Hazelnut butter is a delicious alternative to traditional peanut butter, but which one should you choose? I’m here to help you understand their differences and similarities, and which one might be the better choice for you. So, let’s get started!
Comparing hazelnut butter vs peanut butter
| Hazelnut butter | Peanut butter | Reduced-fat peanut butter (Jif brand) | |
| Taste | Rich, nutty, slightly sweet | Nutty, slightly sweet | Mild peanut flavor, slightly sweet |
| Texture | Dense, smooth | Thick, smooth & creamy (or crunchy) | Thick, smooth & creamy (or crunchy) |
| Allergens | Tree nuts | Peanuts | Peanuts, soy |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | Yes | No | No |
| Keto? | Yes | Maybe (4 g net carbs) | No |
| Glycemic index | Hazelnuts=0 | Peanuts=14 | Unknown; likely low like regular peanut butter |
What is hazelnut butter?
Hazelnut butter is a creamy spread made from roasted hazelnuts. To make hazelnut butter, the nuts are first roasted to enhance their flavor. Then, they are ground and blended until they turn into a smooth, velvety consistency. No additional ingredients are required, as the natural oils in the hazelnuts help create the spread’s creamy texture.
If you’re a fan of Nutella, you’ve probably tasted the wonderful combination of hazelnut and chocolate. But hazelnut butter can stand on its own (no added milk or cocoa solids), and it’s a versatile addition to your pantry.
What is peanut butter?
Peanut butter is a popular spread made from roasted peanuts that are ground into a smooth or chunky consistency, depending on the desired texture. Some commercial peanut butters may contain added ingredients like salt, sugar, or hydrogenated oils for taste and shelf stability, but natural peanut butter contains just peanuts and sometimes a pinch of salt.
Differences between hazelnut butter and peanut butter
Hazelnut butter is made from roasted hazelnuts, while peanut butter is made from ground peanuts. Peanuts are actually legumes, not true nuts, like hazelnuts.
Hazelnut butter has a similar texture to peanut butter, but they taste quite different. Hazelnut butter offers a rich, slightly sweet flavor with hints of roasted hazelnuts that lend itself well to sweet desserts.
On the other hand, peanut butter has a nutty, creamy taste that goes well with both sweet and savory dishes.
How to use hazelnut butter vs peanut butter
Hazelnut butter pairs well with chocolate and fruits. Make your own delicious and healthier version of chocolate hazelnut butter cups by layering melted dark chocolate with a dollop of hazelnut butter in mini cupcake liners. How about drizzling hazelnut butter over these baked oatmeal bars? And for a play on PB&J, make hazelnut butter and jelly sandwiches, overnight oats, or pancakes.
Peanut butter is a classic choice for sandwiches, smoothies, breakfast parfaits, energy balls, and peanut sauces for stir-fries, salad rolls, and noodle dishes. The possibilities are endless!
Can you substitute hazelnut butter for peanut butter?
The short answer is yes! Both nut butters are excellent alternatives for each other in most recipes. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, using it as a dip, or adding it to your favorite dessert, feel free to switch it up! Just be mindful of their different flavor profiles and note that hazelnut butter may not be the best option for savory dishes like peanut sauces or dressings.
Nutrition: Hazelnut butter vs peanut butter
Hazelnut butter is a great option for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet, as it contains only 3 grams of net carbs per serving. Plus, it provides about 8% of the daily value for iron, which is especially beneficial for vegans.
On the other hand, peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats. Reduced-fat peanut butter like Jif has around 30% less fat than regular peanut butter, but many brands add vegetable oils like soybean oil, sugar, and other additives, so natural peanut butter is the healthier choice!
| Serving size: 2 tbsp. | Calories | Total fat (saturated) | Total carbs | Net carbs (fiber) | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein |
| Hazelnut butter | 210 | 20 g (2 g) | 6 g | 3 g (3 g) | 2 g (0 g) | 5 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 hazelnut butter and peanut butter
I recommend refrigerating natural nut butters like hazelnut and some peanut butter varieties due to the absence of added oils or preservatives. If the fridge is not an option, you can store them in a cool, dark place, but the oils can go rancid after a while.
Some shelf-stable or no-stir peanut butters, such as popular brands like Jif or Skippy, can be stored at room temperature thanks to added ingredients like hydrogenated oils and salt.
Once open, you should use your nut butter within about 2-3 months. Just remember to check the label on your nut butter for specific storage guidelines and the “best-before” date.
Hazelnut butter vs peanut butter: The ultimate verdict
I’ve tried both hazelnut butter and peanut butter, and my absolute favorite is hazelnut butter! It’s made just from hazelnuts, which I like because it’s simple and natural. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home. The best part is how amazingly it tastes in baked goods or just spread on toast. Its rich and slightly sweet flavor makes it so delicious, and I can’t resist adding it to almost everything now. So, I’m sticking with hazelnut butter, unless I need a savory peanut sauce for dipping or cooking.
FAQs:
Hazelnut butter is generally considered healthier than peanut butter because it contains higher amounts of monounsaturated fats, which can help improve heart health, and also has a lower carbohydrate content. However, individual nutritional needs and preferences should be taken into account when choosing between the two.
Almond butter is considered one of the healthiest nut butters due to its high levels of monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals.
No, hazelnut butter does not taste exactly like peanut butter; it has a distinct flavor profile with a nutty and slightly sweet taste.
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