17 Almond Butter Substitutes (Dietitian Approved!) |

Almond butter is a delicious spread but it may not be the best for everyone. Here are 17 Almond Butter Substitutes to use instead.

What is Almond Butter?

Almond butter is a thick spread made from ground almonds. It tends to have a deep, rich flavor. Sometimes salt is added to complement the nutty flavor.

If you’ve ever had peanut butter think of the same consistency, but made from almonds instead of peanuts!

When to Use Almond Butter

Almond butter has a plethora of uses! It doesn’t just have to be a dessert or sweet item. Almond butter fits in perfectly with many savory dishes as well!

It can be a great peanut alternative in a classic PB&J, as a base to a batch of Monster Energy Balls, or in a savory almond-noodle dish!

Almond Butter Nutrition

Almond butter nutrition is very similar to that of peanut butter. Almonds are a calorie-dense (and nutrition-dense!) food. Because of this, many almonds must be used to produce a serving of almond butter when they are ground up. This results in higher calorie spread.

There is about 190 calories per two tablespoons (which is simply the serving suggestion), 17g of dietary fat, 6g of carbohydrates, and about 6g of protein.¹

Why You May Need Almond Butter Substitutes

There are endless reasons one may be in need of an almond butter substitute!

Maybe there is an allergy, consistency issue, or even you just flat out don’t enjoy the taste of almond butter!

A recipe may utilize almond butter instead of other options because they enjoy the taste, it compliments the overall flavor of the dish, or maybe that is just what they had on hand!

Almond Butter Substitutes

Below are 17 options that you may consider replacing in your recipe that calls for almond butter. Keep in mind that not all options with have the same consistency, flavor profile, or baking abilities!

Cashew Butter

Just as almond butter is made from almonds, the same is true of cashew butter. The simple difference is the type of nut. It has less of a rich flavor compared to almond butter but still provides a smooth nut essence.

Sunflower Butter

This spread is made from roasted sunflower seeds. How neat! This is a great idea to use if the dish is being consumed in a nut-free facility as it is a seed butter. But, always be sure there are no allergies prior!

This butter is similarly creamy but has a bit more ‘earthy’ taste. Personally, I would recommend using it when it is paired with something else that will overpower it.

Walnut Butter

Walnut butter is a bit different than the other nut butters. Like Sunflower butter it has an ‘earthy’ flavor. Unexpectedly, it also has a bit of a bitter taste.

Try it on an acai bowl for a great juxtaposition to the sweet fruity flavors.

Granola Butter

This one is so cool! Basically, granola is blended until smooth. It has a grainy texture similar to almond butter but with a more dynamic profile.

Oat Haus is a fun brand creating delicious flavors such as birthday cake, strawberry shortcake, and brownie batter!

Chickpea Butter

This butter is a bit more difficult to find but you’ll have the best luck at specialty grocery stores or on Amazon. The chickpea (also known as a garbanzo bean) is ground up into a very smooth spread that has just a hint of nuttiness.

Hazelnut Butter

When you think of hazelnut butter you likely immediately think of Nutella. Don’t worry, I do too!

But, did you know hazelnut butter without a chocolate flavor? It has a rich, nutty flavor similar to that of almond butter, yet not as deep.

Pumpkin Seed Butter

Like sunflower butter, this is also considered a seed butter. Roasted pumpkin seeds are ground into a creamy consistency. This seed butter is thick with, again, an ‘earthy’ flavor.

As you are probably starting to realize, many seeds result in an earthy-flavor as butter form.

Coconut Butter

This is a spread but may not be the perfect almond butter substitute. Instead of being something you want to eat by the spoonful you just want to use this as an ingredient.

It is very oily with a tropical taste. Due to the level of saturated fats I’d recommend using sparingly.

Brazil Nut Butter

This nut butter is a bit more niche and difficult to find. You’ll typically see brazil nuts added to a ‘mixed nut’ butter rather than it being solo. It is usually stone-ground, making the texture similar to almond butter.

Pistachio Butter

Pistachio butter is a rich and flavorful nut butter that has a flavor of its own. Sometimes you’ll see crescents filled with this luscious spread.

You can use this nut butter in place of almond butter when you need something, but not necessarily need a similar taste and consistency.

Soy Butter

This is a great peanut and tree-free ‘nut’ butter option. It has a similar consistency to almond butter but does have less of a nutty flavor.

