Have you ever found yourself in the kitchen, eagerly preparing a recipe that calls for almond butter, only to realize you're fresh out of it? Trust me, I've been there too!
Whether you're seeking the best alternatives due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply working with what's available in your pantry, the good news is that I've gathered a collection of 23 fantastic substitutes that will save the day.
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A creamy spread made from ground almonds, almond butter has a rich flavor and smooth texture.
Personally, I absolutely adore almond butter (as do I love Macadamia nut-based butter).
Its velvety consistency and nutty taste make it perfect for topping oat waffles in the morning or drizzling on apple nachos in the afternoon.
From baking to sauces to straight off the spoon, creamy almond butter always finds its way into my routine.
Its versatility, deliciousness and nutritional benefits make it a staple in my kitchen.
But sometimes, I find an empty jar in the fridge.
Or I'm having a friend over for dinner with a nut allergy.
And that's where this list comes in!
Get ready to discover delightful alternatives that will keep your taste buds satisfied and your recipes shining, even in the absence of almond butter.
Common Almond Butter Uses
As a Spread or Topping: I love the creamy and nutty flavor it adds to toast or sandwiches and it is a delicious topping on pancakes and waffles as well.
Blended it into Smoothies: Almond butter is a delicious way to add creaminess to your favorite smoothies as well as effortlessly incorporating wholesome fats and protein.
I love adding it to my blueberry smoothie or drizzling it on a cranberry smoothie bowl.
For Baking: A scrumptious alternative to peanut butter and a key ingredient in healthy baking (such as these banana brownies!), almond butter provides both structure and flavor to all sorts of recipes.
In Snack Bars or Balls: Almond butter is also often a key ingredient in many snack bars (including these quinoa nut bars) and energy ball recipes, providing both structure and nutrition.
Incorporated into Savory Dishes: Almond butter brings depth and richness to sauces, dressings (try using it to make "peanut" sauce), and marinades, and can be found as an ingredient in different types of savory dishes as well.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Substitute
Flavor: Take into account the flavor that the almond butter provides and whether the substitute will have a big impact on the taste.
Structure and Consistency: Some recipes may call for almond butter as a structural ingredient, providing stability and texture.
In such cases, you'll want to choose a substitute with a similar consistency and binding properties to ensure the desired outcome.
Amount Required- If a recipe only calls for a small amount of almond butter, such as 1 tablespoon, it will likely be more forgiving for substitutes than recipes that require a large amount, such as 1 cup.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.
If you or anyone consuming the recipe has food allergies to specific nuts, like peanuts or cashews, choose a substitute that is safe for everyone.
Nutritional Content: Almond butter is known for its health benefits, including high levels of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
So if it is being added to a recipe in part because of its nutritional content, such as a smoothie, you may want to consider substitutes that offer similar nutrition.
Nut Containing Substitutes for Almond Butter
1. Peanut Butter
A popular and widely loved spread (and arguably my all time favorite food..), peanut butter shares many similarities with almond butter, making it a great substitute in most cases.
For best results, use natural-style peanut butter to closely mimic the properties of almond butter and one that doesn't contain added sugar and oils.
Notes: Peanuts are a common allergen, and there are many people who can have almonds but cannot have peanuts.
For safety, ensure that anyone consuming something with this swap is aware!
When To Use It: This swap should work in place of almond butter in any recipe, whether sweet or savory.
Substitution Directions Use 1:1 as a replacement.
2. Macadamia Butter
With a creamy texture and hint of sweetness, macadamia nut butter is a delicious almond butter alternative in some cases.
Notes: Macadamia butter has a slightly thinner consistency than almond butter, making it less ideal as a substitute in recipes where structure matters, such as energy balls.
When To Use It: Substitute with macadamia butter in recipes where almond butter doesn't play a structural role, such as marinades, sauces, smoothies, or as a spread.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
3. Hazelnut Butter
With a very similar texture to almond butter, hazelnut butter has a distinct nutty flavor that is delicious in both sweet and savory uses (and pairs deliciously with chocolate!).
Notes:Hazelnuts boast a distinct flavor that differs from almonds.
When hazelnut butter is used in a dish that heavily relies on almond butter for flavor, the taste of the overall dish may be altered.
When To Use It: This is a good substitute which will work across a wide range of recipes, including spreads, baked goods, smoothies, and sauces.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
4. Walnut Butter
Made from ground walnuts, this is another versatile nut butter which boasts healthy fats and works well in a variety of recipes.
Note: Walnut butter has a slightly bitter taste compared with many other nut butters, so depending on your use, it may be necessary to add a bit of sweetener as well.
When To Use It: You can easily incorporate this substitution into most recipes such as spreads, baked goods, smoothies, and sauces.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
5. Pecan Butter
With its distinct nuttiness and velvety texture, pecan butter offers a delicious and versatile alternative to other kinds of nut butters.
When To Use It: This substitution seamlessly works in most recipes.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
6. Brazil Nut Butter
Known for its rich and slightly sweet flavor, Brazil nut butter has a smooth texture and nutty taste that is great option in many recipes.
