. A 16-ounce jar can cost anywhere between $6 and $12. (Purchase almond butter here.)

Sick of stirring your nut butter? Try this simple trick.

An Intro to Peanut Butter

There’s a good chance you’re already pretty familiar with peanut butter. It’s been a pantry (and lunchbox!) staple for decades. This spread is made from ground peanuts, and is popular in baked goods, savory dishes and when paired with its partner-in-crime, jelly.

Peanut butter’s nutrition facts are similar to almond butter’s—but with a few key differences. It has more saturated fat than almond butter—which is a negative for anyone watching their cholesterol—but also a little more protein.

Peanut butter is a kid-friendly pick, and benefits anyone watching their budget. A 16-ounce jar retails for between $3 and $6. (Purchase peanut butter here.)

These recipes are perfect for peanut butter lovers.

But Which Butter Is Better?

That depends on what you’re looking for: Almond butter nutrition vs. peanut butter nutrition is very similar, but almond butter—with its extra vitamins, nutrients and monounsaturated fat—edges out peanut butter by just a hair. On a technical level, almond butter is healthier.

But when you look at the price tag, almond butter is substantially more expensive. So if you’re on a grocery budget (and, c’mon, who isn’t on a grocery budget?) peanut butter is the more cost-conscious choice.

Next, get our guide to the healthiest nut butters.

Check Out Our Top-Rated Nut Recipes

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Aunt Rose's Fantastic Butter Toffee

Aunt Rose's Fantastic Butter Toffee

I don't live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you'll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan

Cranberry Cheese Crumb Pie

Cranberry Cheese Crumb Pie

My mind works overtime to plan treats that surprise the family. They give this cranberry pie a “wow” and invite friends over to share it. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Nut Butter Cups

Nut Butter Cups

My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks great. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Fudge Nut Brownies

Fudge Nut Brownies

There's no brownie recipe or mix I've ever tried that's better than this! And it's so easy—you can mix it in one bowl in just a few minutes. My husband's grandmother passed the recipe on; now our son makes these brownies for after-school snacks. —Becky Albright, Norwalk, Ohio

Slow Cooker Candied Nuts

Slow Cooker Candied Nuts

I like giving spiced nuts as holiday gifts. This slow cooker recipe with ginger and cinnamon is so good, you just might use it all year long. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee

Maple Nut Truffles

Maple Nut Truffles

Rich, creamy and rolled in nuts, these truffles will satisfy any chocolate lover. Guaranteed to dress up your holiday cookie platters, they're no-bake and so simple to make! —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Peanut Butter Cream Pie

During the warm months, it's nice to have a fluffy, no-bake dessert that's a snap to make. Packed with peanut flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix

Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix

A filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington

Spiced Nut Mix

One Christmas, my good friend gave me this recipe and a sack of ingredients. I think of her every time I stir up these pumpkin-spiced nuts. —Patti Holland, Parker, Colorado

Special Banana Nut Bread

Special Banana Nut Bread

This extra-special banana bread makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors. The recipe makes two loaves, so I can serve one and keep the other one in the freezer to use as a last-minute gift. —Beverly Sprague, Catonsville, Maryland

Curried Tropical Nut Mix

Curried Tropical Nut Mix

This nutty concoction is an easy, make-at-home food gift. It will spice up the snack table at any party. Good luck keeping the bowl filled. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

Chunky Fruit and Nut Relish

Chunky Fruit and Nut Relish

I tuck a glass jar of this colorful relish into Christmas gift baskets along with cookies and fudge. Its tasty medley of fruits and nuts is delicious served with ham or poultry. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma

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Cheese grape appetizers

Cheese/Grape Appetizers

This appetizer is well worth the time it takes to make. The grapes look especially attractive on a bed of lettuce surrounded with crackers and cheese. —Eleanor Grofvert, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Apple Bread

