Nut Butters

What are nut butters?

Nuts ground into a paste. The most common ones I buy are peanut butter and almond butter.

Which is healthier, peanut butter or almond butter?

Well, both are better than eating, let’s say…a snickers bar. However overall, almond butter is healthier (but peanut butter is just SO tasty!).

While they share these common health benefits, almond butter tends to be higher in most categories:

Fiber – higher in almond butter

Iron – higher in almond butter

Calcium – higher in almond butter

Protein – higher in peanut butter

In terms of fat:

Almond Butter – contains more healthy monounsaturated fat, which is linked to the reduction in heart disease and better blood sugar control.

Peanut Butter – contains more unsaturated fats, which aren’t necessarily harmful in moderation, but too much may raise cholesterol.

How do I use nut butters?

Spread it on toast, make sandwiches with it, eat it with apple slices and use it in baking.

What kind of nut butters should I buy?

I buy nut butters that only contain the ground up nuts. At my grocery store, we have almond and peanut grinders that make the butters right in front of you. If not grinding my own, I’ll buy Kirkland Signature Creamy Almond Butter, 27 Ounce and Trader Joe’s Crunchy Salted Peanut Butter with Flax and Chia Seeds 2 Pack 16 Oz Jars

*Disclaimer

Nut butters are really good for you (for the above mentioned reasons), but they’re high in calories. Don’t eat half a jar a day and then wonder why your pants are tighter.