19 Best-Value Nut Butters (and the Ones to Skip)

Nut butters have become a staple in many households, offering a delicious and nutritious spread for everything from toast to smoothies. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones offer the best value without sacrificing quality. Here’s a look at some of the best-value nut butters and a few you might want to skip.

Almond Butter Bliss

Almond butter is a favorite among health enthusiasts, rich in protein and healthy fats. Brands like Justin’s and Barney Butter offer smooth and creamy textures at a reasonable price. Look for unsweetened versions to get the most health benefits without extra sugars.

Almond butter is versatile and can be used in baking, smoothies, or simply as a spread on toast. The key is to find a brand that uses high-quality almonds for the best flavor and nutritional profile.

Peanut Butter Perfection

Peanut butter is a classic choice that pleases both kids and adults. Skippy and Jif offer affordable options that don’t compromise on taste or texture. For a more natural option, try Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter, which contains fewer additives.

Whether you prefer creamy or crunchy, peanut butter is a great source of protein and can be incorporated into numerous recipes, from sandwiches to savory sauces.

Cashew Creamy Delight

Cashew butter is prized for its smooth texture and slightly sweet flavor. Artisana Organics and Trader Joe’s offer excellent cashew butters that won’t break the bank. They are perfect for those with peanut allergies or those seeking a unique flavor.

Try using cashew butter in vegan cheese sauces or as a decadent spread on fruits like apples or bananas for a nutritious snack.

Hazelnut Heaven

Though Nutella is a household name, it often contains more sugar than nuts. For a healthier take, try Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter or Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread, which offer better nut-to-sugar ratios.

Hazelnut butter is an indulgent option that pairs wonderfully with toast or in dessert recipes, providing a rich, nutty flavor.

Macadamia Magic

Macadamia nut butter is luxurious and creamy, often on the pricier side. However, Mauna Loa offers a competitively priced version that delivers excellent quality. This butter is perfect for those seeking a rich, buttery taste.

Use macadamia butter to add a gourmet touch to baked goods or as a unique base for salad dressings.

Pistachio Pleasure

Pistachio butter brings a unique and vibrant flavor to the table. Though it can be expensive, brands like Nut Raw and Wilderness Poets offer reasonably priced options that are worth the splurge.

This nut butter is excellent for adding a pop of color and flavor to your morning oatmeal or as a spread on crackers.

Sunflower Seed Surprise

Sunflower seed butter is a great alternative for those with nut allergies. SunButter and Once Again offer affordable options that are both tasty and nutritious. They provide a similar texture to peanut butter without the nuts.

Sunflower seed butter is perfect for school lunches and can easily be used in baking or as a spread.

Pecan Butter Paradise

Pecan butter is a rich and flavorful option that is often overlooked. Brands like Georgia Grinders offer high-quality pecan butter at a reasonable price, making it a worthwhile addition to your pantry.

Use pecan butter in sweet or savory dishes to enhance flavors with its naturally sweet and buttery taste.

Walnut Wonder

Walnut butter is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and offers a rich, earthy flavor. Artisana Organics provides a great option that is both affordable and delicious.

Incorporate walnut butter into your diet by adding it to smoothies or using it as a topping for oatmeal to boost your healthy fat intake.

Brazil Nut Boost

Brazil nut butter is unique for its selenium content, which is essential for thyroid health. Brands like Artisan Brazil Nut Butter offer this nutritious spread at a fair price.

Add Brazil nut butter to your diet for a boost in essential nutrients, either as a spread or mixed into yogurt.

Mixed Nut Marvel

For those who can’t decide, mixed nut butters are a fantastic choice. NuttZo or Once Again Nut Butter offer blends of various nuts, creating a complex flavor profile and nutritional boost.

Mixed nut butters are ideal for multi-purpose use, providing a balanced taste that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.

Pumpkin Seed Power

Pumpkin seed butter is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in magnesium and zinc. Try brands like Go Raw or 88 Acres for high-quality options that are reasonably priced.

Use pumpkin seed butter as a spread or mix it into soups for added creaminess and nutrition.

Coconut Cashew Combo

The coconut cashew combo offers a tropical twist to traditional nut butters. Brands like Pip & Nut provide an excellent blend that is both affordable and delicious.

This butter is fantastic in smoothies or as a spread, offering a creamy texture with a hint of coconut sweetness.

Chia Seed Champion

Chia seed butter is a less common but nutritious option. With brands like Nutiva offering chia-infused nut butters, you can enjoy added fiber and omega-3s at a reasonable price.

Use chia seed butter in baking or as a spread to boost your daily nutrient intake effortlessly.

Flax Seed Favorite

Flax seed butter is another nutrient-rich choice, providing a great source of omega-3s. Look for brands like Linwoods, which offer quality flax seed butters at competitive prices.

Incorporate flax seed butter into your diet by adding it to smoothies or using it as a spread to enjoy its health benefits.

Almond-Coconut Fusion

The almond-coconut fusion is a delightful mix of flavors. You can find options like Barney Butter’s Almond Coconut Butter that provide a tasty and affordable option for those who love both almonds and coconut.

This butter is perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts for a tropical flair.

Hazelnut-Cocoa Spread

For a sweet treat, hazelnut-cocoa spreads are a popular choice. While many brands exist, Nutiva offers a healthier version with less sugar than traditional options like Nutella.

Use hazelnut-cocoa spread on pancakes or as a dip for fruits to indulge without the guilt.

Classic Crunchy Peanut Butter

Classic crunchy peanut butter remains a favorite for its texture and taste. Options like Smucker’s Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter offer a satisfying crunch with no added sugars.

This staple is perfect for making sandwiches or as a topping for oatmeal, providing both flavor and crunch.

Low-Quality Nut Butters to Avoid

While many nut butters offer excellent value, some are best avoided due to high sugar content and low nut quality. Steer clear of generic brands that list sugar as a primary ingredient or use hydrogenated oils.

Always check the ingredient list for high-quality nuts and minimal additives to ensure you’re getting the best nutritional value for your money.