Almond butter is a very popular nut butter, and also dubbed one of the healthiest! But brazil nut butter has been slowly getting more and more popular – and for good reasons!
Let’s check out the differences between these two spreads and see which one is the best choice for you!
Comparing brazil nut butter vs almond butter
Brazil nut butter and almond butter are both great for vegan, paleo, and keto diets, making each of them an awesome choice if you follow one of those! They both have tree nuts as an allergen, which is something to keep in mind.
They also both have a very low glycemic index, making them great if you’re worried about spiking your blood sugar!
| Brazil nut butter | Almond butter | |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Nutty, rich, slightly sweet |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth | Slightly grainy and runny (or crunchy) |
| Allergens | Tree nuts | Tree nuts |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | Yes | Yes |
| Keto? | Yes | Yes |
| Glycemic index (GI) | Brazil nuts=10 | 0 |
What is brazil nut butter?
Brazil nut butter is made from roasted or raw Brazil nuts, which are ground into a creamy spread that only requires a bit of extra salt – actually, you can easily make brazil nut butter at home!
Something really cool about brazil nut butter is that it’s packed with selenium. Selenium is a mineral that’s a great support in having a healthy immune system, as well as a bunch of other health benefits! Just make sure to keep in in moderation, as selenium can cause health problems if consumed in excess.
What is almond butter?
Almond butter is made by blending raw or roasted almonds into a delicious spread that sports a rich and nutty flavor. It’s a great substitute for peanut butter, and is actually considered to be one of the healthiest nut butters!
You can get from smooth to crunchy textures depending on your preferences, but it always tends to be grainy and a bit sticky.
Differences between brazil nut butter and almond butter
The biggest differences between brazil nut butter and almond butter are their tastes and textures.
Brazil nut butter has a light, mild, and buttery flavor, while almond butter has rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. The texture of brazil nut butter is smooth and creamy, while almond butter has a runny and grainy texture – although that depends on the “crunchiness” level of the almond butter.
Both butters have several nutritional differences, which we’ll dive into down below. However, it’s good to note that they’re made from different types of nuts, potentially changing the allergens you need to be aware of – for example, brazil nuts vs. almonds, although they are both tree nuts.
How to use brazil nut butter vs almond butter
Either butter can be used for many different things. For example, both brazil nut butter and almond butter go great as a spread for toast, mixed into your yogurt, added as a creamy ingredient to your smoothie, drizzled over your oatmeal, or turned into a nut milk – check out this brazil nut milk recipe if you’re interested in that!
They can also be used as a base in a dip or dressing, but just remember that the differences in tastes and consistencies will change whatever dish you’re using them in.
You can also use almond butter to make almond body butter, giving you a natural way to combat dry skin!
Nutrition: Brazil nut butter vs almond butter
Brazil nut butter has no sugar in it, but it has a bit more saturated fats than almond butter. That being said, it has some fiber, protein, and selenium in it, making it a well-rounded healthy choice.
Almond butter is considered one of the healthiest nut butters out there, with its awesome blend of protein, vitamin E, healthy fats, and fiber. However, although almond butter is keto friendly, brazil nut butter has even less carbs and may be the better choice for keto recipes.
If you’re buying either of these from the store, make sure to check the label to avoid any unwanted ingredients like added sugar or preservatives.
| Serving size: 2 tbsp | Brazil nut butter | Almond butter |
| Calories | 190 | 190 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 19 g (4.5 g) | 17 g (2 g) |
| Total carbs | 4 g | 7 g |
| Net carbs (fiber) | 2 g (2 g) | 3 g (4 g) |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 0 g | 1 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 4 g | 7 g |
How to store brazil nut butter and almond butter
Brazil nut butter and almond butter both usually don’t have added oils and preservatives, making them more prone to going rancid and having oil separation. That’s why it’s better to store them in the fridge – and you can just give them a stir if oil separation happens!
Plus, the runny consistency of almond butter will thicken up in the fridge a bit.
Most nut butters generally last 2-3 months after opening, so try to enjoy them within that time frame – make sure to check the label for any specific storage instructions!
Brazil nut butter vs almond butter: Which is better?
I’m a big fan of almond butter, but there’s no denying that brazil nut butter is also a great choice.
The creamy and smooth texture is very appealing, as well as the fact that it’s low-carb. However, even though selenium is good, too much of it can cause problems, so enjoy it in moderation!
That being said, almond butter is among the most popular nut butters for a reason. It has a great nutritional profile, has a delicious taste, and is also extremely versatile.
So, I’d say that the nutritional profile of almond butter edges out brazil nut butter, but check each out to see which one better meets your needs in terms of taste and texture!
FAQs
Yes, almond butter is often said to be one of the healthiest nut butters, with a great blend of vitamins, minerals, and protein to offer a nut butter for the health-conscious!
Brazil nut butter has a low carb content with a decent protein and healthy fats content, making it keto-friendly!
While almond butter has a better all-around nutritional profile, it comes down to what your preferences and tastes are in the end. They both offer their pros and cons, but boast a similar versatility – I personally recommend almond butter!
Love the article.
Agreed that texture and taste are going to be the key differentiators because the health differences are not that big of a difference.
There is one point that is the friendliness of the nuts.
Almonds are the least eco-friendly as far as water and CO2 consumption. At least greater than 30% of the fancy nuts, including Brazil nuts.
If someone is concerned about eco-friendly, then they go old-fashioned peanut will be the best bet. Another night that is more eco-friendly would be the acorn. That is one nut butter. I’ve not tried yet. Haha.
Thank you! Good point about the environmental factor. I have never tried acorn butter either!