The practice of roasting and grinding nuts dates back many centuries, evolving over time into what we know and love as a traditional sandwich spread. Though most of us will primarily recall a peanut-based product, a variety of nuts (and seeds) has forged into the nut butters market, giving consumers multiple flavors and textures and thus producing different uses to crack into.
Natural Peanut Butter
Natural peanut butter is the real deal and truly one of the essential nut butters. The ingredient list is very minimal, typically only peanuts and salt (although some brands come sans salt). It doesn’t contain any stabilizers; thus, it needs to be stirred before using, as the natural oils tend to separate from the peanut mixture. We recommend storing it upside down (if it’s in a resealable jar, so the oils won’t separate) at room temperature.
Peanut Butter Spread
When it comes to this treasured spread, you’re either Team Creamy or Team Chunky. Either way, it’s labeled as a “peanut butter spread” due to the oils, sweeteners, preservatives, and other ingredients added to increase shelf stabilization. This type of peanut butter lends itself nicely to both baking and cooking, so you can mix it into cakes, pies, and cookies or stir it into a savory dressing, glaze, soup, or curry for delicious depth of flavor.
Almond Butter
Alternative nut butters have risen in popularity over the last few decades, and almond butter is at the top of the list. Like peanut butter, this product can be made by blitzing or blending raw, blanched, or roasted almonds into a creamy paste, except almond butter is even nuttier in flavor. Packed with protein, rich in fiber, and versatile, this nut butter makes for a tasty addition to dips and desserts, smoothies, and more.
Cashew Butter
Though it’s not as widely available, this premium nut butter is worth a try. Since cashews are naturally soft, cashew butter is creamy, dreamy, and extra nutty. Like almond butter, it’s a great option for those who have a peanut allergy, and it’s full of protein, too, so it’s ideal for adding to a smoothie, spreading onto toast, or using as a replacement for anything that calls for peanut butter.
Hazelnut Butter
Hazelnut butter and hazelnut spread are, in fact, two different things. Toasted or roasted hazelnut butter is a high-end nut butter option and is delicious all by itself, but you’re most likely thinking of the beloved chocolate hazelnut spread: Nutella. What the latter lacks in healthfulness, it more than makes up for with flavor. We love using chocolate-hazelnut butter in desserts like cookies, hand pies, and even stuffed French toast.
Specialty Nut Butter: AR’s Spicy Honey Peanut Butter
Hot honey is all the rage, so what better way to channel that intense sweet heat than by incorporating it into a high-quality nut butter? AR’s Hot Southern Honey hit the nail on the head with this product, which incorporates punchy ghost peppers into their classic combination of blended Virginia peanuts and pure wildflower and clover honeys. Try this product in both sweet and savory offerings—everything from a kicked-up sandwich to an elevated peanut sauce in your favorite Thai dish.
