Looking for an alternative to peanut butter? Or wondering what does almond butter taste like? Does it taste like peanut butter? Is it healthy? Does it expire? Keep reading for all of the answers!
Almond butter is a spread formed by blending almonds until they are a smooth cream. It’s a great alternative to regular butter or spreads with nuts being a good source of healthy fats that help with blood sugar and the heart. It’s also a dairy-free alternative for vegans and people avoiding dairy.
Almonds are rich in fiber and protein which makes them filling and good for cholesterol. I talk more below about whether almond butter is healthy. For the moment, just understand that in its purest form, almond butter is simply almonds. However, store-bought almond butter can have a lot of additives that can affect the taste.
In this guide, I walk you through everything you need to know to start using almond butter and answer how almond butter tastes.
Contents
What Does Almond Butter Taste Like?
Since almond butter is made solely or primarily from almonds, it tastes like whipped almonds. However, that’s not a very helpful description so what does almond butter taste like?
It’s creamy, rich, nutty-tasting, and delicious. I find it a little sticky and a little grainy.
Does Almond Butter Taste Like Peanut Butter?
It’s similar to peanut butter but tastes nuttier and creamier. I’ve heard a lot of people say it tastes richer than peanut butter, but this depends on the almond butter. It’s a bit stickier and grainier than peanut butter.
I think the taste isn’t quite as strong but still tastes very good. And obviously, peanut butter tastes more like peanuts while almond butter tastes more like almonds.
It’s a great alternative if you are allergic to peanuts or looking for something a little different.
What Does Almond Butter Look Like?
Almond butter looks like a thick brown cream. See it pictured here!
How To Use Almond Butter?
Almond butter is great for anything you currently use peanuts for, assuming you like the taste. It makes for a great sandwich or toast spread. A spoonful in a smoothie can add some delicious flavor.
You can use it in baking or on celery sticks. Really, anything you want.
Is Almond Butter Healthy?
Almond butter is one of the best nut butter for your health, beating peanut butter. So, what does almond butter do for you?
Since almond butter is basically almonds, it has the same health benefits, and there are many of these. It’s full of many heart-benefiting monounsaturated fats as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals including magnesium, vitamin E, and calcium.
This calcium makes almond butter good for your bones and the monounsaturated fats help prevents heart disease as do the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E in this product.
Vitamin E also helps control blood sugar and insulin levels and magnesium also helps with insulin sensitivity among many other things. In fact, there are lots of benefits to nutrient-rich almond butter.
The downside is that it is high in calories but the contained protein does help fill you up.
Does Almond Butter Expire?
Yes! Almond butter can go bad. How long it lasts depends on how it is made. If you have made your own fresh almond butter, it is likely to last only a couple of weeks.
However, if you have a store-bought almond butter, check the expiry date on it. Note that these are usually best before dates which means while it is ideal to eat your almond butter before this date, it’s likely to still taste good for quite a while longer.
How long it lasts also depends if the almond butter has been opened and how you store it.
Here’s our table of how long almond butter lasts.
| The almond butter is…. | It is stored in the… | It lasts… |
| Homemade | Fridge | A couple of weeks |
| Store bought, unopened | Fridge | Up to a year after the expiration date |
| Pantry | Up to six months after the expiration date | |
| Store bought, opened | Fridge | Up to 9 months |
| Pantry | 3-5 months after opening |
Read our full guide to how long fresh almond butter lasts here.
What Does Rancid Almond Butter Taste Like?
Due to the degradation of the fats found in almonds, rancid almond butter has a disagreeable taste and odor. Rancid almond butter is frequently described as having a sour, bitter, or even soapy flavor.
The flavor is definitely wrong and can be extremely unpleasant. The texture may also alter, becoming grainy or gritty.
It is crucial to know that eating rotten food is not recommended because it can create digestive pain and offer risks to health. If you believe your almond butter has gone rancid, throw it out and get a new one.
Almond Butter Vs Peanut Butter
Almond butter and peanut butter are two popular spreads that may be used in a variety of dishes or eaten alone. While they have certain similarities, they also have significant variances in terms of flavor, nutrition, and allergenic potential. Let’s see how almond butter and peanut butter compare:
Taste:
Almond Butter: When compared to peanut butter, almond butter has a somewhat sweeter and milder flavor. It has a creamy texture with a nuttiness undertone.
Peanut Butter: The flavor of peanut butter is more powerful and delicious. It frequently has a more roasted peanut flavor, which some people like.
Nutrition:
Almond Butter: Almond butter is said to be more healthful than peanut butter. It contains beneficial monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. Almonds have more calcium than peanuts.
Peanut Butter: Is likewise healthful, however, it has a significantly different nutritional profile. It has more protein than almond butter and is high in vitamins B3, E, magnesium, and folate. Peanuts also have a greater folate content than almonds.
Usage and Versatility:
Almond Butter: Almond butter is an excellent alternative for individuals who want a softer flavor or who are allergic to peanuts. It’s delicious as a toast spread, in smoothies, and as a component in baking dishes.
Peanut Butter: This is extremely flexible and is commonly used in sandwiches, baking, cooking, and as a dip for fruits and vegetables. Its bold taste complements both sweet and savory foods.
Does Almond Butter Taste Like Marzipan
Almond butter and marzipan have a common ingredient: almonds. They do, however, have noticeable variations in flavor and texture.
Almond butter is prepared by crushing almonds into a smooth and creamy spread. It has a rich, nutty taste with a somewhat sweet flavor. Almond butter has a similar texture to peanut butter in that it is thick and spreadable.
Marzipan, on the other hand, is a confection prepared with crushed almonds and sugar. It’s frequently used in baking and confectionery manufacturing. Marzipan has a sweet flavor with a strong almond flavor. It has a smooth, flexible texture that is similar to modeling clay. Marzipan is frequently used for decorating cakes, making edible figurines, and rolling into bite-sized sweets.
While the flavors and textures of almond butter and marzipan are comparable, they are not the same.
FAQs
Does almond butter have a gritty texture?
Almond butter can have a slightly gritty texture, especially if it contains almond skins or if it is made with less refined almonds. However, many commercially available almond butter has a smooth and creamy texture.
Does the type of almond affect the taste of almond butter?
Yes, the type of almond used can affect the taste of almond butter. Different varieties of almonds have slightly different flavor profiles, ranging from mild and sweet to more robust and bitter. The roasting level of the almonds can also impact the taste.
Can I customize the taste of almond butter?
Yes, you can customize the taste of almond butter to your preference. You can experiment with different roasting levels, adding sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or incorporating additional flavors such as cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate to create a unique taste.
Can I use almond butter as a substitute for other nut butter?
Almond butter can be used as a substitute for other nut butter like peanut butter or cashew butter in many recipes. But, be mindful that the taste and texture may differ, so the end result might have a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I store almond butter at room temperature?
It is generally recommended to store almond butter in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent rancidity. However, some brands may specify that their almond butter can be stored at room temperature. Always check the product packaging for specific storage instructions. Before consuming, let refrigerated almond butter come to room temperature for easier spreading.
Conclusion
Almond butter is a delicious and useful item that I love to eat on a piece of toast. It has many nutrients and goodies in it and is definitely worth tasting and giving a try in your diet.
Want more guides to almondy goodness? Find all our almond guides here. You can also read our guide to whether almond butter goes bad and how to tell here or how almond butter compares to cashew butter here.
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