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The 6 Best Almond Butters for Taste and Nutritional Breakdown

In this day and age, there’s no surefire way to protect yourself from disease. With conditions such as obesity and diabetes escalating annually, it’s no wonder society is showing more interest in fitness, health and nutrition.

Making healthier lifestyle choices is one of the best ways to prevent illnesses as you age, but it is only now that people are beginning to discover that organic food is much better for our health and wellbeing.

Many have turned to a more plant-based diet, and as a result, the popularity of nut-based spreads has grown significantly alongside vegetarianism and veganism.

A quick glance online and you’ll see that many fitness and health enthusiasts are obsessed with different kinds of spreads such as peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, and coconut butter.

When compared to other nuts, almonds are one of the most nutrient dense.

Even though a bottle of almond butter contains a high amount of calories, they are typically nutrient-rich calories, as opposed to other spreads that are loaded with refined sugar, fillers and empty calories that may have negative effects on health.

Natural almond butter will satisfy your cravings without the guilt associated with more indulgent treats, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

Basic Nutritional Breakdown for Almond Butter

• Almond butter is rich in protein, providing about 6 to 8 grams per 2 tablespoons. (It has more protein than the average small egg, which has 5.54 grams.)

• Almonds are rich in healthy, monounsaturated fats which promote cardiovascular health.

• Almonds are rich in vitamin E and the B vitamins. They are also rich in minerals such as manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, and calcium.

• Almonds are an excellent source of various phytonutrients and antioxidants.

However, not all almond butters are of equal value or quality. You should always keep in mind that as the popularity of something increases, so do variations and poor quality versions of that product. Here are the different variations and types of almond butters you can purchase.

Raw vs. Roasted Almonds

All almond butters originate from either roasted or raw almonds. Raw should mean that the almonds were not exposed to any type of damaging heat. Raw is the healthier of the two.

When food is heated above a certain temperature, they provide us with less nutrition because the enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients start to break down. When looking for an almond butter to purchase, always choose butters made with raw almonds.

Smooth vs. Chunky Almond butter

When it comes to the texture of almond butters, one is not healthier than the other. This is purely up to preference. Take note that smooth almond butter spreads evenly on bread, pastries and fruit. Many like putting chunky almond butter on oatmeal, breakfast cereal and porridge.

Organic vs. Conventional Almond Butter Products

Based on recent studies, almost all food products are healthier when produced naturally. A good rule of thumb when it comes to buying certain products is to always look for organic first.

More often than not, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic fertilizer, antibiotics and herbicides are used when making conventional food. These harmful chemicals have been proven to play a major role in the development of certain illnesses and diseases.

Even though almonds come in hard shells, there are still reports of various types of pesticide residue found on them. Always choose organic almonds for better health.

Pure vs. With Additives

For the healthier option, always try to choose products that are as pure as possible. While most almond butters are pure and without additives, some are not. Additives that can be found and should be avoided are added oils, isolated sugars or sweeteners, and salt.

Glass vs. Plastic Containers

It is best to choose almond butters that are packaged in glass bottles or jars as opposed to plastic containers. Plastic contains harmful chemicals that can leak into your food especially when heated.

According to studies, chemicals that leak into your food from plastic containers have shown negative health effects and may cause certain unwanted medical conditions. Unless plastic containers are labeled as BPA free, always choose almond butter packaged in glass jars.

Below are 6 of the most popular brands of almond butter on the market. Each serving is approximately two tablespoons (32g).

1. Barney Butter Almond Butter, Smooth

In this particular almond butter, the almonds are blanched to remove the skin so the butter does not have a gritty texture or a bitter taste. This helps to accentuate the flavor.

Barney Butter Almond Butter is offered in a creamy or crunchy spread. You have the option of purchasing this butter made with roasted or raw almonds.

Additionally, Barney Butter Almond Butter is free of added sugar and salt. This brand also offers products such as Raw Almond and Chia, Vanilla Bean Espresso, Honey and Flax, and a Cocoa and Coconut flavor.

Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 180; Protein 6 grams; Dietary fiber 3 grams; Total Fat 15 grams; Saturated fat 1.5 grams; Sodium 100 grams; Sugars 3 grams.

