Coconut Butter vs Peanut Butter: Which is Better?

Coconut butter is a creamy, tropical spread that’s packed with healthy fats, but is it better than peanut butter?

Below, I’ll cover their different ingredients, consistencies, uses, benefits, and more to help you make the best decision. Let’s go!

Comparing coconut butter vs peanut butter

	Coconut butter	Peanut butter	Reduced-fat peanut butter (Jif brand)
Taste	Rich, coconutty, slightly sweet	Nutty, slightly sweet	Mild peanut flavor, slightly sweet
Texture	Thick, creamy, slightly gritty	Thick, smooth & creamy (or crunchy)	Thick, smooth & creamy (or crunchy)
Allergens	Tree nuts (coconut)	Peanuts	Peanuts, soy
Vegan?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Paleo?	Yes	No	No
Keto?	Yes	Maybe (4 g net carbs)	No
Glycemic index	Low (exact GI unknown)	Peanuts=14	Unknown; likely low like regular peanut butter

What is coconut butter? 

Coconut butter has one simple ingredient: dried shredded coconut. By blending the shredded coconut, the natural oil and coconut meat combine, transforming into a smooth, buttery spread (here’s a super simple recipe).

It’s more similar to coconut oil than a nut butter, but it can be used like a nut butter. But unlike coconut oil, coconut butter includes other parts of the coconut’s flesh (not just the fat), so it has all that good fiber and nutrients.

What is peanut butter?

Peanut butter is a super popular spread made primarily from roasted and ground peanuts, although it may include other ingredients like salt, sugar, or hydrogenated vegetable oils.

It comes in several varieties including natural, reduced-fat, chunky, smooth, salted/unsalted, and flavored.

Differences between coconut butter and peanut butter

When it comes to taste and texture, coconut butter and peanut butter couldn’t be more different.

Coconut butter boasts a creamy, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of coconut sweetness. It’s usually thicker and can be a bit grainy due to the pieces of coconut flesh.

On the other hand, peanut butter has a thick and smooth or chunky consistency with a robust nutty flavor. It can be salty or sweet depending on the brand.

Both are equally delicious, but your preference might depend on whether you’re in the mood for a tropical twist or a classic nutty taste!

As for special diets, coconut butter is naturally vegan, keto, and paleo-friendly! Peanut butter is also plant-based and vegan, but since peanuts are technically legumes, it’s not paleo-friendly. Choosing natural peanut butter without added sugars and opting for small portions can make peanut butter a suitable option for those following a keto diet, but it should be consumed in moderation as the carb content in peanut butter can add up quickly!

How to use coconut butter vs peanut butter

Coconut butter can be a fantastic addition to smoothies, oatmeal, toast, or even as a topping for pancakes and waffles. Its unique flavor can add a tropical flair to your dishes, and it’s perfect for those looking for a dairy-free alternative to butter or other nut butters.

On the other hand, peanut butter is a true all-rounder. From classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to dipping apples or celery sticks, it’s a timeless favorite for kids and adults alike. Peanut butter is also an excellent ingredient in savory sauces, dressings, and desserts, making it a versatile pantry staple.

Can you substitute coconut butter for peanut butter?

The answer is, it depends on the recipe and your taste preferences. While coconut butter can be a great replacement for peanut butter in cooking and baking, keep in mind that the flavors are quite distinct. If you’re a coconut lover, you might find it enhances certain recipes, but if you’re a die-hard peanut butter fan, you may not want to swap them out in every dish.

Nutrition: Coconut butter vs peanut butter

Coconut butter tends to be richer in medium-chain fatty acids, which are easily metabolized for energy, while peanut butter contains more protein and higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and magnesium.

When compared to peanut butter (see the table below), coconut butter generally has less protein and more fiber and fat. Among all the kinds of nut butter, coconut butter has the highest amount of saturated fat, with around 17 grams per serving.

While saturated fat from plants is considered healthier than that from animal sources, it’s still essential to consume it in moderation.

Serving size: 2 tbsp.	Calories	Total fat (saturated)	Total carbs	Net carbs (fiber)	Total sugars (incl. added)	Protein
Coconut butter	197	19 g (17 g)	7 g	2 g (5 g)	2 g (0 g)	2 g
Peanut butter (Adams natural)	200	16 g (3 g)	7 g	4 g (3 g)	2 g (0 g)	8 g
Reduced-fat peanut butter (Jif)	190	12 g (2.5 g)	15 g	13 g (2 g)	4 g (3 g)	7 g

How to store coconut butter and peanut butter

Both coconut butter and peanut butter should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life, but keep in mind that coconut butter can become quite hard when chilled, so you might need to let it soften a bit before using it.

Coconut butter typically has a longer shelf life than peanut butter (6-12 months past the expiration date) due to its higher saturated fat content which helps preserve it. Peanut butter typically only last 2-3 months after opening, but refrigerating it can help extend its shelf life.

Coconut butter vs peanut butter: Which is better

I love peanut butter, but when I consider everything, I believe coconut butter is better overall. The reason is simple – coconut butter has just one ingredient (coconut), and it’s full of healthy fats. It can be used in many different ways, both in savory and sweet recipes. Another great thing about coconut butter is that it lasts forever. Of course, it’s not a direct replacement for peanut butter. The two are pretty different, so if you want something closer to the taste and texture of peanut butter, check out almond butter.

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