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.
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Slow Cooker Candied Nuts
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Peanut Butter Cream Pie
Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
Spiced Nut Mix
Special Banana Nut Bread
Curried Tropical Nut Mix
Chunky Fruit and Nut Relish
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Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
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Ultimate Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
Cranberry Nut Muffins
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Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
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Coconut Pecan Pie
Pistachio-Walnut Cookies
Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting
Sweet & Savory Pineapple Cheese Ball
Apricot-Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Pecan Bacon
Nutty Pie-Crust Cookies
Orange Pistachio Cookies
Pistachio French Toast
Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Granola
Peanut Pretzel Toffee Bark
Roasted Banana & Pecan Cheesecake
Pistachio Palmiers
Hungarian Walnut Cookies
Orange-Almond Choclava
Caramel Nut Breakfast Cake
Honey Cinnamon Rollups
Apricot-Hazelnut Triangles
Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
Maple Pecan Tarts
Caramel Heavenlies
Chocolate-Glazed Coconut Almond Cheesecake
Cherry Almond Mousse Pie
Pumpkin Surprise Muffins
Almond Cherry Fudge
Grain-Free Apple Pie Granola
Crunchy French Toast
Almond Espresso Bars
Almond Icebox Cookies
Cranberry-Cherry Nut Pie
Spiced Rum-Nut Brittle
Raisin Nut Oatmeal
Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets
Orange Banana Nut Bread
Ginger & Maple Macadamia Nut Cookies
Double Nut Baklava
Macadamia Key Lime Pie
Coconut Fruitcake
Rustic Nut Bars
Butternut Squash Bake
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
Cranberry-Apple Nut Crunch
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