Almond Butter vs Peanut Butter – Which Should You Use & Why?

Choosing between almond butter vs peanut butter can be a difficult decision to make, and they both have their benefits and their drawbacks. By being able to determine the difference between the two, you can make an informed decision as to which option is the right choice for you.

In this article, you will learn exactly what almond butter and peanut butter are, the benefits and drawbacks to each option and additional insight on how to decipher which option is the right one for you. Without further ado, let’s now get into the debate between almond butter vs peanut butter and take a close look at which one is actually better.

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What is Almond Butter?

Almond butter is similar to peanut butter, but it is derived from almonds rather than peanuts. Many prefer almond butter due to the health benefits they provide and their ability to serve as a healthy snack option for individuals who are trying to lose weight.

While they are somewhat similar in taste and application – meaning they both taste delicious and can be used in a variety of ways – almond butter is considered by most to be an alternative to peanut butter and is perhaps the less popular option between the two. There are certain benefits almond butter provides that may just make it a better overall option than peanut butter.

What is Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is arguably the more well-known nut butter, with more people understanding exactly what it is then almond butter. Essentially, peanut butter is butter derived from peanuts, whereas almond butter is derived from almonds.

Like almond butter, peanut butter also has certain benefits that it provides that almond butter cannot fulfill, although they are still both very similar options that taste delicious and provide health benefits. In the end, the decision between the two comes down to each person’s specific goals and preferences.

Benefits of almond butter

There are many benefits almond butter offers that other forms of nut butter do not. When deciding between almond butter vs peanut butter, it is very helpful to have a full understanding of the various benefits almond butter offers, which can then be weighed and compared against the benefits and drawbacks to peanut butter. The benefits of almond butter include:

• • Healthy fats

• • Aids in weight loss

• • Rich in vitamin E

• • High in iron

• • Good source of fiber

• • Good for your heart
  • Fewer calories

To gain a full understanding of the various benefits almond butter offers, let’s take a closer look at each individual one.

Healthy fats

One of the more prominent benefits to be aware of with almond butter is that it contains healthier fats than most other forms of nut butter, including peanut butter. The healthier fats promote better overall health and maybe a better weight loss snack than a snack that contains peanut butter.

Aids in weight loss

Another main reason some people choose almond butter over peanut butter is due to the fewer number of calories almond butter has, which makes it preferable to those who are attempting to lose weight. As mentioned previously, the decision between the two popular options comes down to your goals, and those with the goal to lose more weight likely prefer almond butter.

Rich in vitamin E

Almond butter also contains more vitamin E than peanut butter, which may offer various health benefits. While studies are still being conducted to learn more about how vitamin E affects our overall health, many believe it can help reduce the risk of developing a serious illness or disease.

High in iron

A steady intake of iron is very important for promoting good health overall, and almond butter is a fantastic source of iron. While peanut butter certainly is not an unhealthy choice, the iron concentration – along with the addition of fiber and vitamin E – make almond butter a great choice for those seeking the healthiest nut butter possible.

Good source of fiber

Almond butter also tends to have more fiber than peanut butter and other forms of nut butter, which also has useful health benefits to one’s overall health. Fiber is very important and many fail to get enough fiber on a daily basis. Eating more almond butter is a great way to ensure you meet your fiber requirements each day.

Good for your heart

Almond butter is believed by many experts to be good for your heart health. It is always good to seek out foods that promote good cardiovascular health, and a steady intake of almond butter in your diet is a great way to lower the risk of developing concerning heart complications as you grow older.

Fewer calories

As mentioned previously, the fact that almond butter has fewer calories is a major advantage in the minds of many, and those who are trying to lose or maintain their weight may prefer almond butter due to the caloric amount. When compared to peanut butter, there is no doubt it makes for a much less fattening snack.

Drawbacks to Almond Butter

While there are numerous reasons why one should choose almond butter over peanut butter, there are certain drawbacks or limitations to almond butter, which include:

• • Less filling snack option

• • Lower source of protein
  • More expensive option

It is important to also understand the drawbacks to almond butter as well as the benefits in order to fully grasp when it is the best nut butter option. Of course, there is no wrong answer in the debate but rather only a recommended option depending on your particular set of goals. Now, let’s take a close look at each one of the three main drawbacks to almond butter.

Less filling snack option

Perhaps the biggest benefit of almond butter is the fact that it contains far fewer calories than peanut butter. However, the biggest benefit to almond butter may in fact also be the number one drawback to it as well. For those who want to eat their nut butter as a meal replacement in order to save money or lose weight, then almond butter may not be the best choice as it is more likely to leave you still feeling hungry.

Lower source of protein

Most understand that peanut butter is a great source of protein, but far too few realize how important protein is to our overall health and strength. While there are numerous benefits almond butter offers over peanut butter, protein is a place where it lacks. Therefore, those who are looking to consume more protein on a daily basis and want to eat more nut butter in order to accomplish that should perhaps choose peanut butter instead.

More expensive option

Peanut butter is far more mainstream than almond butter. As such, there are far more companies that sell peanut butter, and the competition between these competitors drives the price lower. Subsequently, almond butter is often a more expensive form of nut butter and may not be the best option for those who are looking to save money when shopping, particularly when shopping for nut butter.

