A paleo diet, also called the “caveman diet”, consists of foods that were around in the Paleolithic era. That means it excludes modern-day foods like dairy, refined sweeteners, and grains – but it’s fine to eat nuts and seeds (and therefore nut and seed butter).
Most types of nut and seed butter are paleo-friendly as long as they don’t contain any non-paleo additives. Some of the BEST for paleo include almond butter, hazelnut butter, and walnut butter.
The list doesn’t end there, though – we’ll review 16 nut and seed butters that are best suited for a paleo diet!
What makes nut butter paleo-friendly?
The Paleo diet excludes all grains, dairy, legumes, and refined sweeteners. The good news is that most types of nut and seed butters are paleo-friendly as long as they don’t include any ingredients like added refined sugar or other non-paleo ingredients (such as soybean oil).
You’ll need to check the ingredients label to ensure the nut butter you choose is paleo-friendly – but we’ll include a list of 16 types of unsweetened nut butters that are paleo-friendly next!
16 types of nut butters best for Paleo
Almond butter
Almond butter is one of the best paleo-friendly nut butters and is likely the most popular alternative to peanut butter (which isn’t paleo because it’s a legume). Almond butter is easy to find, unlike some of the other paleo nut and seed butters on this list.
Brazil nut butter
Brazil nut butter can be more tricky to find commercially, but you can make your own at home if you want (same with most nut and seed butters).
Chia seed butter
Loaded with fiber and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, chia seed butter is also low in net carbs.
Coconut butter
While it’s more like coconut oil than nut butter, coconut products are a staple for both paleo and keto diets. Coconut butter contains fibrous coconut flesh, which is the main thing that sets it apart from regular coconut oil.
Flaxseed butter
Like chia seed butter, flaxseed butter is very high in fiber (making it free of net carbs – great for keto!) and omega-3 fatty acids.
Hazelnut butter
As long as you don’t choose the popular chocolate-flavored hazelnut butter (delicious as it is, it’s not Paleo!) hazelnut butter fits perfectly into a paleo diet.
Macadamia nut butter
This high-calorie and high-fat nut butter is not only keto-approved, but it’s suitable for paleo diets as well.
Mixed nut butter
The types of nuts and seeds in mixed nut butter will vary among manufacturers, but the one we researched (Kirkland Signature) contains only paleo-friendly ingredients.
Pecan butter
Another great keto nut butter is pecan butter, a great choice for paleo dieters.
Pine nut butter
While your budget might not approve (it’s a bit pricey compared to other nut butters), pine nut butter is paleo-friendly!
Pistachio butter
Pistachio butter might have other nut oils mixed in (such as walnut oil) but is still paleo-friendly.
Pumpkin seed butter
Fun fact – pumpkin seed butter is the richest source of iron among nut and seed butters!
Tahini (sesame seed butter)
Whether you use it to make hummus or another spread, tahini is most definitely paleo-friendly.
Tiger nut butter
Made from a tuberous plant called the yellow nutsedge, tiger nut butter isn’t keto-friendly but fits just fine in a paleo diet.
Walnut butter
Walnuts are one of the most nutritious nuts you can eat, so walnut butter is no exception! It’s rich in healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.
Watermelon seed butter
This one is a bit rare and hard to find commercially, but if you can get your hands on it, it’s fine for paleo!
FAQs:
Almond butter that is free of sweeteners (and any other non-paleo additives) is paleo-friendly.
All types of nuts are paleo-friendly (except “pseudo” nuts like peanuts, which are actually a legume).
Peanut butter isn’t allowed on a paleo diet. (Peanuts are legumes, which are avoided since they weren’t around in the Paleolithic era!)
Leave a Comment