Almond butter and hazelnut butter are two of the most popular nut butter options available today.
Both make for delicious and nutritious spreads, but they have some key differences when it comes to nutrition, price, and taste.
So should you choose almond or hazelnut butter for your morning toast or afternoon snack?
Nutrition Profile
When looking at the nutrition facts, almond butter edges out hazelnut butter in a few key areas.
Here's an overview of the nutrition profiles for two tablespoons of each:
- Almond butter has 7g protein vs. 5g in hazelnut butter - good for post-workout recovery or keeping you full.
- Almond butter has 4g fiber vs. 1g in hazelnut - important for digestive health and blood sugar control.
- Almond butter has 80mg of calcium vs. 40mg in hazelnut - for strong bones and teeth.
However, hazelnut butter is not lacking in nutrition by any means. It provides a solid dose of healthy fats, vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, and iron.
So while almond butter may have a slight edge due to its higher protein, calcium, and fiber, both offer tremendous nutritional value.
Health Benefits
Along with their stellar nutrition stats, almond and hazelnut butter provide some specific health benefits.
Almond butter is excellent for:
- Regulating blood sugar due to its fiber and protein content
- Supporting heart health thanks to its healthy fats
- Strengthening bones with its calcium and vitamin K
Hazelnut butter shines for:
- Boosting energy and metabolism with its vitamin B6
- Preventing anemia with its high iron content
- Supporting skin health with its vitamin E
Both are packed with antioxidants to fight inflammation and support overall health.
Taste
In terms of taste, these two nut butter have some subtle differences:
- Almond butter has a mild, nutty flavor. It's pleasantly sweet without any added sugars.
- Hazelnut butter is richer and more decadent, with a stronger nutty flavor. It tastes sweeter than almond butter.
The texture of almond butter tends to be drier and grainier, while hazelnut butter is ultra creamy and smooth.
So if you like a lighter, more affordable option, almond butter may suit your preferences best. But for a truly luxurious and indulgent spread, hazelnut butter takes the cake.
Price
There's no doubt that almond butter is significantly cheaper than hazelnut butter. You can easily find quality almond butter for $5-6 per jar, while hazelnut butter costs $10 or more.
The price difference comes down to supply and demand. Almonds are grown more widely than hazelnuts, keeping costs lower. Hazelnuts are primarily produced in a few regions like Turkey, which limits availability.
So if keeping your nut butter budget in check is important, almond is the clear winner here. But for an occasional splurge, hazelnut butter is worth the extra cost.
Uses
Luckily, almond and hazelnut butter can be used interchangeably in recipes and as spreads. Their subtly different textures and flavors just give you options based on the dish and your preferences.
Some tasty ways to use almond or hazelnut butter:
- On toast, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal
- In smoothies
- As the base of a sauce for chicken or fish
- In baked goods like cookies, muffins, or bars
- Swirled into yogurt or cottage cheese
You really can't go wrong with either in any recipe calling for nut butter. It just comes down to whether you want the lighter almond flavor or a more indulgent hazelnut taste.
FAQs
Can you substitute almond and hazelnut butter?
Yes! Almond and hazelnut butter can be used interchangeably in recipes and as spreads. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but they can be substituted 1:1.
Is one healthier than the other?
Almond butter is a bit higher in protein, fiber, and calcium. But overall they are both very healthy options. Choose based on your taste preferences and nutrition goals.
Which is better for keto or low-carb diets?
Both are low in net carbs, making them suitable for low-carb and keto diets. Hazelnut butter may have a slight edge with 1g net carbs vs. 3g in almond butter per serving.
Which is better for baking and cooking?
You can use either almond or hazelnut butter successfully in baked goods, sauces, smoothies, etc. Almond butter holds up well to high heat if cooking, while hazelnut provides great creaminess.
Is one better than peanut butter?
Peanut butter has more protein than both almond and hazelnut butter. But nut butter has more healthy fats. Choose peanut vs. nut butter based on your preferences and peanut allergy status.
Conclusion
Nut butters like almonds and hazelnuts make healthy additions to your diet, providing a hefty dose of nutrition in a convenient form.
While almond butter may have a slight edge when it comes to nutrition, affordability, and versatility, the ultimate choice between the two comes down to your personal taste preferences and budget.
Switching between almond or hazelnut butter gives you flavor variety while ensuring you reap all the nutritional perks.