9 Healthy Nut Butters That Taste Amazing on Pretty Much Anything
Or straight off the spoon—because who hasn’t done that?
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Peanut butter is one of those foods that we runners just can’t seem to live without. Whether it helps fuel your long runs or is part of your go-to postrun snack, chances are you probably stock a jar in your kitchen at all times.
What’s more, researchers in Spain found that men who ate about 3 .5 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 brand that has just nuts and/or seeds and salt, says Valerie Goldstein, R.D., founder of Eating to Fuel Health.
Here are nine good-for-you options that will knock the socks off of any PB&J.
Yes, this is one of those peanut butters 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
This super smooth 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 nut butter you grind yourself at fancy grocery stores.
Per 2 Tbsp: 180 calories, 8g protein, 5g carbs (3g fiber), 16g fat
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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
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
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 peanut butter— but not anything toast can’t handle.
Per 2 Tbsp: 210 calories, 4g protein, 6g carbs (2g fiber), 20g fat
Crunchy yet easy to spread, Woodstock’s smooth peanut butter 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 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
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
Justin’s Classic Almond Butter
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
Paul Kita is a Deputy Editor at Men's Health, where he has covered food, cooking, nutrition, supplements, grooming, tech, travel, and fatherhood at the brand for more than 15 years. He is also the author of two Men's Health cookbooks, Guy Gourmet and A Man, A Pan, A Plan, and the winner of a James Beard Award.
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