2. Artisana Organics

A favorite go-to brand for many, Artisana Organics focuses on producing pure (no additives), organic products and they take the term “raw” very seriously. Artisana is an organic and non-GMO almond butter with no added sugars or salt.

Artisana Organics Almond Butter has an incredibly light and creamy taste and is well worth the price tag. It also comes in travel size snack packs which are great for on-the-go or portion control for those who are dieting.

Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 180; Protein 7 grams; Dietary fiber 4 grams; Total Fat 16 grams; Saturated fat 1 grams; Sodium 0 grams; Sugars 1 gram.

3. Justin’s Maple Almond Butter

Justin’s Almond butter is a very popular choice among those who want a sweeter option. The rich honey flavor goes well with crisp apple slices.

It also comes in many flavors such as vanilla, maple and chocolate hazelnut. Many enjoy putting a heaping spoon of Justin’s Honey Almond Butter on oatmeal or whole-grain bread.

You can purchase it in convenient single-serving squeeze packs which are great for your purse, glove compartment or lunchbox.

Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 190; Protein 6 grams; Dietary fiber 3 grams; Total Fat 15 grams; Saturated fat 2 grams; Sodium 65 grams; Sugars 3 grams.

4. Thrive Market Organic Almond Butter

Spread on toast, added to your favorite bowl of oats, or eaten straight out of the jar, the Thrive Market Organic Almond Butter is a highly affordable, nutritious, non-GMO almond butter with no salt or added sugar.

This almond butter is made with specially selected almonds that are harvested, dry roasted, and ground into a creamy nut butter and packed directly into the jar.

Thrive Market Organic Almond Butter is popular among fitness and health enthusiasts for its high-protein, healthy fat content which is great for losing fat and building muscle.

Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 200; Protein 7 grams; Dietary fiber 3 grams; Total Fat 15 grams; Saturated fat 2 grams; Sodium 0 grams; Sugars 1 gram.

5. Yumbutter

This nutrient dense, blended almond butter is mixed with superfoods such as goji, hemp and chia seeds for extra protein. The added superfoods help in getting in the daily recommended amount of vitamins and minerals.

Yumbutter Almond Butter comes in a convenient squeeze packet which is perfect for individuals with a hectic schedule and barely have time for a meal.

Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 190; Protein 7 grams; Dietary fiber 3 grams; Total Fat 16 grams; Saturated fat 1.5 grams; Sodium 0 grams; Sugars 1 gram.

6. MaraNatha All Natural No Stir Almond Butter

MaraNatha is a raw almond butter that’s organic and made without GMOs or antibiotics.

It also has a cheaper, non-organic option. The almonds used in MaraNatha can be roasted or raw and the butter comes in a variety of flavors.

Almond butter tends to separate, leaving a layer of oil on top. The MaraNatha brand however, claims “no stir”, which may sway people to purchase this brand over others since the texture is more consistent all throughout.

Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 190; Protein 7 grams; Dietary fiber 4 grams; Total Fat 17 grams; Saturated fat 1.5 grams; Sodium 0 grams; Sugars 2 grams.

Why Is There Oil On Top of My Almond Butter?

Do not throw out the healthy, natural almond oil sitting at the top of the container.

When the oil accumulates at the top of the jar, take a stainless steel butter knife, hold the jar securely in one hand, and begin stirring with the knife dipped down as far as it will go.

Stir very slowly, eventually working the oil throughout the nut butter. This will help avoid any unnecessary spills and will provide a smoother, creamier texture.

To avoid separation, screw the cap on tightly and store your almond butter upside down. This will force the contents to flip, and for the oil to reach the bottom of the container.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the almond butter right for you, make sure to always take a close look at the label and nutrition facts. For the healthiest option, choose an almond butter made with raw organic almonds, does not contain additives and fillers, and is packaged in a glass jar or BPA-free container.

Almond butter is a healthy, nutritious and delicious snack for anyone who wants to take care of their health and satisfy cravings. Just remember to monitor your portion sizes, especially if your goal is to lose weight.

Do not be afraid to browse through the different brands and their offerings so that you can find the best organic almond butter for you. We recommend going for the most natural almond butter available, such as the Thrive Market Organic Almond Butter. You just can’t go wrong.