Notes: Brazil nuts are another common stand-alone nut allergy so ensure anyone consuming something with this substitution is aware.
When To Use It: The majority of recipes can easily accommodate this swap.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
7. Pistachio Butter
Boasting a unique and delicious taste, the creamy texture of pistachio butter is great in a variety of recipes that typically use almond butter.
Notes: Pistachio butter has a slightly green color which it may impart on the final recipe.
When To Use It: The majority of recipes can be adapted to accommodate this swap.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
8. Cashew Butter
With a more subtle buttery taste compared to most other nut butters, cashew butter is an excellent substitute in cases when you want something with a more neutral flavor.
When To Use It: This substitution is a versatile fit for most recipes.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
9. Mixed Nut/Seed Butter
Combining various nuts and seeds, the flavor and textures of these butters can vary depending on the specific nuts and seeds used.
Often they do contain almonds and so this can be a great alternative to plain almond butter in recipes.
Notes: Because they are made of a blend of nuts and seeds, the specific allergens can vary by brand.
Make sure you are aware of the ingredients if this is a concern.
When To Use It: Most recipes can readily incorporate this swap.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
Nut Free Substitutes for Almond Butter
10. Avocado
While not exactly replicating the flavors of almond butter, avocados offer a creamy and buttery texture that can work well in certain recipes.
Notes: The properties of avocado vary from almond butter in cooking and baking so I don't recommend this substitute in those cases.
Also, the avocado will likely impart a green color into the recipe.
When To Use It: Avocados work well as a substitute in smoothies, as a spread, and even in certain sauces.
Substitution Directions: Use 1-2 tablespoon of mashed or pureed avocado in place of 1 tablespoon of almond butter.
11. Butter
Regular butter, with its creamy texture can be used as a substitute for almond butter in certain instances.
However, it is a thinner consistency when melted and so it works best as a spread or in recipes that don't require a lot of almond butter.
Notes: If dairy allergies are a concern, it is important to note that butter is not a suitable substitute.
When To Use It: Butter will work as a substitute for spreads, some sauces and in some baking recipes.
You may have to experiment with it a bit as it doesn't behave quite like almond butter but can be an option in a pinch.
Substitution Directions: Use ½ to 1 tablespoon of butter in place of 1 tablespoon of almond butter.
12. Coconut Butter
Made by pulsing unsweetened flaked coconut into a paste, coconut butter has a similar, but slightly more gritty consistency as compared to nut butters, such as almond butter. If you can't find any in the grocery stores, you can easily make your own by following this recipe.
However, it does behave similarly in many recipes, making it a good almond butter substitute at times, particularly because it tends to be well tolerated by many with nut allergies.
Notes: Coconut butter has a distinct, strong coconut flavor which it will impart on the recipe that you use it in.
This tropical spin might be a welcome addition, such as in a smoothie but might not be ideal in all recipes.
Coconut butter is also a bit more fibrous, so in recipes where the almond butter texture is very apparent, it may not be the best option.
It is also important to note that coconut is an allergen for some so make sure those consuming the recipe are aware of the swap.
When To Use It: Try using coconut butter as a spread, in baking and snack bars and in smoothies.
I wouldn't use it in savory recipes unless you think a coconut taste would be welcome.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
13. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, like regular butter, can serve as an good alternative to almond butter in specific cases or in a pinch.
Notes: When melted, it has a thinner consistency, but solidifies at room temperature, which may affect the overall texture of the recipe.
Also, unrefined coconut oil does have a bit of a tropical flavor which it may impart on the final recipe.
When To Use It: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for spreads, smoothies, certain sauces, and select baking recipes.
It may require some experimentation, as it doesn't behave exactly like almond butter, but in a pinch, it can be a viable option.
Substitution Directions: Use ½ to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in place of 1 tablespoon of almond butter.
14. Hemp Seed Butter
Hemp seed butter made from ground hemp seeds can be used as a great replacement for almond butter in most cases, especially when a nut-free alternative is required.
Notes: Hemp seed butter does have a slightly greyish hue and a thicker, more paste-like consistency as compared to almond butter so it may affect the overall appearance and texture of the dish.
When To Use It: You can try substituting hemp seed butter into most recipes including smoothies, sauces and spreads.
Substitution Directions: Use as a 1:1 replacement.
15. Pumpkin Seed Butter
Ground from pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), pumpkin seed butter serves as a viable substitute for almond butter in numerous scenarios, particularly when a nut-free option is needed.
Notes: Pumpkin seed butter does has a bit of a green tinge that may affect the overall color of your recipe.
When To Use It: This swap is adaptable and should work in the majority of uses.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
16. Sunflower Seed Butter
Another great nut-free butter, sunflower butter, made from ground sunflower seeds, is the perfect substitute for almond butter in various recipes.
Notes: Sunflower seed butter can impart a slightly greyish-green tinge to your recipes.
