8 Types of Nut Butter You Must Try

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple of kids’ diets, and according to the National Peanut Board, people eat 1,500 PB&Js by the time they reach college.

In these sandwiches and in countless other snacks, peanut butter is easily the most popular nut butter on the market. But there are several other nut butters that might taste just as good when paired with jelly.

Read on for eight types of nut butter you should grab next time you go to the grocery.

1. Almond Butter

Almonds are central to several food items, from almond milk to almond flour. And nut butter is another way you can get your daily dose of almonds.

Almonds have a nutty, yet gentle flavor that’s easy to incorporate into meals and snacks. Almond butter is great on toast, in sandwiches, in almond cookies, or as a dip for fruits and veggies.

Like many nut butters, almond butter is calorie-dense but full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Just a little bit can go a long way.

The best almond butter has a base of just almonds, without added oils and fats. Then, other flavors and textures can be added to make it your own.

2. Cashew Butter

Cashew butter is a healthy choice, with plenty of natural fats and protein. And with its creamy texture and versatile flavor, there are countless ways to use it in your meals.

Cashew butter can be used in place of peanut butter in sandwiches and snacks, or it can act as a dairy substitute. Add some nutritional yeast and seasonings, and cashew butter can become a (vegan) cheesy delight.

3. Sunflower Seed Butter

Sunflower seed butter is technically not a nut butter, but it can be used in exactly the same way.

This thick, nutty-flavored butter can be used in place of other nut butters for those who have nut allergies (just be sure it’s purely sunflower seed butter before consuming).

And even if you aren’t allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter is worth trying for its unique and delicious flavor. If you like sunflower seeds on their own, you’ll love sunflower seed butter.

4. Hazelnut Butter

Many will recognize hazelnut butter from chocolatey products like Nutella, which combines chocolate and hazelnut butter. If you have a sweet tooth, this should be a pantry staple.

But hazelnut butter shines all on its own, even without chocolate. It’s generally made from roasted hazelnuts, creating a rich, deeply nutty flavor. And because it’s full of protein and fiber, it makes for a healthy addition to toast, pancakes, and cookies.

5. Soy Nut Butter

Soy nuts are made of roasted mature soybeans. And like many soy products (like tofu and soy milk), soy nuts are a healthy source of protein and antioxidants, without being loaded with calories or fats.

When you turn those soy beans into a butter, you get a tasty alternative to peanut butter.

Soy nut butter lacks the rich flavor of some other nut butters, making it perfect for sandwiches and meals with a variety of flavors. It doesn’t overpower or compete with other ingredients the way some nut butters might.

Take advantage of this mellow flavor in SNB&J (soy nut butter and jelly) sandwiches, in sauces for noodles, or in a variety of baked goods.

6. Pecan Butter

If you love pecan pie, pecan butter might be a winner.

Pecan butter is a delicious nut butter that, just like the pie, is great with sweets. The nutty flavor is complemented with sugary treats like ice cream and cookies.

But it’s much more than a guilty pleasure. In fact, pecan butter is full of healthy properties, containing over 19 vitamins and minerals.

7. Walnut Butter

Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and a higher level of antioxidants than most other foods. These nuts are truly a nutritional powerhouse, and you can easily enjoy them in butter form.

Walnuts have a distinct bitter flavor that pairs well with both salty and sweet dishes. Just be sure to note the high level of fats contained in walnut butter. Though these fats are healthy, they can accidentally load up a meal. If you’re already eating a heavy dish, stick to just a little walnut butter.

8. Peanut Butter

Of all the types of nut butters, peanut butter is the most popular and most well-known, which is why it still deserves recognition on this list. And even if you’re already familiar with peanut butter, there may be new ways to try it that you’ve never thought of.

For example, peanut butter can be incorporated into salad dressings, noodle sauces, and dips for a nutty, salty flavor.

Or you can use peanut butter in a variety of sweets recipes. Add peanut butter to ice cream, or swirl it into brownie batter. And it always makes a great addition to morning comfort foods like pancakes and waffles, providing extra nutrition and protein.

It’s also worth exploring peanut butter beyond the big store brands. Most peanut butters in the stores contain unnecessary additives. Try a natural version instead, and even consider blending your own peanut butter from scratch.

Which Types of Nut Butter Have You Tried?

If you thought nut butter was only made of peanuts, think again.

There are several types of nut butter, each with their own flavors, health benefits, and uses. From almond to walnut, try these seven nut butters in your next recipe.

For more yummy inspiration, check out our other food articles!