If you know me, you know just how much I love peanut butter. I always have some in stock because my kids (and I) can’t really do without it.
We do not have any nut allergies so we get to enjoy the awesomeness of peanut butter.
Other than being very tasty, peanut butter also has several health benefits. It is packed with omega 6 fatty acids which improve metabolism, promote reproductive health, and are important for healthy bones.
Peanut butter is a common baking ingredient. It is also commonly used as a spread and as part of healthy snacks.
Although peanut butter is amazing, not everyone gets to enjoy it, mostly because of food allergies. Some people just don’t like peanut butter, thus the need to have suitable alternatives.
Luckily, there are several peanut butter alternatives that you can use. Most of the alternatives are easy to find and you can buy them at your local store.
Tahini, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, macadamia nut butter, coconut butter, pecan butter, hazelnut butter, soy butter, pistachio butter, walnut butter, pumpkin seed butter, cashew butter, and brazil nut butter are all good alternatives for peanut butter.
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If you do not like the taste of peanut butter or you are allergic to it, these alternatives will work just fine.
1.Tahini
If you are into nutty flavors, then tahini is the alternative that you should use. Tahini is usually made from sesame seeds.
Like peanut butter, tahini is packed with omega-6 fatty acids. It also has other important nutrients like magnesium, vitamin B1, calcium, fiber, and iron.
With tahini, there is the sweetened and unsweetened version. If you are cutting down on sugar, buy the unsweetened one. However, if you are a sweet tooth like me, you can pair it with jam or honey for better taste.
You can buy tahini or make your own at home. Making tahini is actually very simple.
All you need to do is place sesame seeds in a food processor, add a little bit of sugar, salt, and vanilla extract then blend the ingredients. You will have your tahini ready in no time.
2 Almond butter
Almond butter is also a good alternative to peanut butter. I particularly like the almond butter smoothie more compared to the peanut butter smoothie.
Almond butter has a nutty flavor and is commonly used as a spread. Additionally, it is a source of omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, and fiber. A lot of people argue that almond butter is a healthy option compared to peanut butter.
You should note that almond butter is made from tree nuts so if you are allergic to tree nuts, you may have to use one of the other alternatives.
You can use store-bought almond butter or make your own at home. Making almond butter is quite easy because you only need three ingredients; almonds, salt, and honey.
3. Sunflower seed butter
Sunflower seed butter is a very popular alternative to peanut butter. It works perfectly for people with tree nut allergies.
In terms of flavor and texture, sunflower seed butter and peanut butter are very much alike. Sunflower seed butter easily spreads so you can use it as a spread. It also has a nutty flavor similar to that of peanut butter.
Sunflower seed butter is packed with vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. This makes it a very healthy alternative. You can easily make this butter at home as long as you have sunflower seeds.
I suggest using sunflower seed butter as a peanut butter alternative when making oatmeal cookies. They will turn out amazing.
4. Macadamia nut butter
This is another good alternative for peanut butter. Just like peanut butter, it contains a good amount of omega-6 fatty acids.
It also contains monounsaturated fat which promotes heart health. Research suggests that macadamia nuts prevent coronary heart disease.
Although macadamia nut butter has some health benefits, they are also very rich in fats.
Therefore, I suggest not using more than two tablespoons per serving. You can pair up macadamia nut butter with milk to increase the nutritional value.
5. Coconut butter
You can never really go wrong with coconut, can you? Coconut butter is made from shredded coconut. It has an interesting flavor that is sweet and nutty at the same time.
Coconut is well known for its ability to boost metabolism and prevent bacterial infections. It is packed with omega-6 fatty acids. It also has a small number of proteins. To increase the nutritional value of coconut butter, you can pair it with fortified bread.
One recipe that I like is coconut butter pancakes. If you love peanut butter pancakes, you will love these ones even more.
6. Pecan butter
I cannot be the only one that finds pecan butter irresistible. The flavor just makes me happy.
Pecan butter is a good alternative to peanut butter. However, you should know that it has a higher fat content thus the need to limit your intake.
Pecan butter contains potassium, magnesium, fiber, and vitamins A, B, and E. If you feel motivated, you can make your own pecan butter at home using pecans, salt, and cinnamon.
Just toast the pecans, place them in a food processor and add a dash of cinnamon and salt then blend. Your pecan butter will be ready before you even know it.
7. Hazelnut butter
Hazelnut butter is a good alternative to peanut butter. Other than having an amazing flavor, it contains proteins, fiber, manganese, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Wondering what recipe to substitute peanut butter with hazelnut butter? Try the hazelnut butter pasta instead of the usual peanut butter pasta.
You may never want to have your pasta any other way. The hazelnut butter pasta is delicious.
8. Soy butter
Soy butter is a great option, especially for vegans. It is made from toasted soya and its flavor profile is similar to that of peanut butter.
The texture of soy butter is also the same as that of peanut butter. It is arguably one of the best substitutes for peanut butter.
Soy butter also has great nutritional value. It contains proteins as well as omega 6 fatty acids. Research shows that soy can prevent heart disease and cancer.
If you are vegan or generally like soya, I suggest using soy butter as a peanut butter alternative in any recipe.
9. Pistachio butter
Pistachio butter is basically a mixture of almonds and pistachios. It is a good alternative to peanut butter because it has a similar flavor and texture.
Additionally, pistachio butter is rich in potassium, fiber, and protein. Studies suggest that it can lower cholesterol levels in the body.
Making pistachio butter is quite easy. All you need is pistachios, almonds, and sugar. Place the three ingredients in a food processor and blend until they are fully combined.
10. Walnut butter
Walnut butter can act as a peanut butter substitute. However, you should know that it has high-fat content so you should use it sparingly.
Making walnut butter at home is not hard. You will only need three ingredients; walnuts, honey, and cinnamon.
Roast the nuts, place them in the food processor together with the other ingredients until they combine fully.
11. Pumpkin seed butter
Having a nut allergy does not mean you can’t enjoy the amazing flavor.
This seed alternative has a flavor similar to that of peanut butter. Pumpkin seed is rich in fiber, protein, and fatty acids.
To make pumpkin seed butter at home, you will need pumpkin seeds, honey, salt, and a little bit of olive oil. Blend these ingredients together in a food processor band enjoy this amazing peanut butter alternative.
12. Cashew butter
Cashew butter has become quite popular in the United States. Cashew butter works perfectly when used as a peanut butter alternative in curries.
It is rich in phosphorous, magnesium, iron, and folate.
It is also a healthy alternative because it has less fat compared to the other substitutes.
13. Brazil nut butter
If you like the nutty flavor in peanut butter, you will definitely like Brazilian nut butter. It is rich in vitamins A, E, potassium, and also fiber.
Being rich in fiber, Brazil nut butter promotes digestion. This butter works perfectly when used in toast and crepes.
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Conclusion
Peanut butter is known for its irresistible nutty flavor. It has several uses. However, you may once in a while need to substitute peanut butter with something else.
If you are allergic to nuts, cashew butter, pumpkin seeds butter, tahini, and sunflower seeds butter should be the alternatives that you choose. If you are not allergic, you can use any of the other alternatives.
Most of these alternatives are very easy to find. If you are not in the mood to go to the store, you can easily make them in the comfort of your home as long as you have a food processor.
Try these peanut butter alternatives and let me know if you like them.