The BEST Almond Butter Substitutes To Use

In this article, we will explore the best almond butter substitutes this world has to offer…

Are you looking for that same creamy, nutty flavor and texture of almond butter but don’t have any on hand? Or is someone in your household allergic to nuts, and you need a nut-free replacement for the recipe you want to make? Look no further, as there are plenty of alternatives out there.

We’ll explore seven different almond butter substitutions that will give you the same great taste and texture. Each substitution comes with unique benefits and flavors, from sunflower seed butter to mixed nut butter. But before we get to these great swaps. Let’s look at what almond butter is. It may seem silly to do this, but it actually helps find the perfect replacement.

What is Almond Butter, and What Does It Taste Like?

Almond butter is a spreadable nut butter made from ground almonds. It has a creamy, spreadable texture and a sweet, nutty flavor that makes it an excellent topping for toast, waffles, pancakes, and fruit. You can also use it for baking.

Compared to other types of nut butter, such as peanut butter, almond butter tends to be easier for people to digest, and they don’t have to worry if they have a peanut allergy. It’s also a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, almond butter is low in carbohydrates. So, if you are watching your carbs, this is a great nut butter.

Make Your Own Almond Butter

Before we look at swaps, it’s good to take a look in your pantry and see if you have any almonds around. If you do, then you are in luck. You can make your own almond butter right at home. It’s super easy, and I’ve done it many times with almonds and other nuts and seeds.

All you need is either a food processor or a high-speed blender. I own both and always prefer making almond butter in the food processor. It’s easier since the container is bigger.

Place one or two cups of almonds in the food processor. You can add a tablespoon of avocado oil, but it’s optional. It does help to create smoother nut butter. Run your machine on high for 5-8 minutes. It takes a bit of time for the almonds to transform into butter once you reach the consistency you want. Then you are done!

It’s really that simple! You can do this with any nut or seed you have. And you can even mix them! I grab the Costco mixed nuts and make that into nut butter. It’s divine!

Substitutes for Almond Butter

All the nut and seed butters below can be used at a 1 to 1 ratio to almond butter.

Sunflower Butter

Sunflower seed butter is a great alternative for those who are looking for an option that is free from nuts. With a slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture, it’s a delicious addition to smoothies, baked goods, and more. Plus, sunflower seed butter has high levels of vitamins E and B6, calcium, and iron making it a nutritious option for any diet!

I was shocked at how good it was my first time having roasted sunflower seed butter! If you decide to make your own remember to roast the seeds. Make a world of difference.

Peanut Butter

Perhaps the most popular choice when it comes to almond butter replacements is peanut butter. It has almost the same nutritional profile as almond butter, with similar amounts of fats and protein content. The biggest difference between the two is their flavor – while almond butter has an earthy taste, peanut butter has a strong roasted nutty flavor. This could make or break your recipe. So, make sure whatever you are making you ask yourself, “Would this taste good with a peanut flavor?”

Cashew Butter

Cashew butter is another excellent substitute for almond butter as it gives off an incredibly creamy texture with delicate sweet notes. Cashew butter is also a great sub because it doesn’t have a strong flavor. It can complement a lot of different flavors because of that.

Hazelnut Butter

Hazelnut butter is one of the lesser-known options on this list, but it’s worth giving a try! Rich in healthy fats like monounsaturated fatty acids, hazelnut spread provides an incredible flavor that pairs well with other ingredients like chocolate and coffee. I’ve used hazelnut to swap out almonds in certain recipes and it has done very well.

Walnut Butter

Walnuts are considered one of the healthiest tree nuts around due to their omega-3 fatty acid content so it’s no surprise walnut spreads make great almond substitutes too! Their subtle musky flavor pairs particularly well with savory dishes and works wonderfully in sweet dishes.

Walnuts are oilier than almonds, so the nut butter won’t do as well in baked applications when acting as a flour substitute. For example, cookies that are made of 100% almond butter or peanut butter. They amazingly make great cookies, but walnut might not do as well.

Pumpkin Seed Butter

Pumpkin seed butter is becoming increasingly popular due to its many health benefits, such as promoting heart health due to its monounsaturated fat content and being rich in essential minerals. Plus it’s delicious!

Mixed Nuts Butter

Lastly, we have mixed nuts spread – if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try this unique combination? Combining multiple kinds of nuts adds complexity to flavors; blending Brazilian walnuts with cashews creates a smooth and mellow sweetness, while combining hazelnuts with almonds can provide you with a rich nutty flavor that pairs well with sweets. I recently tried coconut and almond butter. I thought it wouldn’t work, but boy, oh boy, was I wrong. It’s one of my favorites now.

Any mix of nuts and seeds will work as a substitute for almond butter. And you can even make your own with what you have in the pantry.

Watch Out For Sugar and Salt

Some store-bought nut or seed butters use sugar or other sweeteners or add salt. If you use almond butter in a savory application, this might not work for you. Or even in a dessert, you might need to adjust the sweetness.

It’s always good to check the ingredient label on the back of the jar to see what is added. I also recommend tasting the nut butter so you can see where the sweetness level is.

Also, steer clear of almond paste and marzipan. Yes, they are made with almonds but are extremely sweet and like a thick dough.

My Final Thoughts on Almond Butter Substitutes

In conclusion, there are many almond butter substitutes to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. It’s actually really easy to find an almond butter alternative.

Peanut butter is the most popular option due to ease of finding it and taste, while alternatives such as cashew butter, hazelnut butter, walnut butter, pumpkin seed butter or even a combination of multiple nuts/seeds can provide you with unique flavors that just might rock your world.

And remember you can always make your own nut butter, and when it comes to store-bought make sure always to check the ingredient label for added sugar or salt. With these tips in mind, you should be able to find an ideal substitute for almond butter no matter what recipe you’re making! Happy Cooking!

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