Mixed nut butter, made from various nuts and sometimes seeds, is PACKED with good stuff, but how does it compare to classic peanut butter? Should you make the switch? Let’s unpack the details and find out!
Comparing mixed nut butter vs peanut butter
| Mixed nut butter | Peanut butter | Reduced-fat peanut butter (Jif brand) | |
| Taste | Nutty, rich, almondy | Nutty, slightly sweet | Mild peanut flavor, slightly sweet |
| Texture | Creamy, slightly grainy | 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 | Unknown due to a mix of different nuts/seeds; likely low | Peanuts=14 | Unknown; likely low like regular peanut butter |
What is mixed nut butter?
Mixed nut butter contains a blend of different nuts, which can vary depending on the brand or recipe. Common nuts used include almonds, cashews, walnuts, and hazelnuts. The brand we used to compare to peanut butter in this article is Kirkland Signature’s mixed nut butter, which also contains seeds.
The ingredients in Kirkland’s Mixed Nut Butter are almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds. I love this stuff. The blend of nuts and seeds feels more wholesome than regular peanut butter.
What is peanut butter?
Peanut butter is just made from dry roasted peanuts (no other nuts or seeds) that have been ground into a spread. Sugar, salt, or other additives may be added to prevent separation, but the best quality peanut butter doesn’t have a lot of added sugar, salt, and vegetable oils in it (rapeseed, soybean).
Peanut butter also comes in an array of varieties, including natural, chunky, smooth, salted, unsalted, flavored, and reduced fat.
Differences between mixed nut butter and peanut butter
Peanuts are one of the top eight allergenic foods, but aren’t considered a tree nut. On the other hand, mixed nut butter contains tree nuts. If you have allergies, read your labels carefully!
Peanut butter is made solely from peanuts, right? So it has that distinct nutty and slightly sweet flavor that most of us know and love. Because mixed nut butter contains a mix of nuts, it tends to have a more complex and richer taste compared to plain old peanut butter.
The Kirkland mixed nut butter tastes very similar to almond butter since almonds are the first ingredient. You can also visibly see the chia seeds in it, giving it a slightly coarser texture. So, it can still be creamy, but it’s not completely smooth like regular store-bought peanut butter.
How to use mixed nut butter vs peanut butter
I love using mixed nut butter to spread on toast or bagels with sliced bananas or blended in smoothies for some healthy fats. You can also use it in your baking recipes, such as cookies, bars, or energy balls!
On the other hand, peanut butter is perfect for the iconic PB&J sandwich. You can also stir it into oatmeal or yogurt to add a protein-packed twist to your breakfast. As a dip, peanut butter goes great with celery, apple slices, or even dark chocolate squares. If you’re in the mood for savory dishes, try making a peanut sauce for stir-fries or noodle dishes. And don’t forget about peanut butter cookies or brownies!
Can you substitute mixed nut butter for peanut butter?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute mixed nut butter for peanut butter in most recipes and snacks. It may have a more complex flavor and slightly different texture, but it’ll still work well as a spread, in baking, or as a dip. Just keep in mind any potential nut allergies among those who’ll be enjoying it.
Nutrition: Mixed nut butter vs peanut butter
The main benefit of mixed nut butter over peanut butter lies in its diverse nutritional profile. While peanut butter is undoubtedly nutritious, containing healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, mixed nut butter takes it a step further by incorporating a variety of nuts into the blend.
Each nut brings its unique set of nutrients to the table. For example:
- Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.
- Cashews provide copper, zinc, and phosphorus.
- Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Hazelnuts contribute vitamin E and folate.
By combining these different nuts, mixed nut butter offers a broader range of nutrients, making it a more nutritionally diverse option compared to peanut butter alone.
Reduced-fat peanut butter has about 30% less fat than regular peanut butter, but it often contains more added sugar, so it’s not necessarily a healthier option.
| Serving size: 2 tbsp. | Calories | Total fat (saturated) | Total carbs | Net carbs (fiber) | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein |
| Mixed nut butter | 200 | 16 g (4 g) | 8 g | 4 g (4 g) | 1 g (0 g) | 7 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 mixed nut butter and peanut butter
Mixed nut butter often requires refrigeration because it usually doesn’t contain added oils or preservatives. Refrigeration also helps thicken the spread a bit, making it easier to handle.
On the other hand, shelf-stable and no-stir nut butters, such as popular peanut butter brands like Jif or Skippy, can be stored at room temperature thanks to added ingredients like hydrogenated oils and salt.
Regardless of the type of nut butter you choose, it’s essential to check the label for specific storage guidelines. Most nut butters remain fresh for at least 2-3 months after opening, but keeping them in the fridge can extend their shelf life.
Mixed nut butter vs peanut butter: Which is better
I love both but prefer mixed nut butter due to its diverse nutrition profile. It’s like a nutty all-in-one package that delivers various nutritional benefits from different nuts and seeds in a single spread.
Of course, peanut butter is more widely available and affordable, and sometimes you just want that classic, smooth peanut butter taste. So, it really depends on what you’re looking for. For more options, check out our ultimate guide on 20+ different types of nut and seed butters!
FAQs:
Both nut butters and peanut butter have their unique nutritional benefits, and the better choice depends on your individual dietary preferences and requirements. Nut butters, such as mixed nut butter, offer a diverse nutrient profile due to the combination of various nuts and seeds. However, peanut butter remains a popular option for its classic taste and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Absolutely! Mixed nut butter can be a nutritious addition to your diet, providing an array of vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats. The specific combination of nuts and seeds may vary, but overall, mixed nut butter offers a delicious and wholesome spread that can support your well-being.
Yes, peanut butter is a type of nut butter, but it specifically refers to the spread made from ground peanuts. Nut butter, on the other hand, encompasses a broader category that includes various spreads made from different nuts and seeds, like almond butter, cashew butter, and mixed nut butter.
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