I got this apple quick bread recipe a long time ago and with a few changes it's become one of our favorites. Everyone who's ever tasted this apple bread has asked for the recipe! —Phyllis Herlocker, Farlington, Kansas

Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread

Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread

Coming from Oregon, a state famous for its cranberries, this bread is a given at our house. Each fall my husband and I scrounge around for walnuts to go in it. It's a regular on our table, and not just at Thanksgiving. I freeze the berries so I have a ready supply all year long. —Elaine Kremenak, Grants Pass, Oregon

Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are rich and delicious - just like pecan pie! They're perfect for taking to potlucks and other gatherings...I always come home with an empty pan. These Kentucky Derby pecan pie bars are the perfect snack while watching the races. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York

Ultimate Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie

Ultimate Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie

Our family hosts an annual barn party for our close friends, complete with a pie cook-off. A few years ago, this recipe won first prize! —Janice Schneider, Kansas City, Missouri

Cranberry Nut Muffins

Cranberry Nut Muffins

These are delicious, beautiful muffins. I serve them during the holidays or anytime cranberries are available. The leftovers always make good breakfast treats. Through the years I've tried many cranberry recipes for bread and muffins, but this remains my family's all-time favorite! —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma

Bacon-Pecan Chocolate Truffles

Bacon-Pecan Chocolate Truffles

I love eating these truffles the day after I make them, after the full flavor of the bacon comes through. —Sylvia Shankle, Munhall, Pennsylvania

Hazelnut Brownie Bombe

Hazelnut Brownie Bombe

I love making ice cream bombes—they look so elegant yet are incredibly simple to make. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Cheddar-Pecan Crisps

Cheddar-Pecan Crisps

Lots of holiday treats are sweet. For a change of pace, I fill goodie bags with my cheese crackers. The recipe has a large yield, but you can freeze the dough logs to bake later. —Heather Necessary, Shamokin Dan, Pennsylvania

Bacon Walnut Bread with Honey Butter

Bacon Walnut Bread with Honey Butter

My savory walnut bread filled with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing is complemented by the sweetness of honey-flavored butter. Cut yourself a thick slice, slather on the butter and enjoy!—Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

These yummy pecan bars start with a homemade pastry crust and pile on lots of semisweet chocolate. They’re perfect for a holiday bake sale or casual get-together.—Heather Biedler, Martinsburg, West Virginia

Peach Gelatin Salad

Peach Gelatin Salad

My mother always asked our family what we wanted to eat for holiday dinners. Without exception, our requests included this refreshing gelatin. Toasted walnuts give it a little crunch. —Dennis King, Navarre, Florida

Coconut Pecan Pie

Coconut Pecan Pie

We top this with sliced bananas, whipped cream and more sliced bananas. It's based on a recipe my mom got from a pot holder she bought at the Patti's 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. —Jennifer Choisser, Paducah, Kentucky

Pistachio-Walnut Cookies

Pistachio-Walnut Cookies

I've had this cookie in my rotation for many years, and it never fails to please. I prefer pistachio nuts and black walnuts for sprinkling over the cookie cutouts, but it's fine to use whatever nut you prefer.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting

Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting

My husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is still tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana

Sweet & Savory Pineapple Cheese Ball

Sweet & Savory Pineapple Cheese Ball

One of my favorite dishes in childhood was my mom's pineapple and green pepper cheese ball. Now I make it, and it’s always a hit. —Susan Harrison, Laurel, Maryland

Apricot-Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Apricot-Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

I enjoy experimenting with cake mixes to make new cookie recipes. I love apricot, but feel free to fill the thumbprint in the center of these goodies with any fruit preserve you like. —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma

Pecan Bacon

Crispy, sweet bacon brightens up any morning. When my girls see this, they call it “special breakfast.” The big flavor punch may just surprise you. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina

Nutty Pie-Crust Cookies

Nutty Pie-Crust Cookies

I like Italian cream cake, so I used it as inspiration for this cookie recipe. The splash of orange liqueur in the filling is my special touch. —Sonji McCarty-Onezine, Beaumont, Texas

