Peanut butter is a childhood (and adulthood) favorite. You can eat it on everything, from breakfast toast to celery sticks and apple slices for an afternoon snack. Some days, you even eat it off a spoon. But peanut butter isn’t the only nut spread on the market — our tried-and-true nutty spread faces stiff competition from a host of different types of nut butter. 

Until recently, the only alternative to peanut butter was almond butter. But on the supermarket shelves now, you’ll find all kinds of different nut spreads. Cashew butter and walnut butter cozy up to tahini, a savory sesame seed butter, while hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, and brazil nuts are used to create some exciting spreads of their own.

The expanding market is good news for people who have a peanut allergy or are sensitive to tree nuts. No longer will your jelly sandwiches have to fly solo. Sunflower seed butter or spreads made from other legumes are becoming more readily available at your local grocery store. People with food sensitivities can access healthy and convenient meal options that most of us take for granted.

While the varieties have multiplied, so have the ways to use nut spreads. We can incorporate nut butter into smoothies, sauces, savory dips, baked into granola, and even used as an ice cream topping. They’re a great source of protein and can help you add some much-needed fiber and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats into your diet.

But not all nut butter brands are created equal. Let's look at some of the new kids on the block to discover the best nut butters that will soon become a staple in your pantry.

1. Mumgry Smooth Peanut Butter 375g Jar

Mumgry Smooth Peanut Butter uses only the good stuff — peanuts and nothing else. This pure peanut butter is essential for every pantry, adventure, or office desk. Rich in protein and with zero added sugar or salt, this peanut butter is the most versatile snack food.

$9.99

2. Justin's Almond Butter

This is the almond butter that started it all. Justin’s only uses sustainably-grown almonds and certified orangutan-friendly palm oil in their delicious spread. It’s also non-GMO and gluten-free, so you can enjoy it on its own or use it to make delicious protein-rich smoothies, meals, and desserts.

$15.99

3. Eliot's Nut Butter Espresso Nib Peanut Butter 12oz

It’s time to level up your peanut butter game with this perfect blend of peanuts and salt laced with the espresso flavor you didn’t know you were missing. After crunching on the cacao nibs, you’ll know it’s game over before you realize you’re on your second spoonful.

$9.89

4. Mumgry Pistachio Chocolate Almond Butter 375g Jar

Mumgry Pistachio Chocolate Almond Butter is delicious, nutritious, and luxurious. Mumgry carefully selected and roasted two of the most highly acclaimed nuts and then added a healthy amount of dark chocolate to create a truly unique, one-of-a-kind flavor.

$21.99

5. Eliot's Nut Butter Honey Chipotle Peanut Butter 12oz

Peanut butter, now with added zing. The smokey, spicy tingle of chipotle chilies and a hint of sweetness is an unforgettable, habit-forming combination. Try it baked into your favorite cookies, as a dip for apples and pretzels, or straight from the spoon. Snacktime will never be boring again.

$9.89

6. NUTTZO Nut Butters with Omega 3 Peanut Pro, Smooth, Natural 12 oz

Not your average nut butter! A nutritious, tasty, and non-GMO blend of seven nuts and seeds, this spread is high in protein and low in sugar. NUTTZO is the perfect addition to smoothies, pancakes, or desserts, spread on fruit, crackers, and veggies, or enjoyed by the spoonful — however you like, snack on!

$7.69

7. Eliot's Nut Butter Classic Salted Peanut Butter 12oz

Timeless and classic, this is the perfect blend of dry-roasted peanuts and just the right amount of salt. Eat it straight from the jar, or spread it on toast topped with bananas, pears, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Enjoy its simple phenomenal flavor anytime, anywhere. 

$9.89

FAQ

Which nut butter is the healthiest?

In the battle of the healthiest nut butter — almond butter vs. peanut butter vs. everything else — there are no clear winners. They all have their health benefits. The one you choose should depend on your health needs and your nutritional goals. Let’s take a look.

