Looking for an almond butter substitute? Maybe you don’t have any on hand and need a quick replacement that has a similar taste or texture. Maybe someone in your family has a nut allergy and you need a nut-free replacement. No matter what you are using it for, here you’ll find 14 great replacements for almond butter!
Almond butter became popular years ago, as an alternative to plain peanut butter. Almond butter is sometimes considered a bit healthier than peanut butter as it has a few more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and less saturated fat than peanut butter. However, overall, the two are about tied when it comes to calories and sugar content.
Almond butter has a slightly more “nutty” taste than peanut butter and comes in both smooth and “crunchy” varieties. It is popular for those on keto diets and people looking for ingredients that are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Almond butter is a staple in our house! We use it on toast, and in baking and my husband even puts it in his protein shakes and smoothies! One downside though–we have TWO kiddos with nut allergies who can’t have almond butter! So we are always seeking out substitutes for almond butter substitute because of nut allergies!
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How Would You Serve Almond Butter Substitute?
Almond butter has so many delicious uses!
As a spread: Almond butter on toast is the obvious one, but my family (non-nut allergy family members!) love it spread on waffles, pancakes, and with jelly on a sandwich. It’s also fantastic paired with honey on toast.
In smoothies: Almond butter is great in smoothies to add a few extra vitamins and a little bit more protein….not to mention a great, rich flavor.
In baking/recipes: There are so many recipes that use peanut butter where you could easily substitute almond butter. From curries to protein-packed breakfast recipes to cookies to salad dressings to a delicious sauce for Asian dishes like this noodle bowl!
Sunflower Butter – Almond Butter Substitute
Sunflower butter is the first alternative to nut butter we tried when we found out 2 of my kids had nut allergies. The flavor profile and texture are very similar to almond butter and peanut butter. I find the flavor to be a bit blander vs. peanut butter or almond butter but it’s still delish!
Peanut Butter
An obvious substitute for almond butter is peanut butter! In a small white bowl sitting in a bed of peanuts.
Obvious right? Peanut butter and almond butter are very similar as far as healthiness goes. Almond butter has a bit of an edge with a few more vitamins and minerals. However, both almond butter and peanut butter can be used interchangeably for most uses.
Cashew Butter – Almond Butter Substitute
One of the best substitutes for almond butter is cashew butter. In a jar with a white background.
This super creamy nut butter is higher in fat content compared to peanut butter and almond butter but packs loads of vitamins and minerals. It’s slightly sweet and perfect on toast, shakes and smoothies, and baking. You can get more from this video.
Cinnamon Seed Butter
Cinnamon Seed Butter is sunflower seed-based but typically enhanced with cinnamon, chia seeds, and honey. It’s low in sugar and a bit sweet making it a perfect nut-free alternative for PB & J’s!
There are several brands but Betsy’s Best is one of the most popular and available in many major chain grocery stores. I have also written an article on The Best Nature Valley Almond Butter Good For You.
Hazelnut Butter – Almond Butter Substitute
Hazelnut butter is packed with lots of protein and fiber, just like almond butter, making it a great substitute. It also has less saturated fat than almond butter.
Don’t confuse hazelnut butter with Nutella which has chocolate mixed in making it a lot less healthy.
Walnut Butter
Walnut butter is an excellent substitute for almond butter! It’s a bit sweeter than almond butter but very similar in texture and flavor profile. It’s very “nutty” tasting, similar to almond butter. This is a great one to swap in baking recipes.
Avocado
This might not be the typical almond butter replacement, but hear me out! Avocado has a high healthy fat content, along with fiber and potassium–just like almond butter.
However, avocado has A lot less sugar and carbs than almond butter making it an awesome alternative to almond butter on toast and even in shakes and smoothies! You can read more about Almond Butter Smoothie: Boost Your Energy and Health.
Cookie Butter
A small jar of cookie butter with a spoon and cookies around.
This is a FAVE around our house! I’ll admit, it’s not the healthiest spread but the consistency is about the same as almond butter and it makes an excellent “PB&J” for kiddos with nut allergies.
Cookie Butter is made from ground-up spice cookies, mixed with a little veggie oil and sugar. Since the consistency is similar to almond butter, it can be used as a replacement in baking to kick up the sweetness a bit, if you like!
Seed Butter
A company called Beyond the Equator makes an excellent 5 Seed non-nut butter made from a variety of seeds including sunflower, chia, flax, hemp, and pumpkin seeds.
If anyone in your family has nut allergies, this is a great, healthy option! These 5 seed butter are packed with protein and healthy fat.
The company also claims its seeds are grown with 80% less water than almonds, making this seed butter an environmentally friendly option.
Coconut Butter – Almond Butter Substitute
Coconut butter is high in fat content and is roughly the same consistency as almond butter, making it a great replacement for baking.
You will be swapping a mild coconut flavor for the more nutty flavor of almond butter, but as far as consistency for baking, coconut butter can serve as a great substitute for almond butter.
Butter
Yup, you can substitute regular old butter for almond butter in baking or just as a spread on toast! You are not getting the same protein and nutritional benefits of almond butter, but in a pinch, consistency-wise, regular butter will work just fine.
Pumpkin Seed Butter – Almond Butter Substitute
Pumpkin seed butter is made from (you got it) pumpkin seeds or pepitas and has a similar texture to almond butter. It makes a great substitute for almond butter in baking, in sauces, and as a spread.
It’s especially good for those with nut allergies. Pumpkin seed butter generally has less sugar than almond butter and is a good source of magnesium, vitamin E, and iron.
Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for almond butter in baking and in shakes and smoothies! Greek yogurt is high in protein and vitamins, similar to almond butter. If you are baking, you’ll need to use a little more Greek yogurt than almond butter.
Conclusion
All of these options are delicious in their own right and can be used in various recipes.
So if you’re looking for a tasty alternative to almond butter, any of these five options will do the trick.
Do you have a favorite substitute for almond butter? Let us know in the comments below.
Peanut butter is slightly smoother in texture and almond butter has more texture but yes! Peanut butter and almond butter can be used interchangeably.
Peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter, plant-based butter, and black bean paste are great for baking!
Peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, granola butter, cookie butter, and avocado are great options for nut-free alternatives.
All of them are perfect for toast (besides the mashed black beans)!