1st phorm recipes Definitive Guide to Almond Butter: Everything you always wanted to know about almond butter but were afraid to ask.

Guys, now I don’t like to brag, but I’ve eaten a lot of almond butter. However, it wasn’t always that way. Only a few years ago I was staunchly in camp peanut butter with no signs of ever converting. I tried almond butter and just didn’t get it. However, slowly but surely I incorporated almond butter more and more and now it’s hands down my favorite nut butter. (but if you follow me on Insta, you probably already knew that)

Today I wanted to share my 4 absolute favorite almond butter brands, the ones I (almost) always have on hand. I was contemplating sharing a lot more different brands, but when it comes down to it these are the four I always go to and I didn’t want to overwhelm you, instead I want to share the absolute best of the best.

But before I dig in you might be wondering:

What makes almond butter different from peanut butter?

In general, almond butter has a much milder, slightly sweeter taste and usually it’s a lot less salty tasting as well. Just like peanut butter, almond butter comes in many different textures and flavors depending on the brand. Whether you like your nut butter thicker, more spreadable, chunky or smooth there’s probably an almond butter out there that’s right for you.

What do I use almond butter for?

The real question is what don’t you use almond butter for! No but really, my favorite ways to eat almond butter are spread on toast, apples, bananas, swirled in oatmeal, blended or on top of smoothies, swirled in yogurt, used in baked goods and even used in some savory dishes like as a dressing in this winter kale salad.

Here are some of my favorite almond butter recipes:

1st phorm recipes Top 4 Almond Butters:

Trader Joe’s Unsalted Crunchy Almond Butter

Price: $7.99
Size: 16 oz
Taste: Due to the simplicity of ingredients this almond butter is closest to tasting like roasted almonds.
Texture: Trader Joe’s unsalted crunchy almond butter is more liquid-y and doesn’t require too much stirring. The almond pieces are small but plentiful making it a great texture combination of smooth and crunchy.
Ingredients: Dry roasted almonds, less than approximately 1% dry roasted cashews
Best Uses: This is my go-to almond butter. I use it for pretty much everything. Due to the thinner texture, Trader Joe’s brand is especially great if you like using your almond butter to drizzle over yogurt or smoothies.
Where to buy: Trader Joe’s

Barney Butter Smooth

Price: $7.99 – 11.99
Size: 10oz/16 oz
Taste: Slightly sweet, more mild roasted almond flavor, however Barney Butter is the closest to tasting like peanut butter due to the fact it’s made with blanched almonds (no skin). This also makes it easier on your stomach.
Texture: Very creamy and smooth, closest to traditional peanut butter in texture.
Ingredients: Blanched Roasted Almonds, Organic & Fair Trade Cane Sugar, Palm Fruit Oil and Sea Salt.
Best Uses: Due to the creamy, slightly thicker texture, Barney Butter almond butter is fantastic in baked goods. It’s also great for spreading on toast and swirling into warm oatmeal.
Where to buy: Whole Food’s, Star Market, Home Good’s – you can also use their store locator

Nuttzo Powerfuel Creamy

Price: 18.99
Size: 16 oz
Taste: Very nutty, you can also taste the different seeds as well. Probably the most unique almond butter flavor due to all the types of nuts and seeds.
Texture: Smooth, but slightly grainy and no need to stir.
Ingredients: organic roasted cashews, organic roasted almonds, organic roasted brazil nuts, organic roasted flax seeds, organic roasted hazelnuts, organic roasted chia seeds, organic roasted pumpkin seeds, sea salt
Best Uses: This nut butter is great for sweet or savory dishes. I’ve used it in dressings as well as in smoothies, drizzled on yogurt or stirred into oatmeal. It’s texture and more neutral nutty flavor make it very versatile.
Where to Buy: Whole Food’s

Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter

Price: 11.99
Size: 16 oz
Taste: This almond butter is definitely the sweetest of the group and great for beginning almond butter eaters. The vanilla flavor isn’t too over powering, but pairs perfectly with plenty of breakfasts, desserts and snacks.
Texture: Very thick, no need to stir and very spreadable.
Ingredients: Dry Roasted Almonds, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Vanilla Powder, Palm Oil, Sea Salt.
Best Uses: My favorite way to eat Justin’s is with a snack like an apple, spread on rice cakes, with a banana or stirred into warm oatmeal. Due to it’s thicker texture, I like to heat it up if I’m trying to stir it into anything that isn’t already warm.
Where to Buy: Whole Food’s, Target, most grocery chains

Honorable Mentions:

Wild Friend’s Nut Butters

I’m a HUGE fan of Wild Friends, however I’m really only familiar with their peanut butters, even though they have almond butter and sunflower seed butter. They’re an awesome brand and I love buying their products.

Stop & Shop’s Nature’s Promise

I know. This one kind of shocked me, but Stop & Shop has an awesome creamy natural almond butter that you can find in the organics section.

Wegman’s Natural Brand

When I was at school in Ithaca I practically lived at Wegman’s. Their store brand almond butter is delicious and on par with Stop & Shop’s store brand. You can find it in their organics section as well as the cereal aisle with the traditional peanut butters.

Disclaimer: I have worked with Barney Butter in the past, as well as received product from Nuttzo, however this post is in no way sponsored and these are my 100% honest opinions.

Your Turn:

What’s your favorite kind of almond butter?
What’s your favorite way to use it? Recipe, snack, oxygen?

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