There’s minimal options on the market for soy butter. The main contender is WowButter. This can be found in the peanut butter aisle or on Amazon.

Tahini

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds. It is very thin with a very light nut flavor. It is usually used as a drizzle on top of a dish or as a dipping sauce.

Hemp Seed Butter

This seed butter has a strong earthy flavor. It can be a good almond butter substitute when it’s being used as a minor ingredient in a recipe.

Unlike what you may be assuming, this hemp seed butter has no special effects beyond being nutrient dense.

Poppyseed Butter

This is a bit of a rare butter. I’ve only ever been able to find it on Amazon. Due to it being ground poppyseeds, it tends to be a bit grainy. It’s also a bit more oily than you’d expect. When the seeds are ground all the oil is released!

This seed butter can help hold together a recipe but has a very distinct, and different, taste than almond butter. It cannot be a replacement when you are hoping to maintain a similar flavor.

Macadamia Nut Butter

This is a very smooth nut butter. Due to the high fat content in the macadamia nut this spread is a soft. This differs from almond butter as there is no grainy texture and the nut flavor is much more light.

Mixed Nut Butter

Mixed nut butter can vary from brand to brand. Depending on the recipe, mixed nut butter can be very similar to almond butter or be a bit off.

This is a great option to use in recipes that use almond butter but you want to use a substitute. In addition you can find it in both creamy and crunchy varieties!

Peanut Butter

If you are using almond butter it is likely you’re already familiar with peanut butter. It is a spread made from peanuts. It would be a great replacement to almond butter in a recipe as it has a similar texture and heavily nutty flavor.

The closest version to almond butter would be a grainy, roasted peanut butter!

powdered peanut butter as almond butter substitutes

Nut and Seed Butter Variations

Beyond the spread versions of the above there are now some variations on the market.

Powdered

The speed is usually dehydrated (the water and some oil is removed), leaving a dry powder. This can be mixed with water for a lower-calorie option. Although, the texture is also altered.

Chocolate

Most of the nut and seed butter will make a chocolate version. Jim makes a Peanut Butter and Chocolate Spread that I bet tastes just like a Reese’s cup!

Flavored

R&D departments are getting good! You can find nearly any nut or seed butter spread in nearly any flavor! Check out this blueberry muffin granola butter!

Added protein

You can even get a spread with more protein per serving that it would normally have! This peanut butter has 10g of protein per serving compared to the normal 6g per serving. What an easy way to get a bit more protein in the food you’re already enjoying!

Nut and Seed Butter Uses

Nut and seed butters can have the same uses as almond butter.

Ingredients in savory recipes
Dips/spreads
Drizzled on bowls
Ingredient in sweet recipes
and more!

If you have any creative ways to use nut and seed butter be sure to leave it in the comments below, I’d love to hear about it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Butter Substitutes

If you have any questions that aren’t answered here or throughout the article feel free to leave it in the comments down below and I can answer them as I am able to. Plus, others can chime in, too!

Can I be allergic or sensitive to almonds?

Yes! If you are allergic or sensitive to almonds you will likely have a similar reaction to almond butter.

How can I know if I am allergic or sensitive to almonds?

Some symptoms of an allergy or sensitivity may look like: itchy mouth, eyes, or throat, diarrhea, shortness of breath, anaphylaxis or a life threatening event.² Allergy and sensitivity symptoms may appear different for everyone and on each occurrence.

Be sure to not consume a food you may be allergic or sensitive to.

What is the best almond butter substitute if I am baking?

It depends! If you are looking for a similar consistency opt for a thick peanut butter. If you are looking for a similar flavor I was opt for a toasted cashew butter.

sandwich slice with creamy penaut butter spread

A Word From A Registered Dietitian

Almond butter is a great way to include healthy fats in your diet! In addition, it has vitamins, minerals, and some protein. Although, a whopping spoonful or two is delicious, be mindful that almond butter is also calorie dense.

Add almond butter (or any almond butter substitutes) to your diet for a healthful, varied diet!

Recipes to Try These Almond Butter Substitutes!

Pin NOW to SAVE for later!

Almond butter substitutes from a dietitian with text

Resources

https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168588/nutrients
https://www.thermofisher.com/allergy/us/en/allergen-fact-sheets/almond.html