These 9 Healthy Peanut and Nut Butters Taste Amazing on Pretty Much Anything
These 9 Healthy Peanut and Nut Butters Taste Amazing on Pretty Much Anything
We can't promise that eating peanut butter will help you lose weight. Remember how Elvis looked toward the end? All those PB-and-banana sandwiches didn't help him fit into a slimmer jumpsuit. So no, peanut butter will not magically melt your middle.
What it may do, however, is help you avoid a king-size gut in the first place. Researchers in Spain found that men who ate about 3 1/2 tablespoons of nut butter twice a week were 40 percent less likely to be overweight or obese than those who didn't dig in."Peanut butter is a good source of healthy unsaturated fats and protein," says Cyril Kendall, Ph.D., a researcher of nutritional science at the University of Toronto. "These nutrients are highly satisfying and help regulate your blood sugar so you don't have cravings."
To further complicate things, there used to be one nut butter: peanut. And you could get it three ways: creamy, crunchy, and “injected with jelly.”But now PB is just one option among many. To simplify things and avoid sugar shock, find a jar that has just nuts and/or seeds and salt, says Valerie Goldstein, R.D., founder of Eating to Fuel Health.
Oh, and go easy on the jelly.
Smucker's Natural Chunky Peanut Butter, 26-Ounce Glass Jars (Pack of 3)
Smucker's
amazon.com
$23.07
Yes, this is one of those PBs with the oil on top. But after a good stir, this “rich” spread studded with “good-sized chunks” blew away even the boutique brands in texture and flavor.
Per 2 Tbsp: 190 calories, 8g protein, 7g carbs (3g fiber), 16g fat
Smucker's Organic Creamy Peanut Butter, 16 oz
Smucker's
walmart.com
$4.18
This supersmooth peanut butter is worth slathering on everything: hot waffles, crisp apples, just-baked banana bread. One person even said it tastes like the kind of PB you grind yourself at fancy grocery stores.
Per 2 Tbsp: 180 calories, 8g protein, 5g carbs (3g fiber), 16g fat
MaraNatha Crunchy No Stir Almond Butter, 12 oz
MARANATHA
walmart.com
$6.58
This brand double-grinds California almonds and then stirs in broken-up almonds, resulting in an easily spreadable (but not sticky) nut butter with a satisfying bite. It’s great straight off of a spoon.
Per 2 Tbsp: 190 calories, 6g protein, 8g carbs (3g fiber), 16g fat
Maisie Jane's Cashew Butter, Creamy, 12 Oz
Maisie Jane's
walmart.com
$9.57
This “smooth, salty, and not overpowering” nut butter harnesses all the buttery-sweet goodness of cashews. Try it stirred into a bowl of oatmeal topped with banana slices sauteed in a bit of butter and cinnamon.
Per 1 oz : 169 calories, 5g protein, 6g carbs (1g fiber), 14g fat
Artisana Organics Raw Pecan Butter with Cashews, 8 oz
Artisana
amazon.com
$14.90
It’s hard to find a mixed-nut butter that pleases everyone. Some were “too nutty.” Others had an aftertaste. But tasters liked this balanced butter, which is thicker than your average PB but not anything toast can’t handle.
Per 2 Tbsp: 210 calories, 4g protein, 6g carbs (2g fiber), 20g fat
Woodstock Farms - Organic Classic Peanut Butter Smooth - 16 oz.
Woodstock
amazon.com
$17.39
Crunchy yet easy to spread, it has a hint of sugar that sweetens without cranking the calorie count. Use it as a dip with celery and carrot sticks or apple and banana slices.
Per 2 Tbsp: 200 calories, 7g protein, 8g carbs (2g fiber), 16g fat
Cream Nut All Natural 17 oz. Peanut Butter - Smooth - No Sugar, No Preservatives
amazon.com
$13.51
Cream-Nut impressed tasters with its fresh-roasted flavor. The velvety consistency makes it easy to blend into smoothies. Just stir before using.
Per 2 Tbsp: 190 calories, 8g protein, 6g carbs (2g fiber), 16g fat
SunButter Sunflower Butter, Delicious, Organic Alternative to Peanut Butter, 16 ounce plastic jars, Pack of 3
SunButter
amazon.com
$25.11
This spread, made with roasted sunflower seeds in a nut-free facility, is ideal for anyone with a nut allergy. Note: Some tasters found it slightly bitter, so pair it with something sweet, like a banana.
Per 2 Tbsp: 220 calories, 6g protein, 5g carbs (2 g fiber), 20g fat
Classic Almond Butter by Justin's, Only Two Ingredients, No Stir, Gluten-free, Non-GMO, Responsibly Sourced, 16oz Jar
Justin's Nut Butter
amazon.com
$10.49
Almonds have more fiber than peanuts, making this a filling alternative to traditional PB. Justin's stands out for its smoothness and subtly sweet flavor.
Per 2 Tbsp: 190 calories, 7g protein, 6g carbs (3g fiber), 18g fat
Or straight off the spoon (because you know you do that).