Almond butter vs cashew butter, who will win your vote?
Cashew and almond butter have both risen to fame in the past decade. With many people boasting of their health benefits, delicious flavor and versatility.
Almond and cashew butters are both deliciously rich, offering a thick and creamy texture and a distinctive taste like no other. They are super versatile ingredients to have in your kitchen and can fit a range of diets that are otherwise restrictive, such as vegan and keto.
These nut butters are also peanut free, meaning it may be the safer option to pack for school and work lunches provided those around you do not have allergies to cashew or almond butter.
Personally, I enjoy the taste of almond over cashew butter, however cashew butter can be used in a variety of more ways than almond due to its reduced flavor.
Which you decide will be up to your wants/needs. I will lay out the facts and let you decide.
What Is Cashew Butter?
Cashew butter is a deliciously smooth and versatile spread made with cashew nuts. The cashews are roasted or baked and ground into a smooth paste by pulsing the cashews in either a blender or food processor. Sugar or salt is sometimes added. You can also buy cashew butter in a range of flavors from chocolate to caramel.
Once the cashew butter has been ground into a smooth paste, it is then stored in a jar where the oils will naturally separate from the solids. This can be fixed with a simple stir.
Your cashew butter is ready to be eaten, in your favorite recipe or by the spoonful!
It is very easy to make your own cashew butter at home. This way you can control what is added. Add as little or as much salt or sugar as you’d like and anything you may enjoy such as honey or cinnamon.
Cashew butter can be quite expensive and it may be a more budget friendly to make it yourself.
Cashew butter, though rich and distinctive in flavor, is also subtle and therefore will not overpower other flavors in a dish. Making it a versatile ingredient in soups, dips, desserts and more.
Read more about how cashew butter is good for you here.
What Is Almond Butter?
Almond butter is a rich, thick and creamy spread made from almonds. The almonds are roasted and ground into a smooth and delicious paste. Sugar and salt are sometimes added.
The dry roasted almonds are then pulsed in either a blender or food processor until it forms into a smooth paste ready for eating.
Once the pulsed almonds have achieved its desired consistency, it is ready to be eaten.
Almond butter is just as simple to make from home and may also be a more budget friendly and potentially healthier option than buying a jar.
Almond butter tastes similar to peanut butter, in the way that it is distinctly nutty and rich. Making a delicious snack on toast, or a dip for apples.
Read more about the taste of almond butter here.
Cashew Butter Vs Almond Butter
Cashew Butter Vs Almond Butter: Nutrition
Almond or cashew butter both share very similar nutritional qualities, though they have their differences.
Almond butter presents slightly higher calories, protein, fat and fiber than cashew butter. The higher fat content in almonds provides higher amounts of good monounsaturated fats than cashews. With cashews presenting an increased amount of saturated fats than almonds.
Almond butter and cashew butter are both nutrient powerhouses. Cashew butter provides great amounts of magnesium, manganese, zinc and copper. These minerals are fantastic for the health of your bones, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Almond butter provides a great amount of vitamin E, selenium and potassium! These minerals are great to improve hormone function and improve feelings of fullness.
Cashew Butter per 1 Tbsp
| Calories | 94 |
| Protein | 2.8g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.4g |
| Fiber | 0.3g |
Almond Butter per 1 Tbsp
| Calories | 98 |
| Protein | 3.4g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrate | 3g |
| Fiber | 1.6g |
Cashew Vs Almond Butter: Uses
Cashew and almond butter are versatile ingredients to have in the kitchen.
Those who are new to these delicious spreads often don’t realize they can be used for a variety of dishes beyond spreading on toast.
Frostings, baked goods, health foods, sauces, smoothies, ice-cream, dips and soups, the list goes on!
Almond butter has a more distinctive nutty flavor than cashew butter. Meaning it is a great feature flavor in a meal such as satays, curries and more.
Cashew butter however, with its subtle flavor is going to work with a variety of dishes such as dips, soups, desserts, baked goods, health foods, and more.
Cashew Butter Vs Almond Butter: Taste
Texturally, almond butter and cashew butter are quite similar. They are both a deliciously thick and creamy food spread but with their own flavor. Choosing your favorite usually has a lot to do with its taste.
Cashew butter offers a very creamy and subtle flavor that coats the mouth and though distinctive, it does not overpower or overbear other ingredients if used in dishes. It is earthy, nutty, slightly salty and sweet.
Almond butter is more similar to peanut butter in the way it presents a more distinctive nuttiness and stronger flavor. When used in dishes it can overpower other flavors and so should be used with the right pairings.
Read more about what cashew butter tastes like here and almond butter here.
Almond Butter Vs Cashew Butter: Allergies
Of course if you have almond or cashew allergies, you won’t be enjoying much of these food spreads.
However they are a fantastic alternative to peanut butter, rightfully a legume. Almond and cashew are tree nuts and so may be a great option for those suffering with peanut allergies.
However, tree nut allergies are one of the most commonly reported allergies in children and adults and extra care should be taken if you are bringing a nut butter sandwich/dish to work or school, with cashew nuts being the most common tree nut allergy in the United States.
However, peanut allergies can extend to all nuts. Please consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
Almond Butter Vs Cashew Butter: Price
Its not a surprise almond and cashew butter are two of the most expensive nut butters going around. Cashews are hazardous and labor intense to harvest and almonds are delicious nutrient bombs!
Both differ in price however. Almond butter is generally more affordable than cashew butter. The United States produces around 80% of the worlds almonds and so finding it on the cheaper side is often possible. They are more available than our friends the cashew nut.
You can pick up a jar of almond butter for a couple of dollars less than you can cashew butter. It all depends on which is your favorite.
Cashew nuts are grown in the same family as poison ivy, and they are surrounding by a shell with toxic chemical. It is therefore a hazardous and arduous process of removing the shell, driving the price up.
You could always experiment with making your own cashew almond butter. It may result in a more budget friendly option making an almond cashew butter than purchasing these nut butters.
Can You Substitute Cashew Butter For Almond Butter?
Cashew butter can be a great substitute for almond butter. Mostly for their similar texture; rich, thick and creamy.
Cashew nuts are more subtle in flavor and pair well in desserts, soups and dips as a base or thickener. Almond butter has a more distinctive flavor and can overpower other ingredients.
Cashew butter will provide you with the same delicious creamy texture, however it will lack a bit in flavor if you are using the nut butter as a flavoring.
Conclusion: Cashew Butter Or Almond Butter – Which Is Best?
Its difficult for me to choose a winner. Both cashew and almond butter are nutrient dense, delicious and versatile. Almond butter does stand out as the slightly more nutritious option. However, cashew butter is slightly less calorific and more versatile.
A lot of your choice preference will come down to what matters most to you, be that taste, price or nutrients.
I’ll let you decide!
Want to know more? Click here to learn the differences between cashew butter and peanut butter and here to find all our cashew-related guides and here for almond-related guides.
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