Best Almond Butter
Peanut butter is a childhood staple, but if you have peanut allergies or you’re simply looking for a tasty alternative, almond butter should be at the top of your grocery list. In its simplest form, almond butter is nothing but real almonds and a hint of salt for flavor – it’s healthy, delicious, and nutritious. Whether you’re thinking of trying it or you’re already a fan, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of options.
The Top Almond Butters
Smooth, creamy, and full of nutty flavor, almond butter is the perfect option for snacks, quick meals, and even desserts. Spread on celery sticks or apples, it provides a boost of plant-based protein and healthy fats. Paired with whole-grain bread and fruit jam, almond butter makes a tasty sandwich as well.
Because it consists of little more than ground almonds, it’s fairly easy to make your own almond butter at home. That being said, the cost to purchase that many almonds and having the right equipment make perfectly smooth almond butter often adds up to one thing: it’s cheaper and more convenient to purchase your almond butter.
With so many options to choose from, how do you know which is the best almond butter? It all depends what you’re looking for and what kind of flavor and texture you prefer.
Here are the best 6 almond butters on the market:
Justin’s Classic Almond Butter
Award: Best Overall
Made with just two ingredients, this almond butter is pure and simple. When you’re craving a creamy texture and natural almond flavor, this is the jar to reach for.
When it comes to almond butter, Justin’s knows what they’re doing, plain and simple. This classic almond butter is our top pick overall because it is made with just two ingredients, almonds and palm oil. This almond butter is unsweetened and has no added salt or artificial flavors of any kind.
Though you might question the use of palm oil, Justin’s is adamant they use only sustainably sourced palm oil that is both non-hydrogenated and non-GMO – their suppliers follow a zero deforestation policy, so you have nothing to be concerned about. They also have other sustainability initiatives including pollinator conservation, hunger relief support, and Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa.
Not only is Justin’s concerned with the sustainability of their ingredient sourcing, but they are committed to quality in all other aspects as well. Their products are made with natural, delicious ingredients to ensure the best flavor and quality. Though this product is plain almond butter, they offer a variety of other flavors and other nut butters as well.
Pros:
- Made with just two ingredients
- Not sweetened, no added salt
- Creamy no-stir formula
Cons:
- Higher calorie content from added palm oil
- Some find it too oily
Specs:
- Price: $9.29
- Volume: 16 oz.
- Sweetened: No
- Salt Added: No
- Calories/Serving: 220 kcal/2 tbsp.
365 Everyday Value Almond Butter
Award: Best Value
Why pay more for a product full of artificial flavoring when you can enjoy the smooth, simple taste of real roasted almonds for less? This almond butter is all-natural and affordable.
Almond butter can be pricey, but if you’re looking for a product that is simple, affordable, and delicious then look no further. 365 Everyday Value Almond Butter is affordably priced under $10 for a 16-ounce jar and it is made with 100% almonds, pure and simple.
This creamy almond butter doesn’t contain any added sugar or salt, so all you get is the real flavor of almonds. The product is sold in a slightly oversized jar, so you have plenty of room to stir, as some natural soil separation is likely. To slow down separation, however, you can simply store the jar in the refrigerator between uses.
This almond butter is not only made with 100% almonds, but it is certified Kosher and vegan. It’s also sodium-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free.
Pros:
- Made with 100% almonds
- Extra room in the jar to stir
- No added sugar or salt
Cons:
- Oil tends to separate, requires stirring
- Some found the flavor a little bland
Specs:
- Price: $7.49
- Volume: 16 oz.
- Sweetened: No
- Salt Added: No
- Calories/Serving: 190 kcal/2 tbsp.
Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter
Award: Best Organic
If you’re concerned about the ingredients in the food you eat, you’ll be glad to know this almond butter is not only raw and organic, but it is made with nothing but 100% almonds.
If you prefer to purchase natural products, you’ve probably already found that the majority of almond butters out there qualify. Many are made with nothing more than real almost, so there isn’t much to worry about. The one thing these brands don’t always comment on is whether the product is organic.
The USDA Organic certification confirms that the ingredients used in the product are organically raised and harvested. Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter is made with 100% organic almonds and without additives like palm oil, salt, or sweetener. Their nuts come from farmers who respect the land and their products are made in small batches under temperature control to ensure quality, safety, and nutrition.
Whether you’re looking for an all-natural almond butter or you prefer to shop organic, Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter fits the bill. It’s nothing more than almonds, plain and simple.
Pros:
- Organic, vegan, and raw recipe
- Made with 100% organic almonds
- Prepared in small batches with temperature control
Cons:
- Fairly pricey compared to other brands
- Can be difficult to stir
Specs:
- Price: $12.99
- Volume: 9 oz.
- Sweetened: No
- Salt Added: No
- Calories/Serving: 180 kcal/2 tbsp.
Barney Bare Smooth Almond Butter
Award: Best Unsalted
Product Headline: No Added Salt
Product Summary: Processed foods tend to be loaded with salt, especially things like nut butter. This almond butter is completely unsweetened with no added salt or additives of any kind.
