Watermelon seed butter is one of the most unique seed butters out there! Yes, you heard me right – watermelon seed butter! It might sound unusual, but trust me, it’s a real thing, and it’s worth exploring. Let’s see how it compares to the classic peanut butter.
Comparing watermelon seed butter vs peanut butter
| Watermelon seed butter | Peanut butter | Reduced-fat peanut butter (Jif brand) | |
| Taste | Mild, earthy (similar to tahini) | Nutty, slightly sweet | Mild peanut flavor, slightly sweet |
| Texture | Thin, smooth & creamy | Thick, smooth & creamy (or crunchy) | Thick, smooth & creamy (or crunchy) |
| Allergens | None | Peanuts | Peanuts, soy |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | Yes | No | No |
| Keto? | Yes | Maybe (4 g net carbs) | No |
| Glycemic index | Unknown; likely low | Peanuts=14 | Unknown; likely low like regular peanut butter |
What is watermelon seed butter?
Watermelon seed butter is made from the soft white edible seeds of watermelon. Instead of wasting them, those seeds can be turned into a delicious and nutritious spread. The process involves grinding the seeds into a smooth and creamy consistency, just like traditional nut butters.
What is peanut butter?
We all know and love peanut butter – a creamy or chunky spread made from peanuts. But here’s a fun fact: peanuts are not nuts at all; they’re actually legumes! Nevertheless, they make for an excellent base for creamy spreads.
You can find peanut butter in various forms, such as reduced-fat, natural, chunky, smooth, salted, unsalted, even flavored varieties.
Differences between watermelon seed butter and peanut butter
Watermelon seed butter and peanut butter differ in several aspects, including their taste, texture, uses, allergens, and nutritional profile.
Watermelon seed butter has a mild, nutty flavor that is similar to tahini (sesame seed paste). On the other hand, peanut butter has a distinct nutty and slightly sweet taste.
In terms of texture, watermelon seed butter tends to be thinner, smoother and creamier than peanut butter, which can range from smooth to crunchy, depending on the brand and variety.
Peanut butter is a common allergen and some peanut butter varieties may also contain soy, but watermelon seed butter offers a nut-free alternative.
As for availability, peanut butter is commonly found in grocery stores around the world. On the other hand, watermelon seed butter is much less common and might require a visit to specialty or health food stores, or it can be purchased online.
How to use watermelon seed butter vs peanut butter
Watermelon seed butter, with its mild and nutty flavor reminiscent of tahini, is a versatile ingredient suitable for both sweet and savory applications. It can be blended into smoothies, drizzled over yogurt or oatmeal, spread on toast, or used as a dip for fruits and vegetables. Additionally, its creamy texture makes it an excellent base for dressings and sauces in various dishes.
Peanut butter is a staple spread for sandwiches, a key ingredient in baking cookies, muffins, and energy bars, and a delightful topping for pancakes and waffles. Peanut butter’s creamy or crunchy consistency adds depth to smoothies and pairs well with fruits like apples and bananas. Moreover, it’s a go-to ingredient in savory dishes like Thai peanut sauces or satay marinades, enhancing stir-fries and noodle dishes with its rich, nutty flavor.
Can you substitute watermelon seed butter for peanut butter?
The answer is yes, with some caveats. In recipes where peanut butter is a central flavor component, such as peanut butter cookies or peanut sauces, the substitution may result in a different flavor profile. There are better substitutes you can use in that case, such as almond butter or cashew butter.
In recipes where the peanut butter flavor plays a more minor role, like smoothies, oatmeal, or dressings, the substitution is more likely to work well.
Nutrition: Watermelon seed butter vs peanut butter
Watermelon seed butter is lower in calories and carbs compared to many other nut and seed butters, but it’s still packed with protein, providing around 8 grams per serving! Moreover, it’s low in sugar, making it a healthier alternative for those trying to reduce their sugar consumption.
Peanut butter has the same amount of protein (8 grams), and has slightly more fat and sugar. When purchasing peanut butter, I recommend opting for a natural variety with minimal ingredients (no preservatives, oils, or sugar).
| Serving size: 2 tbsp. | Calories | Total fat (saturated) | Total carbs | Net carbs (fiber) | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein |
| Watermelon seed butter | 156 | 13 g (3 g) | 4 g | 4 g (0 g) | 0 g | 8 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 watermelon seed butter and peanut butter
Both watermelon seed butter and peanut butter should be stored in a cool, dry place. After opening, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage. Always check the label for specific storage instructions, as some brands might have different recommendations.
Watermelon seed butter vs peanut butter: The ultimate verdict
So, which one should you pick? Watermelon seed butter or peanut butter? Well, it depends on your taste preferences and dietary needs. If you’re looking for a unique and healthy option that’s also nut-free, watermelon seed butter could be your new favorite! On the other hand, if you’re a die-hard peanut lover or are simply seeking a more readily available choice, peanut butter is my go-to option. Go for a natural variety with minimal ingredients for the best quality!
FAQs:
Watermelon seed butter can be a nutritious source of protein, healthy fats, and certain minerals, but its overall healthiness depends on factors like processing methods and added ingredients.
While opinions may vary, many consider almond butter to be one of the healthiest seed butters due to its nutrient-rich profile, including high levels of healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
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