A good nut butter is full of beneficial nutrients and fats that can contribute to a healthy diet. Many people love peanut butter, but there are alternatives that can be even more nutritious. Almond butter versus peanut butter is a personal preference for some, and others think it’s better for the body overall. While their nutrients are very similar, almond butter tends to be less processed and has an earthier flavor that some prefer.
Almond butter is made the same way as peanut butter, by grinding the nuts into a paste. These nuts contain nutrients such as vitamin A, magnesium and phosphorus. Almonds contain good unsaturated fats that help the body function without adding harmful cholesterol. They are actually tree nuts, unlike peanuts, which are legumes, but both are good sources of fiber and protein. They also have plenty of antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals, molecules in the body that can destroy healthy cells.
Peanut butter is made from ground peanuts mixed with oil, sugar, salt and other ingredients. Manufactured peanut butter can have preservatives and a large amount of sugar, so it’s not always the healthiest choice. Natural-style peanut butters are available with the simplest ingredients, but some people don’t like the way the peanut oil can separate and sit on top. A quick stir, however, will blend the oil back into the peanut butter so it spreads easily.
Most processed food manufacturers add a lot of sugar to their products, but there are organic producers that prefer not to do so. Natural food stores often carry different types of nut butters, so customers wavering between almond butter versus peanut butter can pick from various brands. Some retailers have machines that grind fresh nut butters on site. The lack of preservatives and added ingredients appeal to health-conscious shoppers. Fresh nut butters will not have preservatives that can keep them from becoming rancid, so they should be refrigerated and eaten fairly soon for best flavor.
While almond butter versus peanut butter may remain a taste or texture preference, those looking for the most nutritious choice when considering them may wish to give almond butter a try. Peanut butter has more calcium than almond butter, but the latter will provide more dietary fiber, which can sometimes be helpful in weight control. Even though it has a higher calorie count, almond butter’s plentiful fiber and monounsaturated fats give a feeling of fullness, so less may be consumed. Adding both to the diet can help make up for any advantage one has over the other.