Food manufacturers are known for cutting corners and using additives to improve the flavor of their products to make more sales. The beauty of almond butter, however, comes from the flavor of those almonds – not from the additives. If you’re looking for a smooth, creamy almond butter that isn’t loaded with salt and sweeteners, try Barney Bare Smooth Almond Butter.
This almond butter is made with blanched roasted almonds with a little palm fruit oil added to keep it perfectly smooth and creamy. Not only is this almond butter smooth as silk, but it is allergen-friendly. Made in peanut-free facilities, this almond butter is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and peanut-free.
Pros:
- Free from added sugar and salt
- Made in a peanut-free facility
- Smooth, creamy texture
Cons:
- Flavor can be a little bland
- Contains added palm oil
Specs:
- Price: $12.09
- Volume: 16 oz.
- Sweetened: No
- Salt Added: No
- Calories/Serving: 190 kcal/2 tbsp.
Once Again Organic Crunchy Almond Butter
Award: Best Crunchy
If you’re craving not just the flavor but the texture of crunchy toasted almonds, this almond butter is just what you need.
Almonds are naturally crunchy and if you want to enjoy that crunch in your almond butter, we recommend Once Again Organic Crunchy Almond Butter. Made with nothing but organic almonds, this almond butter has the perfect combination of smooth, toasted almond butter with just the right degree of crunch from milled almonds.
You won’t find anything artificial in Once Again Organic Crunchy Almond Butter. This almond butter is completely free from salt, sweetener, and added oils. It is USDA Organic, Gluten-Free Certified, and Kosher in addition to being vegan and paleo. If you’re looking for an almond butter that is exactly what it promises to be, this is the one to trust.
Pros:
- Made only with organic almonds
- Unsweetened, no added salt
- Organic, vegan, kosher, and paleo
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to others
- Some found the flavor bland
Specs:
- Price: $23.50
- Volume: 16 oz.
- Sweetened: No
- Salt Added: No
- Calories/Serving: 190 kcal/2 tbsp.
Julie’s Real Cinnamon Vanilla Bean Almond Butter
Award: Best Flavored
The natural flavor of almonds is elevated by the sweetness of honey and the spice of cinnamon, rounded out with the flavor of real vanilla beans in this creamy almond butter.
Almond butter is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to enhance that natural flavor try Julie’s Real Cinnamon Vanilla Bean Almond Butter. Smooth almond butter pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey and the flavor of cinnamon and real vanilla beans in this creamy treat. Made with 100% whole-food ingredients, this almond butter is both good and good for you.
Julie’s Real Cinnamon Vanilla Bean Almond Butter is crafted with whole roasted almonds and lightly sweetened with organic honey. You won’t find any artificial additives here, just real food ingredients that are really good. It’s a healthy but indulgent snack you can feel good about.
Try this flavored almond butter as a topping for toast or warm it in the microwave and drizzle it over a bowl of fresh ice cream. The options are endless when you combine the nutty flavor of almonds with complementary flavors like cinnamon and vanilla.
Pros:
- Made with natural whole-food ingredients
- Naturally sweetened with honey
- Peanut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free
Cons:
- Product may require some stirring
- Some found the product too oily
Specs:
- Price: $13.99
- Volume: 9 oz.
- Sweetened: Yes
- Salt Added: Yes
- Calories/Serving: 190 kcal/2 tbsp.
The Health Benefits of Almond Butter
Loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, almonds are often included in lists of superfoods. Though almonds may not have magical healing powers, they’re packed with nutrition and they’re positively full of flavor. Enjoy them toasted, ground into almond butter, made into almond milk, or all of the above! There are plenty of ways to enjoy these popular tree nuts.
Here are some of the health benefits of almonds:
- A 1-ounce serving contains 6 grams of plant-based protein and 3.5 grams of fiber.
- Almonds are rich in antioxidants which help protect the body against free-radical damage and oxidative stress.
- They are naturally rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin which helps protect the cells. It may also reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
- Low in carbohydrates but high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, almonds may help people with diabetes control their blood sugar – they are also rich in magnesium which helps as well.
- The high magnesium levels in almonds may help lower blood pressure, both in people who are overweight and people of healthy weight.
- Eating almonds can help you consume fewer calories because their protein and fiber content may make you feel full sooner than when eating other foods.
- The fiber found in almonds may help easy digestive upset and improve digestion by supporting healthy bacteria in the gut.
- Almonds contain healthy fats and natural oils that may help hydrate and condition the skin – they are also rich in skin-supporting vitamins A and E.
If you want to enjoy the health benefits of almonds, there’s no easier way than almond butter. Use it as a dip for apple slices and celery sticks, spread it on a piece of warm toast, or mix a tablespoon or two into your favorite homemade sauce. You won’t be disappointed.
The Bottom Line
When walking down the condiment aisle at your local grocery store, it may seem like almond butter is almond butter – one product is no different from another. Even among products that are all made with 100% almonds, however, you have to take into account the sourcing of the ingredients, the cooking of the product, and other factors. We’re not out to make buying almond butter complicated, but we want to make sure you know what you’re buying so you can find the perfect product to fit your needs.
If you’re looking for a creamy jar of almond butter to keep on hand for healthy snacks and quick meals, we can heartily recommend any of our six choices reviewed above.