Benefits of peanut butter

Now that we have discussed in-depth the various benefits almond butter has over peanut butter, let’s take a closer look at exactly what benefits peanut butter offers, which include the following:

• • Helps fight hunger

• • Good source of nutrition

• • Improves heart health

• • Protects against Alzheimer’s

• • Lowers risk of gallstones

• • Reduces risk of diabetes
  • Tastes great

These top seven benefits certainly make the decision between almond butter and peanut butter difficult, and at the end of the day there may not actually be a right or wrong answer. However, by fully understanding these prominent benefits, you can be much more informed and know what to look for and which to buy when choosing between the two fantastic options.

Helps fight hunger

Peanut butter most often contains more calories and filling fats than almond butter, which make it a much more filling snack to eat. Those who want to eat peanut butter as a meal replacement in order to save money or lose weight, then peanut butter may be the better choice as it is likely to keep you feeling fuller for longer. On the other hand, it may require eating more almond butter – which is often more expensive – in order to not feel hungry.

Good source of nutrition

While we have talked extensively about the numerous health benefits there are when choosing almond butter, it is important to note that peanut butter is still a very good source of nutrition as well. While it may not offer some of the health benefits almond butter does, there is no doubt that peanut butter is a great healthy snack option for most.

Improves heart health

Both almond butter and peanut butter share this benefit, and it is an important one to recognize with both options. Many experts believe that peanut butter and almond butter – as well as almost all forms of nut butter – have nutrients and qualities that promote good heart health. Therefore, those who are concerned with their cardiovascular health can benefit from eating more nut butter.

Protects against Alzheimer’s

There have been studies conducted that suggest peanut butter actually helps to protect against memory loss and the onset of Alzheimer’s, which makes it an incredibly beneficial snack for those who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. While studies are still ongoing about the exact effect peanut butter has on the protection against Alzheimer’s, it certainly does not hurt to try it as a preventive technique.

Lowers risk of gallstones

Gallstones are no fun for anybody, and they can be incredibly difficult to suffer through. Fortunately, peanut butter is actually believed to lower the risk of developing gallstones. Therefore, anyone who is afraid they may develop gallstones in the future can eat more peanut butter as a way to reduce the risk of gallstones.

Reduces risk of diabetes

Another popular reason many choose peanut butter as their form of nut butter and try to eat it often is because it reduces the risk of diabetes. Diabetes can be a very tough condition to suffer from, and many will do anything to prevent it. Fortunately, peanut butter is a delicious and easy preventive measure, lowering the chance of diabetes.

Tastes great

Last but not least, peanut butter simply tastes great. Of course, this is not to suggest that almond butter does not, but in many cases the flavor of peanut butter is enhanced by companies and made to taste delicious and go well with many different food choices, making it the ultimate nut butter for snacks.

Drawbacks to Peanut Butter

When making any decision it is important to consider both the advantages and the drawbacks to each option you are considering, and this rule is especially true when it comes to choosing between peanut butter vs almond butter. After all, you want to find the most wholesome and delicious form of nut butter that best suits your nutritional goals and taste desires. Here are the three biggest drawbacks to choosing peanut butter:

• • Less healthy snack option

• • Far fewer vitamins and minerals
  • More calories than almond butter

Finding a disadvantage to choosing peanut butter is very hard to do, and we nitpicked and found the smallest of flaws to add to this list. To better understand each drawback, let’s take a closer look at each one.

Less healthy snack option

It is true that almond butter is often a much more wholesome snack and offers more health benefits than peanut butter, but that is not to say that peanut butter is not healthy in its own right. Peanut butter is indeed a healthy snack, but the use of less healthy snacks and a higher overall calorie count makes it less idea for many who are concerned with their health.

Far fewer vitamins and minerals

In addition to having more calories, peanut butter also has fewer vitamins and minerals, which turns many choosing between almond butter vs peanut butter away from peanut butter. Those who are eating nut butter in order to gain a larger intake of vitamins and minerals may be better off choosing almond butter.

More calories than almond butter

As mentioned, peanut butter does indeed have more calories than almond butter. Perhaps more importantly, it contains less healthy fats, which can make the weight stick if it is consumed in high quantities. However, peanut butter that is not over consumed should not be viewed as an unhealthy choice for weight loss as it makes for a great meal replacement when eaten correctly.

How to Choose Between Almond Butter vs Peanut butter

The decision between almond butter and peanut butter has everything to do with your personal preference, and your preference should perhaps be the number one deciding factor between the two options. In order to fully understand what this means, let’s take a close look at a specific example.

Before we dive into the specific example, it is also important to note that it is important to consider your exact goals when choosing between almond butter vs peanut butter. These goals can include anything from weight management goals, heart health or simply to find the most filling snack option possible.

For example, let’s say you are on a diet and want the least number of calories possible and taste is less of a concern, then choosing almond butter may indeed be the best choice. However, if you are looking for a nut butter to place in your sandwich to serve as a meal rather than a snack, then perhaps peanut butter is the most rewarding choice you can make.

