Macadamia nut butter and peanut butter are two of my favorite but butters, but which is better?
If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of a shelf full of nut butters, pondering which one to choose, this article is for you. Let’s get cracking!
Comparing macadamia nut butter vs peanut butter
| Macadamia nut butter | Peanut butter | Reduced-fat peanut butter (Jif brand) | |
| Taste | Rich, nutty, buttery | Nutty, slightly sweet | Mild peanut flavor, slightly sweet |
| Texture | Runny, smooth & creamy | 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 | Macadamia nuts=10 | Peanuts=14 | Unknown; likely low like regular peanut butter |
What is macadamia nut butter?
Macadamia nut butter is a creamy spread made from raw macadamia nuts. They have a rich, buttery flavor and are known for their high fat content, making them an excellent candidate for creating a smooth and luscious nut butter.
Macadamia nut butter is typically made by grinding the macadamia nuts into a paste or butter-like consistency. Salt, sweeteners, or coconut oil may also be added (see our homemade macadamia nut butter recipe!).
It’s worth noting that macadamia nut butter can be quite expensive compared to other nut butters due to the cost of macadamia nuts themselves. However, its unique flavor and nutritional benefits are worth it!
What is peanut butter?
Peanut butter is a popular spread made from ground roasted peanuts. It has a creamy or crunchy texture, depending on the processing method.
The process of making peanut butter involves roasting peanuts to enhance their flavor and then grinding them into a paste. The paste can be further processed to achieve the desired consistency, with added ingredients such as salt, sweeteners, or stabilizers.
It’s important to note that some peanut butter products on the market might contain added sugars, hydrogenated oils, or other additives. When choosing peanut butter, it’s a good idea to read the ingredient label to make sure you’re selecting a product that’s 100% pure with no added sugar or additives.
Differences between macadamia nut butter and peanut butter
Macadamia nut butter has a smooth and velvety texture that some people describe as “runny.” That’s because it lacks added emulsifiers or fats to thicken it up. On the other hand, peanut butter usually has a thicker consistency.
What about taste? Macadamia nut butter has a rich, buttery flavor with a slightly sweeter and smoother taste compared to peanut butter, which has a nuttier and more robust flavor with a hint of saltiness.
How to use macadamia nut butter vs peanut butter
Macadamia nut butter and peanut butter can be used interchangeably in most applications. Both are great as spreads on bread or crackers, blended into smoothies, or used in baking recipes like cookies or energy bars.
However, macadamia nut butter has a richer, buttery flavor with natural sweetness, making it ideal for desserts or sweet dishes. Peanut butter, on the other hand, has a more robust, nutty taste and is commonly used in savory dishes like satay sauces or noodle dishes.
Can you substitute macadamia nut butter for peanut butter?
Absolutely, you can totally swap out peanut butter with macadamia nut butter in your recipes! They’re both creamy and delicious nut butters.
You’ll notice that macadamia nut butter has a unique, buttery taste that’s not as bold as peanut butter. So, when you try it, keep in mind the subtle flavor difference and adjust the seasonings or sweetness if needed. Oh, and just a friendly reminder, make sure no one has any allergies to macadamia nuts/tree nuts.
Nutrition: Macadamia nut butter vs peanut butter
Macadamia nut butter is naturally higher in fat compared to peanut butter and many other nut butters, so it’s also higher in calories. However, it’s mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated fat (the good kind). It also contains essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.
On the other hand, peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins like vitamin E and B6. Go with a natural variety for the healthiest choice, with no added sugar.
| Serving size: 2 tbsp. | Calories | Total fat (saturated) | Total carbs | Net carbs (fiber) | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein |
| Macadamia nut butter | 230 | 24 g (4 g) | 5 g | 2 g (3 g) | 1 g (0 g) | 3 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 macadamia nut butter and peanut butter
Natural peanut butters and macadamia nut butter require refrigeration due to the lack of added oils or preservatives. Storing them in the fridge also helps thicken them up a bit.
On the flip side, shelf-stable or no-stir nut butters are fine at room temperature thanks to added ingredients like hydrogenated oils and salt. They tend to have a thicker consistency and can be stored in the pantry or a cool, dark place.
Remember, most nut butters last at least 2-3 months after opening, but storing them in the fridge can help prolong their shelf life. As always, it’s best to check the label for specific storage guidelines.
Macadamia nut butter vs peanut butter: Which is better
While peanut butter is a classic, I lean toward macadamia nut butter. It’s creamy, buttery, and packed with heart-healthy fats and essential nutrients. As long as you don’t mind the higher fat content and extra calories, macadamia nut butter might just become your new favorite. But honestly, you don’t have to choose just one. I love having both in my pantry to switch things up and cater to different moods and recipes.
FAQs:
Well, it depends on how you define “healthier.” Macadamia nut butter is higher in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. However, peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and has its fair share of health benefits too. The key is moderation and enjoying them as part of a balanced diet.
All nut butters offer unique health benefits. Almond butter, for example, is high in vitamin E, while cashew butter is rich in minerals like copper and zinc. There’s no clear winner here – it’s about choosing the one that aligns with your nutritional needs and tastes the best.
Absolutely! Macadamia nut butter is a nutrient-packed spread that provides healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Just remember that it’s calorie-dense, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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