Orange Pistachio Cookies

Orange Pistachio Cookies

I had never tried pistachios until I visited a friend who served me these cookies. I was in love! I made the recipe my own, and now my family can't get enough of them. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Pistachio French Toast

Pistachio French Toast

I came up with this bake while on a beach trip with some friends. It turned out so well they fought for the last piece.—Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, CA

Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Granola

Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Granola

My husband says this granola with pumpkin and spices tastes like a bite of real pumpkin pie, and it’s a whole lot quicker to make. —Sarah Ozimek, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Peanut Pretzel Toffee Bark

Peanut Pretzel Toffee Bark

My toffee has been a traditional must-make treat for my family and friends for over 40 years. My Dad taught me to make great fudge from scratch but my toffee was his favorite candy and each time I make it, I think of him. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Roasted Banana & Pecan Cheesecake

Roasted Banana & Pecan Cheesecake

We keep bananas on hand, but with just two of us in the house they ripen faster than we can eat them. That makes them perfect for roasting and baking into this cheesecake with a nutty crust. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Pistachio Palmiers

Pistachio Palmiers

My family loves palmiers from the bakery, so I created my own recipe. These have a Mideastern twist with the addition of rosewater, honey and a touch of cardamom. They are light and crisp, and a special treat for the holidays. —Deborah Hinojosa, Saratoga, California

Hungarian Walnut Cookies

Hungarian Walnut Cookies

As a child, I always looked forward to eating these goodies at Christmastime. Now I make them for my own family. —Sharon Kurtz, Emmaus, Pennsylvania

Orange-Almond Choclava

Orange-Almond Choclava

A twist on classic baklava, this recipe adds semisweet chocolate to the nut filling and drizzles even more on top. Christmas gift-giving has never been yummier! —Nella Parker, Hersey, MI

Caramel Nut Breakfast Cake

Caramel Nut Breakfast Cake

I first tasted this incredible coffee cake when a kind neighbor brought it by. It was so good that my brother-in-law tried hiding it from us so he wouldn’t have to share. —Arlene Isaac, Crooked Creek, Alberta

Honey Cinnamon Rollups

Honey Cinnamon Rollups

This cinnamony treat reminds me of baklava, but with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. My Aunt Adele shared the recipe with me, and I think of her whenever I make it. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan

Apricot-Hazelnut Triangles

Apricot-Hazelnut Triangles

These crispy cookie treats can be changed up—try different nuts and jams, and dark or white chocolate depending on the holiday. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

I needed a new holiday cookie, so I tweaked an old 4-H recipe. This updated oatmeal cookie with cranberries and nuts is my family’s all-time favorite. —Tammy Hoggatt, Omaha, Nebraska

Maple Pecan Tarts

Maple Pecan Tarts

I absolutely love pecans. I combine them with maple and vanilla to create the ultimate tart, made even richer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Redawna Kalynchuk, Barrhead, Alberta

Caramel Heavenlies

Caramel Heavenlies

Before I cut these bars into triangles, I usually trim the edges so all the cookies look the same. My husband and daughter love this part because they get to eat the "scraps." —Dawn Burns, Lake St. Louis, Missouri

Chocolate-Glazed Coconut Almond Cheesecake

Chocolate-Glazed Coconut Almond Cheesecake

My idea was to make a cheesecake taste like my favorite candy bar, which has chocolate, coconut and almonds. This cheesecake also works in bite size. Use a mini muffin pan with muffin liners, fill 3/4 full and bake 15-17 minutes. Allow to sit and cool completely before topping with chocolate, coconut and almonds. —Keri Brammer, Lawton, Oklahoma

Cherry Almond Mousse Pie

Cherry Almond Mousse Pie

Treat your loved ones to a luscious pie with chocolate, cherries and nuts in a creamy vanilla mousse. It's a sweet yet refreshing dessert. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas

