Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious snack, nut butters are a great option. Not only are they packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, but they’re also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. With so many different types of nut butters on the market, it can be hard to know which ones to choose. To help you out, here are four nut butters that you should definitely leave on the grocery store shelves right now. From creamy almond butter to crunchy peanut butter, these nut butters are sure to satisfy your cravings and provide you with the nutrition you need. So go ahead and stock up on these delicious nut butters and enjoy!
4 Nut Butters To Leave on Grocery Store Shelves Right Now — Eat This Not That
Nut butters are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, but not all nut butters are created equal. Some are loaded with added sugars, artificial ingredients, and unhealthy fats. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your nut butter, here are four nut butters to leave on the grocery store shelves right now.
1. Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
Jif Creamy Peanut Butter is a classic, but it’s not the healthiest option. It contains hydrogenated oils, which are unhealthy fats, and added sugar. If you’re looking for a healthier peanut butter, opt for a natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils.
2. Skippy Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
Skippy Natural Creamy Peanut Butter is marketed as a healthier alternative to Jif, but it’s still not the best choice. It contains added sugar and palm oil, which is an unhealthy fat. If you’re looking for a healthier peanut butter, opt for a natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils.
3. Justin’s Classic Almond Butter
Justin’s Classic Almond Butter is a popular nut butter, but it’s not the healthiest option. It contains added sugar and palm oil, which is an unhealthy fat. If you’re looking for a healthier almond butter, opt for a natural almond butter with no added sugar or oils.
4. Nutella Hazelnut Spread
Nutella Hazelnut Spread is a popular spread, but it’s not a healthy option. It contains added sugar, palm oil, and artificial flavors. If you’re looking for a healthier spread, opt for a natural nut butter with no added sugar or oils.
When it comes to nut butters, it’s important to read the label and opt for natural nut butters with no added sugar or unhealthy fats. Avoid the four nut butters listed above and you’ll be sure to make a healthier choice.
Nut butters have exploded in popularity in recent years. Take a peak down the condiment aisle at most grocery stores and you’re bound to find a wide assortment of spreads, from classic peanut butter to newbies like cashew, hazelnut, and pistachio butters. According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, nut butters deserve a place in a well-rounded diet because they contain several essential nutrients such as healthy fats, protein, fiber, B vitamins, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamin E.
While nut butters can be a healthy and delicious addition to a sandwich or your morning oatmeal, the type of nut butter you choose matters. Look beyond marketing tactics and buy a product that’s actually good for you. That means being a conscious consumer and reading the ingredient list to check that the one you select is low in added sugar, sodium, saturated fat, carbs, and harmful additives. Opt for nut butters that contain natural ingredients and are minimally processed.
While there are many good options out there, these four nut butters should stay out of your shopping cart, as recommended by registered dietitians.
PER 2 TBSP: 210 calories, 17 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 125 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 7 g protein
Walmart’s store-label peanut butter may provide “great value” for your bank account, but not so much for your nutrition. A single serving provides 210 calories, 17 grams of fat, and 3 grams of added sugars—which wreaks havoc on your health. Added sugars are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cognitive decline, and even some cancers, according to a 2016 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients.
“This peanut butter is a calorie-dense nut butter. The combination of fats and added sugars will lead to weight gain if consumed regularly,” says Trista Best, a registered dietitian with Balance One Supplements.
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PER 2 TBSP: 190 calories, 16 g fat (2 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 110 mg sodium, 8 g carbs (3 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 7 g protein
Almond butter is often touted as a healthier nut butter because of its higher vitamin, mineral, and fiber content. However, this almond butter from Jif sacrifices healthy ingredients for flavor and texture by adding extra fats and sugars that provide nothing but empty calories, leading to weight gain and undesirable health outcomes if consumed regularly. Two tablespoons of Jif Creamy Almond Butter contain 190 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 3 grams of added sugars.
“Although this ingredient list is pretty simple, this brand may not be the best option for those with food sensitivities or allergies,” explains Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, author of 2-Day Diabetes Diet. “With a blend of hydrogenated vegetable oils added that includes a mix of soybean, cottonseed, rapeseed, and sunflower oil, anyone with a soy or sunflower oil allergy would need to avoid this brand.”
PER 2 TBSP: 190 calories, 16 g fat (6 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 9 g carbs (2 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 6 g protein
This peanut butter may be undeniably delicious and free from added oils, but it contains 4 grams of added sugars and 5 grams of saturated fat per serving, which can harm your health when consumed in excess and deliver an excess of empty calories.
“While this peanut butter is free of dairy and contains no palm oil or preservatives, this is the extent of the health qualities. This brand also contains other potential allergens not common to peanut butters including wheat, soy, and sesame,” states Best.
PER 2 TBSP: 220 calories, 19 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (3 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 8 g protein
Tahini may not immediately come to mind when thinking of nut butters. However, this nutty, savory condiment made from sesame seeds has a consistency similar to peanut butter and is a staple in many recipes for salad dressings, hummus, and baba ghanoush. Tahini’s ingredients should be pretty simple—roasted sesame seeds, olive oil, and a bit of salt—but if you opt for Prince Tahini you may be getting more saturated fats and calories than expected. Each serving of this tahini contains 220 calories and 19 grams of fat with 4 grams of saturated fat.
“Keep in mind that any nut or seed in excessive amounts can increase your overall daily calorie intake, so use balance when it comes to portion size,” advises Palinski-Wade.