Regardless of your preference or exact goals, there is no wrong answer in this debate and both options provide fantastic health benefits and are delicious to eat. As long as you have a full understanding of what exactly it is you are choosing and the benefits and drawbacks to the specific choice, you should be in a good place to make the right decision on every occasion.

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Important Tips When Choosing the Right Nut Butter

Making a choice between almond butter vs peanut butter is about more than simply choosing which of the two types is best for you personally. While that is an extremely important decision to make, and the most important one to decipher between, it is also important to be able to decide which brand is the best for your goals and preferences.

The following are three useful tips to help you determine whether almond butter or peanut butter is the best option, and then to even further decide which brand of almond butter or peanut butter is best. By following these three tips, you can ensure you make the best choice possible each time you go shopping.

Check the label

First and foremost, it is essential to check the nutritional labels. For example, if you are looking for a nut butter that contains a healthy amount of iron and fiber, then compare nutritional labels to determine which jar is best for that exact need.

The best way to effectively make your decision is by checking the labels on at least four jars from four different brands while you are at the store. If you have not already decided upon either almond butter or peanut butter, then check four of either one. If you like both options, then check two almond butter labels and compare them against two peanut butter labels.

Consider your goals

As we have discussed in-depth throughout this guide on how to choose between almond butter vs peanut butter, your goals are perhaps the most important thing to take under consideration. Not just when choosing between the two, but also when selecting the right brand as well.

If your motivation to eat more almond butter or peanut butter is driven by health and weight loss goals, then perhaps almond butter is the better choice. On the other hand, those who simply love the taste and want to eat nut butter with their meal, then peanut butter, for many, is the better choice.

Consider your preference

Last but not least, it is crucial to choose the one that you like the best when possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of not even eating it after you buy it. In other words, if you find the health benefits of almond butter to better suit your health goals, but you do not like the taste of almond butter, then it is still likely the wrong choice.

It is important to keep in mind that neither almond butter or peanut butter is a bad choice and they both have fantastic health benefits. Therefore, the decision should be based largely upon what you like better, and your specific health goals should only be a determining factor if you enjoy both options.

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When to Choose Almond Butter

Now that you have an understanding of the various health benefits of each option and know the overall benefits and drawbacks involved in the debate between almond butter vs peanut butter, you are almost ready to make your decision. To further help you make the right choice, let us look closer at several times when choosing almond butter is the most preferable option of the two.

Weight loss

One of the main reasons, if not the number one reason, those who choose almond butter over peanut butter decide to do so is because they are trying to lose weight. Almond butter contains fewer calories than peanut butter, which means it is less likely to lead to weight gain if the same amount of each is consumed. Additionally, almond butter contains healthy fats, which also makes it a better option for those looking to shed a few pounds.

More vitamins and minerals

Almond butter has a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals than peanut butter, and it is perfect for those who are looking for a great source of both vitamins and minerals with their breakfast. Almond butter is a delicious way to enjoy your breakfast, whether you eat it on toast, a bagel or with fruit. Using almond butter helps ensure you start your day off right with enough vitamins and minerals.

Healthier way of life

Almond butter is simply a more wholesome solution that offers many more health benefits than peanut butter. While peanut butter is healthy in its own right and does not promote poor health, those who are concerned with simply finding the healthiest form of nut butter possible are not going to be disappointed when choosing almond butter. While it may cost slightly more, the health benefits more than make up for the increase in cost.

When to Choose Peanut Butter

Peanut butter also has useful benefits and is the right choice for many. After considering your exact goals and preferences and what you desire out of your nut butter, you should have a clear grasp of which option is better after reading this review guide of almond butter vs peanut butter. However, to make your decision even easier, let’s go through a few scenarios and highlight pivotal times when choosing peanut butter is likely the best way to go.

Taste is more important

Many simply prefer the taste of peanut butter over almond butter, which makes it more preferable for those who value taste of their nut butter above all else. It can be helpful to think of peanut butter as an all-around solid choice, providing a good balance between health benefits and taste, whereas almond butter tastes good but is more well-known for providing additional health benefits.

More protein and calories

Peanut butter loses out in most health battles with almond butter, and almond butter is overall a healthier option. However, protein is one of the few areas where peanut butter wins, and it is an excellent source of protein. Additionally, peanut butter is a great snack option for those who are looking to gain weight, which may include athletes, underweight teenagers, etc.

Better for meal replacement

Another major benefit of peanut butter is that it helps to fill you up more than almond butter. Almond butter contains fewer calories than peanut butter. While many prefer the fewer calories and feel as if it helps them lose weight, peanut butter is often better for those who hate the feeling of hunger, especially after eating a snack. For some, eating peanut butter actually helps more with weight loss as it keeps them from seeking out another snack later on.

The Bottom Line

While both almond butter and peanut butter are great options and have their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, most find that almond butter is a healthier option and preferable for those who have specific weight loss and health goals.

On the other hand, peanut butter is a more all-around option, providing certain health benefits and an overall great taste as well. Regardless of your exact preference, both options make for a delicious, healthy snack or meal option.