Nut Butter Guide: 8 Types of Nut Butters

 

Nut butters are rapidly emerging as a versatile favorite, not only as a spread for bread but also as a foundation for nutty salad dressings and a playful dip for apples and other fruits. 

They’re a healthier version packed with fiber, vitamins, and other healthy nutrients that are great for bodily function.

In this guide, we’ll break down every nut butter out there and which one is best for you.

Different types of nut butters

Most nut and seed butters have between 80-100 calories per tablespoon, and contain protein and fiber to help you feel full for a longer time.

A tablespoon of nut butter might not seem like much when you’re spreading it, but the calories add up quickly!

Here are the 8 different types of nut butters.

Almond Butter

Almond butter has the best heart-healthy nutritional value: 5 grams of monounsaturated fat in a single tablespoon serving.

This type of fat helps reduce the “bad” cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Almond butter comes in both smooth and chunky variations, and it tastes absolutely delicious!

Walnut Butter

Walnut butter has an impressive amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart health, reducing bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. 

They can be used in a variety of applications, both sweet and savory.

Our Maple Bliss nut butter with walnuts, pecans, and cashews is a fan-favorite that people love to pair with goat cheese, apples, or a glass of cabernet sauvignon.

Cashew butter

One of the creamiest nut butters out there can take the place of dairy in many recipes requiring milk or cream.

Cashew butter is especially high in copper and helps maintain the nervous and immune system as well as helping with brain development and energy.

It’s also great to use as a thickener for creamy sauces.

Named after Vermont’s quintessential soft-serve maple ice cream, Maple Creemee is made primary from creamy cashews with a rich addition of Madagascar vanilla, Vermont maple sugar, and pecans. It’s almost like eating frosting straight from the jar!

Sunflower seed butter

A great alternative for people who are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.

It supplies you with monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, and folate that’s important in pregnancy and responsible for making genetic material.

It’s a great source of protein and vitamins that you can spread on toast, pancakes or even waffles, and it’ll taste great!

We love to pair our Crunchy Sunflower-Pepita Seed Butter with bananas or dark chocolate.

Peanut butter

Technically, peanuts aren’t nuts, but they make a popular spread that’s commonly used on bread, bananas, and baked goods. 

It’s healthy and great for the metabolism and immune health, the only downside is it’s higher in saturated fat than other nut butters.

It’s widely available at all grocery stores and most convenience stores, and it has a creamy and a tasty texture.

Pecan butter

Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

The monosaturated fats in pecan butter are heart-healthy and help reduce cholesterol levels.

They can be used in breads, cookies, pies, and are a great source of fiber, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants.

If you’re looking for nut butters with a blend of tree nuts, including pecans, take a look at Mixed Up Nut Butter’s nut butters.

Macadamia butter

Compared to other types of nuts and seeds, macadamia bring the least amount of protein.

However,  they’re packed with essential nutrients, including iron,magnesium, manganese, and vitamin B1. 

Some say roasting the macadamia nuts before blending them gives a better flavor, so make sure to experiment with it - but be mindful of portions!

Pistachio butter

Pistachio butter has a nutty and a slightly sweet flavor with a creamy texture, which is made by grinding lightly roasted pistachios into a paste.

It’s rich in fiber, protein, vitamin B6, potassium, and essential amino acids.

Plus, it works great as a dessert topping, spread for toast, or an alternative for pesto sauce.

How to store nut butters?

It’s recommended to store nut butter in a cool place out of direct sunlight. If you have a warm kitchen, you may want to store nut butter in the fridge to maintain freshness.

• Limit the exposure of your nut butter to air, light, and heat.
• Don’t leave the jar open for a long period of time.
• Close it tightly once you’re done using it.

Things to consider when choosing a nut butter

Fat content

Choose nut butters that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

These types of fats are good for the heart and way healthier than the saturated fat you find in animal products and coconut oil.

Sugar content

Some companies add an excessive amount of refined sugars to their nut butters to enhance the flavor of the product.

You should generally avoid most flavored nut butter due to the high sugar content. However, there are some brands that make flavored nut butters that are low in sugar and made with natural ingredients.

Allergies

Do you have any allergies or dietary restrictions for certain foods?

If yes, you should do more research before consuming nut butters. Look at the ingredient list and facility allergens, both of which are found on the product label. 

There are many types of nut butter, so choosing a tasty one that fits your diet shouldn’t be a problem!

Added ingredients

Palm, vegetable, and coconut oils are added to boost creaminess or to minimize the separation of oils in the nut butter.

A truly natural nut butter, without added ingredients, doesn’t contain added oils.

When you see a layer of oil on top of your nut butter, it’s usually made without added oils or emulsifiers!

At Mixed Up Nut Butter, we don’t use any emulsifiers, which is why you’ll seea layer of oil on top of the nut butter when you open it.

Can Nut Butter be harmful?

In moderation, no.

However, consuming large amounts of any food can increase the risk of inflammation, bloating, and lead to weight gain.

Consuming nut butter with a nut allergy is also a big risk, which can result in skin rash, vomiting, nausea, and other side effects.

People suffering from peanut allergy should also be careful with other types of nut butter as there is always a risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process.

If you’re not allergic to tree nuts, you can enjoy nut butter in good health, as long as you’re mindful of the amount you consume.

Takeaways

Each type of nut butter offers a unique blend of flavor, texture, and health benefits.

Whether you’re looking for a protein boost or just a healthy and delicious toast spread, there’s a nut butter out there that’s perfect for you.

And if you’re looking for a nut butter-made blend of tree nuts and other minimally-processed ingredients, check out Mixed Up Nut Butter.