Calling all Peanut Butter Lovers… If you are like me, you love your nut butters and somehow they always put a smile on your face. When we think of “nut butter,” we think of the typical peanut butter or almond butter, but I wanted to share with you a few other alternatives to your typical nut butters that can jazz up any recipe or snack.
Keep in mind nut butters are extremely healthy, but they are calorie-dense so it is important to keep your serving size in check (2 tbsp/serving), and remember a little bit goes a long way!
Consider these peanut and almond butter alternatives, which can all be used just as you use peanut or almond butter.
Coconut Butter
This heart-healthy butter boosts immunity, helps prevent infections and is a great source of energy. High in medium chain triglycerides, which are metabolized similar to carbohydrates, coconut gives you a large boost of energy so it is a great pre-workout treat!
*Blend coconut butter in your pre-workout smoothie and give yourself the flavor and energy that is sure to please!
Hazelnut Butter
Loaded with protein, fiber, vitamin E, copper and manganese, this nut is a great alternative. It doesn’t have quite the protein content of peanut butter, but it has a distinct flavor that is sure to please!
*Spread hazelnut butter over a high-fiber piece of toast and enjoy!
Macadamia Nut Butter
With a little bit more fat than other nut butters, macadamia nuts are considered to have the greatest concentration of monounsaturated fat, keeping your heart healthy! An appropriate serving size is extremely important here since each serving has more than 230 calories and 24 grams fat (4 g saturated fat. Similar to hazelnut butter, macadamia nut butter isn’t very high in protein so it’s more of a good fat source than protein source).
*Add macadamia nut butter in with your breakfast oatmeal for an added treat!
Pecan Butter
Similar to macadamia nut butter, this nut butter is calorie- and fat-dense but loaded with vitamins and minerals (Vitamin A, B, E and packed with magnesium, potassium and fiber) so well worth the treat.
*Spread pecan butter over sliced apples for a rich, delicious flavor!
Pistachio Nut Butter
Similar in fat, calorie and protein content as peanut butters, pistachios are considered the “super nut,” full of fiber, potassium and more protein than some other nut butters. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and boost antioxidant levels, so it is a great alternative.
*Mix a tablespoon of pistachio nut butter with your berry protein shake and you have yourself a super healthy, antioxidant-rich smoothie!
Walnut Butter
Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, this nut butter can help reduce inflammation while added a delicious flavor to your favorite snacks!
*Ever tried walnut butter spread over carrot sticks? Give this one a try for a fun and different tasty snack!
Cashew Butter
With a little higher omega-3 content than your typical peanut butter, cashews can help reduce triglyceride levels and inflammation. Cashews are vitamin- and mineral-dense with iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorous and manganese, so it’s an excellent addition to your diet.
*A tablespoon of cashew butter spread over a banana is one of my favorite ways to enjoy cashew butter!
Pumpkin Butter
With tons of protein, fiber, potassium and beta-carotene, this super food is an excellent alternative to nut butters. This seed can simply be blended whole and turned into a yummy butter. Feel free to add cinnamon, no-calorie sweetener or a touch of sea salt to get the flavor you desire. If you have a nut allergy, this seed is a great alternative to any nut/nut butter.
*Spread pumpkin butter over a rice cake for an extra special treat!
As you can see, there are plenty of alternatives to your typical peanut or almond butter! Give a few of these a try and vary both flavor and nutrients offered by the different types of nut/seed butters!
Enjoy, my fellow Nut Butter Lovers!
