14 Simple Substitutes for Almond Butter

Looking for substitutes for almond butter? Maybe you don’t have any on hand and need a quick replacement that has a similar taste or texture? Maybe someone in your family has a nut allergy and you need a nut-free replacement. No matter what you are using it for, here you’ll find 14 great replacements for almond butter!

Almond butter became popular years ago, as an alternative to plain ‘ol peanut butter. Almond butter is sometimes considered a bit healthier than peanut butter as it has a few more vitamins, minerals, fiber and less saturated fat than peanut butter. However overall, the two are about tied when it comes to calories and sugar content.

Almond butter has a slightly more “nutty” taste than peanut butter and comes in both smooth and “crunchy” varieties. It is popular for those on keto diets and people looking for ingredients that are high in protein, healthy fats and fiber.

Almond butter is a staple in our house! We use it on toast, in baking and my husband even puts it in his protein shakes and smoothies! One downside though–we have TWO kiddos with nut allergies who can’t have almond butter! So we are always seeking out substitutes for almond butter because of nut allergies!

HOW ALMOND BUTTER IS MOST COMMONLY USED

Almond butter has so many delicious uses!

As a spread: Almond butter on toast is the obvious one, but my family (non nut allergy family members!) love it spread on waffles, pancakes, and with jelly on a sandwich. It’s also fantastic paired with honey on toast.
In smoothies: Almond butter is great in smoothies to add a few extra vitamins and a little bit more protein….not to mention a great, rich flavor.
In baking/recipes: There are so many recipes that use peanut butter where you could easily substitute almond butter. From curries to protein packed breakfast recipes to cookies to salad dressings to a delicious sauce for asian dishes like this noodle bowl!

14 SIMPLE SUBSTITUTES FOR ALMOND BUTTER

1. Sunflower Butter

One of the best substitutes for almond butter--sunflower seed butter. Spread on a rice cake with butter knife.

Sunflower butter is the first alternative to nut butter we tried when we found out 2 of my kids had nut allergies. The flavor profile and texture is very similar to almond butter and peanut butter. I find the flavor to be a bit more bland vs. peanut butter or almond butter but it’s still delish!

2. Peanut Butter

An obvious substitute for almond butter is peanut butter! In a small white bowl sitting in a bed of peanuts.

Obvious right? Peanut butter and almond butter are VERY similar as far as healthiness goes. Almond butter has a bit of an edge with a few more vitamins and minerals. However both almond butter and peanut butter can be used interchangeably for most uses.

3. Cashew Butter

One of the best substitutes for almond butter is cashew butter. In a jar with a white background.

This super creamy nut butter is higher in fat content compared to peanut butter and almond butter but packs loads of vitamins and minerals. It’s slightly sweet and perfect on toast, in shakes and smoothies and in baking.

4. Cinnamon Seed Butter

Cinnamon Seed Butter is sunflower seed-based but typically enhanced with cinnamon, chia seeds and honey. It’s low in sugar and a bit sweet making it a perfect nut-free alternative for PB & J’s! There are several brands but Betsy’s Best is one of the most popular and available in many major chain grocery stores.

5. Hazelnut Butter

Hazelnut butter in a small jar with a spoon and hazelnuts

Hazelnut butter is packed with lots of protein and fiber, just like almond butter, making it a great substitute. Hazelnut butter also has less saturated fat than almond butter. Don’t confuse hazelnut butter with Nutella which has chocolate mixed in making it a lot less healthy.

6. Walnut Butter

Walnut butter in a small jar with walnuts

Walnut butter is an excellent substitute for almond butter! It’s a bit sweeter than almond butter but very similar in texture and flavor profile. It’s very “nutty” tasting, similar to almond butter. This is a great one to swap in baking recipes.

7. Avocado

A cut avocado with a knife on a cutting board.

This might be not be the typical almond butter replacement, but hear me out! Avocado has a high healthy fat content, along with fiber and potassium–just like almond butter. However, avocado has A LOT less sugar and carbs than almond butter making it an awesome alternative to almond butter on toast and even in shakes and smoothies!

8. Cookie Butter

A small jar of cookie butter with a spoon and cookies around.

This is a FAVE around our house! I’ll admit, it’s not the healthiest spread but the consistency is about the same as almond butter and it makes an excellent “PB&J” for kiddos with nut allergies. Cookie Butter is made from ground up spice cookies, mixed with a little veggie oil and sugar. Since the consistency is similar to almond butter, it can be used as a replacement in baking to kick up the sweetness a bit, if you like!

9. 5 Seed Butter (Beyond the Equator)

Beyond the Equator 3 kinds of 5 Seed Butters.

A company called Beyond the Equator makes an excellent 5 Seed non-nut butter made from a variety of seeds including sunflower, chia, flax, hemp and pumpkin seeds. If anyone in your family has nut allergies, this is a great, healthy option! These 5 seed butters are packed with protein and healthy fat. The company also claims their seeds are grown with 80% less water than almonds, making this seed butter an environmentally friendly option.

UPDATE 2023: Beyond The Equator no longer seems to be selling this product.

10. Coconut Butter

Coconut butter in a small jar with pieces of coconut.

Coconut butter is high in fat content and is roughly the same consistency as almond butter, making it a great replacement in baking. You will be swapping a mild coconut flavor for the more nutty flavor of almond butter, but as far as consistency for baking, coconut butter can serve as a great substitute for almond butter.

11. Butter

A stick of butter on a dish with a butter knife.

Yup, you can substitute regular old butter for almond butter in baking or just as a spread on toast! You are obviously not getting the same protein and nutritional benefits of almond butter, but in a pinch, consistency-wise, regular butter will work just fine. You can substitute it in 1:1 ratio.

12. Pumpkin Seed Butter

Green pumpkin seed butter in a small jar with a spoon

Pumpkin seed butter is made from (you got it) pumpkin seeds or pepitas and has a similar texture to almond butter. It makes a great substitute for almond butter in baking, in sauces and as a spread. It’s especially good for those with nut allergies. Pumpkin seed butters generally have less sugar than almond butter and is a good source of magnesium, vitamin E and iron.

13. Greek Yogurt

A small wooden bowl of Greek yogurt with a spoon.

Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for almond butter in baking and in shakes and smoothies! Greek yogurt is high in protein and vitamins, similar to almond butter. If you are baking, you’ll need to use a little more Greek yogurt than almond butter. Use a 1:1.5 ratio.

14. Nutella

Nutella in a small white bowl with a knife and hazelnuts.

Nutella is hazelnut butter mixed with chocolate — a very decadent spread, but if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to almond butter, this isn’t it! However, Nutella does have a fair amount of protein and it makes and great spread on toast or on a sandwich. If you are substituting Nutella for Almond Butter in a baking recipe, be mindful of the chocolate flavor and sweetness Nutella brings. 🙂

HOW TO CHOOSE A SUBSTITUTE

Here are the best substitutes for almond butter based on how you are using it:

As a Spread

Sunflower Butter, Peanut Butter, Cashew Butter, Cinnamon Seed Butter, Hazelnut Butter, Almond Butter, Avocado, Cookie Butter, 5 Seed Butter, Butter, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Nutella

In Smoothies

Sunflower Butter, Peanut Butter, Cashew Butter, Cinnamon Seed Butter, Hazelnut Butter, Almond Butter, Avocado, Cookie Butter, 5 Seed Butter, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Greek Yogurt

In Baking/Recipes

Sunflower Butter, Peanut Butter, Cashew Butter, Hazelnut Butter, Almond Butter, 5 Seed Butter, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Butter, Coconut Butter, Greek Yogurt