When To Use It: This alternative is flexible and should be compatible with most uses.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
17. Tahini
Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini has a very earthy and a bit of a bitter taste but is nearly the same consistency as almond butter.
Notes: Tahini is more bitter than almond butter, so you may need to add some sweetener if using it as a spread.
The bitter taste tends to be more subtle in recipes where it is mixed with other ingredients though.
When To Use It: This substitution is versatile and will work with the majority of recipes.
Substitution Directions: Use as a 1:1 replacement.
18. Greek Yogurt
While it may not provide a similar taste, Greek yogurt can serve as a subsitute for almond butter in certain cases where almond butter is being used to add creaminess.
Notes: Greek yogurt is a dairy product and contains lactose, therefore, it is not a suitable substitution for recipes being served to someone with dairy sensitivities or allergies.
Also, Greek yogurt has a thinner consistency, so you may need to slightly reduce other liquids in the recipe.
When To Use It: Greek yogurt works in spreads (like beet hummus), sauces and smoothies.
You can experiment with it in small amounts for baking as well, but it does behave differently.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement in sauces and 2:1 as a replacement in smoothies.
19. Hummus
While the flavor of hummus varies significantly from almond butter, hummus can actually work quite well as a substitute in some instances.
Notes: Hummus has a savory flavor so I don't recommend it in any sweet applications (unless you use chocolate hummus!).
Also, it behaves differently when heated so I don't recommend it for any baking applications.
When To Use It: Try using hummus in place of almond butter in spreads, dips and sauces.
Substitution Directions: Use as a 1:1 replacement.
20. Toasted Soy Spread
Soy nut butter is a spread made from soy beans that has a flavor and texture that is remarkably similar to peanut butter but is nut-free.
Note: Soy is an allergen for some so make sure those consuming the recipe are aware of the swap.
When To Use It: This should work in most recipes that call for almond butter.
Substitution Directions: Use as a 1:1 replacement.
21. Applesauce
A surprising substitute, applesauce is worth a mention because it will work in certain recipes when you are in a pinch.
In sweet recipes where only a small amount of almond butter is required, applesauce can do the trick by adding a bit of moisture and working as a binder.
Notes: Applesauce will provide a sweet taste so I don't recommend it in savory applications.
When To Use It: In recipes where almond butter is adding some moisture or working as a binder.
Almond butter and applesauce are quite different overall so I would only use this swap in recipes which call for a small amount of almond butter.
Substitution Directions: Use as a 1:1 replacement.
22. Granola Butter
A unique spread made from granola that has been ground into a smooth and creamy consistency, it captures the flavors of oats, nuts, and sweeteners, providing a delightful combination of sweet and nutty notes.
Notes: This is a sweeter spread so I don't recommend it in savory applications.
Also, if you are needing a substitute for almond butter due to allergies, ensure that the granola butter was not made with a granola containing nuts.
When To Use It: This works well as a spread, topping for pancakes and added to smoothies.
It may also work in some energy bars or balls recipes and in some baking but the outcome may vary from granola butter to granola butter.
Substitution Directions: Use as a 1:1 replacement.
23. Cookie Butter
A decadent spread made from crushed spiced cookies and usually oil, cookie butter tastes like a cookie in a creamy, butter form.
Notes: This spread is quite sweet and so I don't recommend using it in savory recipes.
Also, it contains gluten, so make sure anyone consuming the recipe is aware of the swap.
And lastly, if you're looking for a healthy alternative, for example, to add some protein to a smoothie, this isn't the best option.
When To Use It: Try using it in place of almond butter as a spread or in small amounts for baking or energy balls.
Substitution Directions: Use as a 1:1 replacement.
Best Substitutes by Use
As a Spread or Topping: Peanut Butter, Macadamia Butter, Cashew Butter, Butter, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Sunbutter, Toasted Soy Spread
Smoothies: Peanut Butter, Cashew Butter, Hazelnut Butter, Mixed Nut/Seed Butter, Avocado, Coconut Butter, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Greek Yogurt
For Baking: Peanut Butter, Hazelnut Butter, Walnut Butter, Pecan Butter, Cashew Butter, Mixed Nut/Seed Butter, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, Tahini, Toasted Soy Spread
In Snack Bars or Balls: Peanut Butter, Hazelnut Butter, Cashew Butter, Coconut Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, Toasted Soy Butter, Granola Butter
Savory
- Sauces/Marinades (Cooked)- Peanut Butter, Hazelnut Butter, Walnut Butter, Pecan Butter, Cashew Butter, Mixed Nut/Seed Butter, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, Tahini, Toasted Soy Spread
- Dressings/Sauces (Uncooked)- Peanut Butter, Macadamia Butter, Cashew Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Tahini, Avocado, Greek Yogurt
Summary (Plus Printable Chart!)
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Frequently Asked Questions
All of the following generally work well as substitutes for almond butter in baking and can be substituted 1:1-
Peanut Butter, Hazelnut Butter, Walnut Butter, Pecan Butter, Cashew Butter, Mixed Nut/Seed Butter, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, Tahini and Toasted Soy Spread.
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