Pumpkin Surprise Muffins

Pumpkin Surprise Muffins

Filled with cream cheese and apricot preserves, these almond-topped pumpkin muffins are absolutely heavenly. —Elizabeth Blondefield, San Jose, California

Almond Cherry Fudge

Almond Cherry Fudge

Cooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee

Grain-Free Apple Pie Granola

Grain-Free Apple Pie Granola

Because of food allergies, I’ve learned to swap ingredients. There are no grains in this granola but loads of nuts and apples. Try it with yogurt or milk. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Crunchy French Toast

Crunchy French Toast

This light version of classic French toast is perfect for quick meals or Sunday brunches. My kids love it, and so do I! —Barbara Arnold, Spokane, Washington.

Almond Espresso Bars

Almond Espresso Bars

If you like coffee, you'll love these mocha morsels dressed up with toasted almonds. Save a few bars for afternoon snacktime or even breakfast, too. —Taire Van Scoy, Brunswick, Maryland

Almond Icebox Cookies

Almond Icebox Cookies

With a roll of this cookie dough on hand, I can serve freshly baked cookies in a snap. —Elizabeth Montgomery, Allston, Massachusetts

Cranberry-Cherry Nut Pie

Cranberry-Cherry Nut Pie

This delightful, stress-free pie combines cranberries with convenient cherry pie filling for a fresh, fun flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Spiced Rum-Nut Brittle

Spiced Rum-Nut Brittle

Seasoned with cayenne pepper and cinnamon, this spicy microwave brittle packs its own heat and warms up holiday visitors. It also makes a great stocking stuffer! —Terri McKitrick, Delafield, Wisconsin

Raisin Nut Oatmeal

Raisin Nut Oatmeal

There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California

Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets

Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets

These tasty appetizers look and taste gourmet, but they're easy to make and have loads of blue cheese flavor. The phyllo shells and filling can be made in advance—just fill the cups and warm them in the oven before serving. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Orange Banana Nut Bread

Orange Banana Nut Bread

I like this recipe because the orange juice gives the nut bread such a bright flavor and also makes it moist. —Barbara Roethlisberger, Shepherd, Michigan

Ginger & Maple Macadamia Nut Cookies

Ginger & Maple Macadamia Nut Cookies

This spiced cookie has a real kick of ginger, similar to traditional German lebkuchen. If you don’t have crystallized ginger, use colored sprinkles. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Double Nut Baklava

Double Nut Baklava

It may take some time to make this rich, buttery treat, but it's well worth the effort! The blend of coconut, pecans and macadamia nuts is irresistible. —Kari Kelley, Plains, Montana

Macadamia Key Lime Pie

Macadamia Key Lime Pie

I make Key lime pie at least four times a month during summer, it’s so refreshing. The shortbread crust adds richness. —Brynn LeMaire, Gueydan, Louisiana

Coconut Fruitcake

Coconut Fruitcake

A neighbor gave me this recipe when we first moved to this small town, saying it dated back to the 1800s and everybody in the area made it. I soon discovered why when I took a taste...and I'm not a fruitcake fan! —Lorraine Groh, Ferryville, Wisconsin

Rustic Nut Bars

Rustic Nut Bars

My friends love crunching into the shortbread-like crust and the wildly nutty topping on these chewy, gooey bars. —Barbara Driscoll, West Allis, Wisconsin

Butternut Squash Bake

Butternut Squash Bake

If I ask our two girls (ages 7 and 14) what to fix for a special meal, this dish is always requested. I discovered this slightly sweet and crunchy-topped casserole at a church dinner about 10 years ago, and now I take it to potluck dinners and come home with an empty dish! -Julie Jahn, Decatur, Indiana

Cranberry Waldorf Salad

Cranberry Waldorf Salad

Cranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington

Cranberry-Apple Nut Crunch

Cranberry-Apple Nut Crunch

This dessert is especially pretty and appropriate for the holidays. I updated my mother's recipe using instant oatmeal to make it even easier to fix. —Joyce Sheets, Lafayette, Indiana

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