Brazil is known for so many great things: soccer, the invention of the hot air balloon, the Christ the Redeemer statue, and…a nut butter?
Yup, the delicious Brazil nut butter (appropriately named for where it comes from) is an underrated yet amazing spread that’s really making waves in the keto community. Plus, it’s great for anyone wanting a buttery spread that melts right off the knife!
Now, we’re going to compare this awesome spread to coconut butter, which is a unique experience in that it takes your taste buds on a wonderful journey to the tropical beaches of Hawaii!
These two have their own unique pros and cons, which makes it all the more interesting to put these spreads head-to-head and really dive into what makes them great. That way, we’ll be able to ultimately see which one is better!
Let’s jump in!
Comparing Brazil nut butter vs coconut butter
Brazil nut butter and coconut butter are very different in taste and texture, which we’ll check out later on. However, they’re both really versatile when it comes to special diets, with both spreads being suitable if you participate in vegan, paleo, or keto diets! Plus, they both have low glycemic index scores, which is important if you’re worried about your blood sugar levels spiking when eating them – make sure to talk to your physician if you have any concerns there!
You’ll find that Brazil nut butter has tree nuts as an allergen, while coconut butter has coconuts as one – coconuts are technically classified as tree nuts by the USDA, but many people with tree nut allergies can eat coconuts with no issues – talk to your physician here too!
| Brazil nut butter | Coconut butter | |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Coconut, rich, slightly nutty |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth | Thick, pasty, slightly gritty |
| Allergens | Tree nuts | Coconuts* |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | Yes | Yes |
| Keto? | Yes | Yes |
| Glycemic index (GI) | Brazil nuts=10 | Low** |
*The USDA considers coconuts as tree nuts, but many people with tree nut allergies can safely consume coconut products.
**Coconut butter is made from the flesh of coconuts, which have a glycemic index of 45, classifying it as a low GI food. Although there isn’t clear data on the GI of coconut butter, we would assume it’s the same, or very similar, to coconuts.
What is Brazil nut butter?
Brazil nut butter, as is in the name, is made from Brazil nuts. These are often roasted before being ground down into a smooth and creamy spread, as that enhances their flavor! Plus, you really don’t need any other ingredients outside of Brazil nuts – just some salt – which makes it really easy to make Brazil nut butter at home!
An awesome thing about Brazil nut butter is that it’s full of selenium, which is a mineral that’s really important in maintaining a healthy immune system – and it gives several other health benefits! The one caveat is that too much selenium can actually cause health problems, but just enjoy Brazil nut butter in moderation and it’ll be fine – speak with a physician if you have any worries!
What is coconut butter?
Coconut butter is simply coconut meat ground down into a thick, pasty, and slightly gritty spread. The grittiness is due to bits of coconut flesh being in it, and it boasts a rich coconut taste.
While the texture is spreadable when it’s cool or at room temperature, warming coconut butter up turns it thin and runny – perfect for drizzling! Plus, it’s quite simple to make coconut butter at home if you prefer homemade spreads!
Differences between Brazil nut butter and coconut butter
The biggest differences between Brazil nut butter and coconut butter are their tastes and textures.
Brazil nut butter has a light, mild, and buttery flavor that’s not overpowering at all and mixes well with other ingredients. Coconut butter has a rich coconut taste with nutty undertones.
Looking at their textures, Brazil nut butter boasts a creamy and smooth texture that’s a joy to spread, while coconut butter has a thick and pasty consistency with a bit of grittiness to it – remember, it becomes thin and runny when you warm it up!
They have some nutritional differences as well, which we’ll check out in just a bit!
How to use Brazil nut butter vs coconut butter
Despite their differences in taste and texture, these spreads are very versatile and interchangeable.
You can use them as a spread for many things like toast, pancakes, waffles, muffins, etc., or you can mix them into your oatmeal, smoothies, and even salads and pasta! You could even add them as ingredients in your bakes, adding a special flavor profile to them.
Coconut butter is actually quite versatile despite having a distinct taste, and there are many great ways that you can use it!
If you’re wanting a beverage, Brazil nut butter can be used to make Brazil nut milk at home for a great refreshment!
Nutrition: Brazil nut butter vs coconut butter
Brazil nut butter is really good in healthy fats, and has a decent amount of protein in it as well. Plus, it has very few carbs, making it great for keto diets! It has no sugar in it, and has 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Coconut butter is also low in carbs, with 6 grams of fiber! It has 2 grams of sugar per serving, but has none added. It’s not the best in protein with 2 grams per serving, and it has a lot of unhealthy saturated fats, so keep that in mind as we recommend limiting saturated fats in everyone’s diet!
| Serving size: 2 tbsp | Brazil nut butter | Coconut butter |
| Calories | 190 | 210 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 19 g (4.5 g) | 22 g (18 g) |
| Total carbs | 4 g | 8 g |
| Net carbs (fiber) | 2 g (2 g) | 2 g (6 g) |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 0 g | 2 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 4 g | 2 g |
How to store Brazil nut butter and coconut butter
Brazil nut butter should be stored in the fridge because it doesn’t have added oils and preservatives – which is great, but it makes it more prone to going rancid. You’ll also likely want to stir it before storing to help prevent oil separation.
Coconut butter can be stored in the pantry at room temperature – it will become thin and runny if it gets warm or if you warm it up, but putting it in the fridge will thicken it back up! Its shelf-life varies from brand-to-brand, but you can expect it to last 6-12 months before going rancid.
Brazil nut butter vs coconut butter: The ultimate verdict
And here we are, the final showdown…
Brazil nut butter offers a deliciously smooth and buttery spread that is great for many different diets. Plus, it has selenium in it, which provides a unique health benefit.
Coconut butter is also very versatile when it comes to diets, and has a unique texture that can change from thick, pasty, and slightly gritty to thin and runny, making it very applicable for multiple different dishes.
Looking at all the facts, both spreads are great, but my money is with Brazil nut butter for its superior protein and healthy fats content, while being very versatile and absolutely delicious!
FAQs
Brazil nut butter is awesome for keto diets because it has a low carb content and decent protein and healthy fats content!
Coconut butter boasts a low carb carb content with awesome fiber and a bit of protein as well, making it great for keto diets.
Brazil nut butter has its own unique taste with a mild and butter flavor. Peanut butter tastes like peanuts, and tends to be saltier.
Likely…the USDA classifieds coconuts as tree nuts technically, but most people with tree nut allergies safely eat coconut butter. I recommend talking to your physician first!
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