Did you know that flaxseed butter is completely nut-free…or that it even exists? Flaxseed butter is an up-and-coming alternative for people who want to get away from nuts – or just want to try something new!
However, almond butter is always there basking in the spotlight – I mean, it’s popular for a reason: delicious taste, fun texture, super health benefits…what’s not to love?
So, how do we decide between one of the most popular nut butters and the alternative that’s trying to replace it? Well, we’re going to put them right beside each other and judge everything about them, seeing how they compare in terms of culinary uses, allergens, tastes, and more to ultimately see which one is better!
Let’s dive in!
Comparing flaxseed butter vs almond butter
Flaxseed butter is made from seeds, not nuts like almond butter, meaning that their allergens are different (none for flaxseed butter and tree nuts for almond butter). They both share a nutty element in their profiles, and each are great for vegan, paleo, and keto diets. Their low glycemic indexes are also nice for anyone wanting to keep their blood sugar from spiking.
| Flaxseed butter | Almond butter | |
| Taste | Mild, nutty, earthy | Nutty, rich, slightly sweet |
| Texture | Thin, grainy | Slightly grainy and runny (or crunchy) |
| Allergens | None | Tree nuts |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | Yes | Yes |
| Keto? | Yes | Yes |
| Glycemic index (GI) | Flaxseed=35 | 0 |
What is flaxseed butter?
Flaxseed butter is made by grinding flax seeds into a grainy paste that’s quite similar to almond butter! It’s completely nut-free, and is perfect for a keto or paleo diet.
Because it’s nut-free, you don’t have to worry about any nut allergies with it! Plus, it has one of the highest fiber contents of any nut/seed butter!
What is almond butter?
Almond butter is made by blending almonds into a delicious spread. It’s often considered one of the most healthy nut butters, and has become a popular substitute for peanut butter!
It also has a glycemic index (GI) of 0, making it a great nut butter if you’re wanting to keep your blood sugar from spiking.
Differences between flaxseed butter and almond butter
The biggest difference between flaxseed butter and almond butter is their taste.
Flaxseed butter has a mildly nutty and earthy taste, and almond butter has a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor to it.
Texture-wise, flaxseed butter and almond butter both boast a similar texture, being thin and slightly grainy – although almond butter generally tends to be a bit runnier.
Flaxseed butter has no allergens in it, making it an attractive alternative to almond butter since they have similar consistencies. Almond butter, on the other hand, has tree nuts in it, meaning that you should avoid it if you have a nut-allergy.
How to use flaxseed butter vs almond butter
Now, flaxseed butter and almond butter both have very similar uses – either of them go great in many different things!
You can mix them into your oatmeal for extra flavor, spread them on your toast, drizzle them over your yogurt, add them into your smoothies for a creamy and nutty taste, dip sliced apples into them, and use them in baking to give your creations a delicious flavor!
On top of all that, you can use almond butter to make your very own almond body butter, giving you a natural and vegan way to fight dry skin!
Nutrition: Flaxseed butter vs almond butter
Yes, almond butter is one of the healthiest nut butters, but flaxseed butter has its own set of health benefits!
For one, it’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are awesome for reducing overall inflammation in your body and improving heart health! It also has a bunch of fiber, which is great for promoting proper digestion.
Flaxseed butter is also a good choice if you’re on a keto diet, as it has zero grams of net carbs and is high in protein.
Now, almond butter is a beloved choice in the healthy nut butter community. It boasts a high amount of protein, vitamin E, healthy fats, and is a decent source of fiber.
It’s hard to go wrong with either one here, but make sure to check the label before you buy and aim for the natural versions of each.
| Serving size: 2 tbsp | Flaxseed butter | Almond butter |
| Calories | 190 | 190 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 13 g (1.5 g) | 17 g (2 g) |
| Total carbs | 9 g | 7 g |
| Net carbs (fiber) | 0 g (9 g) | 3 g (4 g) |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 0 g | 1 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 8 g | 7 g |
How to store flaxseed butter and almond butter
Flaxseed butter is fairly prone to oxidation, meaning that it can go rancid quickly if not stored properly. Keep it in the fridge, which will help prevent spoilage – plus, it’ll thicken it up a bit, making it a bit easier to spread!
Almond butter, especially the natural stuff, should also be put in the fridge. It can go rancid quickly too, and the runny texture does well if it’s thickened up in the fridge.
Storage and shelf-life can vary from brand-to-brand, so make sure to always read the label!
Flaxseed butter vs almond butter: Which is better?
Both of these are awesome options, and I’d say that either will serve you well here.
Flaxseed butter is a great alternative to almond butter if you have a nut allergy, but it can also be a great stand-alone option if you’re wanting something with omega-3 fatty acids or for your keto diet. Both are “healthy” options when it comes to these types of spreads, so feel free to experiment and find out which one serves your preferences better – although, I’d say almond butter is your best bet overall!
FAQs
Both flaxseed butter and almond butter are healthy options, with good sources of healthy fats, vitamins, protein, and fiber.
Many bodybuilders may eat flaxseed because it has a great protein and healthy fat content. Plus, it has omega-3 fatty acids which help lower overall inflammation – great for muscle recovery!
Flaxseeds aren’t nuts, and there are no other allergens in flaxseed butter, making it a great choice for anyone dealing with a nut allergy!
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