Best overall. If you’re looking for nut butter that provides balanced nutrition, you can’t get any better than almond butter. For a two-tablespoon serving, almond butter contains 7 grams of protein, 12 grams of monounsaturated and other healthy fats, plus vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.

Best protein. Good old-fashioned natural peanut butter is the clear winner if you want the most protein bang for your buck. It’s also a good source of antioxidants and a low-carb choice that can help you feel fuller longer when combined with fruits or veggies.

Best for vegans. Walnut butter can help vegetarians and vegans get the omega-3 fatty acids that their diet lacks. Although walnuts aren’t as high in other vitamins and minerals as other nuts, they can also help lower LDL cholesterol (bad) levels, boost HDL cholesterol (good), and reduce inflammation.

Best for low-carb diets. Macadamia nut spreads areperfect for people following a carbohydrate-reduced diet, as macadamias have three times the amount of fiber and 40% fewer carbs than cashew butter. It can also improve heart health by adding monounsaturated fats to your diet, which helps lower cholesterol levels and improve inflammation.

Best for immunity. Brazil nut butter is rich in selenium, which supports your cardiovascular and immune systems. It’s also a great source of B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and iron. On the downside, Brazil nuts have about half the protein as peanuts.

Best for micronutrients. Pecan butter isn’t for everyone. It’s higher in fat and calories than other nut butter, but it’s a nutrient powerhouse delivering solid servings of vitamins A and E, magnesium, and potassium. It’s also rich in manganese, an antioxidant that can help prevent cell damage.

Best post-workout. Move over, Gatorade. Pistachio butter has about the same amount of calories and fat as peanut butter, but it’s a great source of potassium, an electrolyte that you lose when you’re physically active.

Best for keto. In its pure form, hazelnut butter is a high-fat, low-carb peanut alternative, making it an excellent choice for people following the keto diet. That benefit flies out the window when you find hazelnut spread in its most common commercial form, mixed with chocolate and sugar (like Nutella).

If you’re looking to incorporate as many benefits as possible, there’s a lot of mixed nut butter on the market. They have an improved nutritional profile, and you can indulge in a unique flavor, making it a little more attractive than butter from a single source. Just review the ingredients list to check for any added sweeteners, saturated fats, or fillers that could derail its nutritional benefits.

Which nut butter is good for weight loss?

Depending on your nutritional goals and dietary needs, natural nut butter can support you on your journey to lose weight and develop a healthier lifestyle. Nut butter is a good source of protein and fiber, heart-healthy fats, and micronutrients.When choosing nut butter to support your weight loss goals, you have to remember two things. The first is portion size. It’s easy to go overboard because nut butter is delicious, but it’s nutritionally dense. Are you going to be able to stick to the recommended serving amount? If you tend to over-indulge, it might be better to select a brand that’s lower in fat, carbs, and calories, like macadamia nut or almond butter.

The other item you need to consider is additional ingredients. The healthiest choice of nut butter is the one that most closely resembles the nut in its natural state. Avoid brands that have added sugar, fats, or sodium. A little bit of sea salt is a tasty addition, but you want your nut butter, including peanut butter, to be as natural as possible.

If you have any questions or need support to improve your diet and lifestyle, it’s best to speak to a dietitian. They can help you develop an eating plan to help meet your goals.

Which nut butter is the tastiest?

When it comes to deciding which is the best tasting nut butter, that’s really a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer an uncomplicated flavor that tastes great on its own or acts as a supporting player to other foods like bananas. In this case, Eliot’s Nut Butter Classic Salted Peanut Butter is a great choice. 

Other people might want to broaden their horizons. We suggest some spreads with exciting flavor combinations like honey chipotle or espresso-infused peanut butter. For those missing your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread, there’s Mumgry Pistachio Chocolate Almond Butter, a luxurious blend of flavors that’ll make you forget everything else. 

Whatever you choose, try to find new and innovative ways to incorporate this healthy treat into your wellness journey. Your taste buds will thank you.