In it 4 the Long Run’s 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 we 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:
- Almond Butter Blondies
- Winter Kale Salad with Almond Butter Dressing
- Almond Butter and Jelly Smoothie
- Almond Butter Cup Smoothie
- Almond Butter Cups
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In it 4 the Long Run’s 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 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, 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?
I’ve tried all of them but nuttzo, its just so darn expensive! But Justin’s is probably my fave!
I have yet to try Nuttzo, but Trader Joe’s Barney Butter and Justin’s are my go-to’s, and I completely agree with your assessments. Trader Joe’s and Barney butter have the best texture and I like to have Justin’s on hand for when I need a spoonful of something sweet.
I didn’t think I could love you any more. Until this post. I credit you for introducing me to a world outside of PB. Forever thankful. (end of sappy comment about almond butter)
I looooove Almond Butter! The Trader Joe’s Crunchy (Salted) is my staple, since it tends to be on the cheaper side and it’s SO delicious. If I feel like a splurge, Justin’s is on my list (although if I’m going Justin’s it’s hard not to get the chocolate hazelnut spread haha) but Barney Butter is my grocery store pick. Love love love these!!!
This post had me like *YAAAS + Worship hands*
Girl, I’m all about the creamy and the crunchy when it comes to almond butter as in I don’t want it to be as stuff as Justins (although I love how Justins tastes) but I want to there to be crunchy chunks with each bite, know what I’m sayin?
I use it for everything, but mainly just general living needs
and by “stuff” I mean “stiff”
Almond butter is hands down my favorite nut butter! I always end up buying the Simple Truth Organic brand from Kroger and that works pretty well for me! But I definitely want to try the Nuttzo kind, that sounds so different but SO good
Okay. I am still stuck on peanut butter. TJ’s almond butter got me goin’ while I was on the Whole 30, and before that I hated almond butter, so I think I’m almost there. That Barney’s looks just like peanut butter! I think I would love how smooth it is! Gotsta try it. LOVE THIS G!
I’m a peanut butter lover. Almond butter is good, but nothing beats pb for me haha. But, my favourite way to eat them both is straight fromt the jar with a spoon #rebel
This makes me so sad about my tree nut allergy, there are no words. Maybe I should do a peanut butter review to cheer up…
ok i used to have those same hesitant feelings about almond butter at first- I H A T ED it! Now, I can’t really stand the thought of peanut butter how the tables have turned! I have yet to try NuttZo- I need to give it a shot- Barneys is totally my favorite now thanks to you! I used to buy that maranatha almond butter until I looked at my receipt and realized i spent nearly 21 dollars on it. yeah no. & not going to lie made those almond butter blondies again last night….
when i first read the title of this, my eyes were half closed and i was just waking up (funemployment perks) and i thought i was dreaming! THIS IS THE BEST BLOG POST EVER. and it is so perfect for AB newbs!
xx
Great round up! I’ve tried all of these besides Trader Joes…. Which is odd because I’m literally there everyday. I like my almond butter thinner, so I’ll have to check theirs out. Have you tried the vanilla espresso barney butter? Preeeetty darn delish!
Ugh, almond butter. I wish I discovered it sooner in life! Although… cashew butter has been giving it a good run these days in my book 😉
My first ever almond butter was Barney Butter! Still need to try Nutzo’s… And I had some Wild Friends Sunflower chocolate with my scone this morning 😀
Almond butter Queen? I didn’t even need a transition period from PB to AB….I face planted right into that shiz. TJ’s almond butter is soooo bomb. Love this! Need to try Barney’s omg
You know which one is my favorite, but I do have to say that the Trader Joe’s one is pretty awesome, not only because of taste, but the price ROCKS! Make sure to bring lots of those when you come to the island….HAHA! XOXO Thanks for the Nuttzo mention!
**As i’m sitting here eating pb…** TJ’s and Barney are my favorite brands for almond butter though <3
I NEED THEM ALL! I haven’t tried Nuttzo or Barney’s, but I LOVE Justin’s and Trader Joe’s 🙂 I’ll eat any kind of nut butter. #sorrynotsorry
I love your breakdown of all of the different types! I’e wondered why Barney Butter is such a different texture and now I know- the almonds are blanched! My favorite is Trader Joe’s raw creamy, unsalted almond butter. It’s a great price and super yummy!
Well look at you! Almond butter expert! I’ve only ever tried Mara Natha and TJ’s. Looks like I have a LOT more sampling to do!!
I LOVE almond butter, but it’s so expensive 🙁 How do you justify the cost? And which is your favorite, cheapest almond butter? I’ve only tried Justin’s and I really liked it! I’ve also tried the Kirkland brand. 🙂
I think the cheapest of the bunch is probably the Trader Joe’s – also Whole Food’s brand is pretty good too and those are around $8 – It is super expensive but to be honest I don’t spend a ton of money on clothes, hair, nails etc. so I don’t mind indulging on healthy food I enjoy.