Cashew butter is a delectable spread prepared from crushed or blended roasted cashews. Just like peanut butter, you can eat it as a snack, spread it on toast, or use it as an ingredient in cooking and baking, depending on the recipe.
However, you may need to find alternatives to cashew butter for a variety of reasons, including allergies, accessibility, or dietary restrictions. So, to make your job easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best cashew butter substitutes that taste just as good and are equally healthy.
1. Almond Butter
Prepared by crushing roasted almonds into a spreadable consistency, almond butter is the most commonly used cashew butter substitute. Almond butter has less fat and more protein than cashew butter. It also has minerals that can aid with inflammation, such as vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
Almond butter lacks the rich and creamy texture of cashew butter and has a little nuttier taste. But you can still use it as a cashew butter substitute in baking or add it to smoothies and breakfast bowls for an extra nutritional boost. Additionally, it makes an excellent alternative to peanut butter in sandwich spreads due to its milder taste.
2. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is made by roasting peanuts and then grinding them down to the desired consistency. Peanut butter has a sweeter and nuttier flavor than cashew butter, which can be slightly bitter.
When using peanut butter to replace cashew butter, you should know that peanut butter is thicker and creamier while cashew butter has a smoother texture. This means that recipes that call for cashew butter may require some adjustments in order to ensure the dish turns out as desired.
Just like cashew butter, peanut butter is also rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Regular consumption is known to boost overall health, support heart health, and reduce inflammation.
3. Sunflower Seed Butter
Made from ground sunflower seeds, sunflower seed butter is a great source of essential nutrients, such as vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, protein, magnesium, and selenium. It is also relatively low in saturated fat when compared with cashew butter.
Sunflower seed butter has a slightly sweet and mild flavor compared to the more intense sweetness of cashew butter. It is also less expensive, making it an ideal alternative for those looking to economize while still enjoying the creamy texture of nut butter. You can use sunflower seed butter in place of cashew butter as a spread, dip, dressing, as well as in baked goods.
4. Coconut Butter
Coconut butter is made from desiccated coconut. While you can find it in the supermarket, it is also very easy to make at home. Compared to cashew butter, coconut butter has more fiber and higher saturated fat content. It is rich in minerals such as calcium and iron, as well as healthy fats that can boost energy levels and aid in weight loss.
Since coconut butter has a thick and creamy texture similar to that of nut butter, it can easily be substituted for cashew butter in various recipes. To get the most out of this spread, swirl it thoroughly before using it as a condiment or flavor enhancer. You may also use it as a delightful topping on cakes or cookies or in a dessert recipe.
5. Tahini
Made from grounded sesame seeds, tahini has a slightly nutty flavor and is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals. Compared to cashew butter, tahini is lower in calories and fat but higher in calcium and iron.
You can use tahini just like cashew butter, as a spread on toast or as a vegetable dip. You can also add it to salads and smoothies as well as in marinades, dressings, and sauce recipes. When shopping, look for tahini made from hulled sesame seeds to get the maximum nutritional benefits.
6. Pecan Butter
Pecan butter is an indulgent nut spread made from ground pecans and is a delightful alternative to cashew butter. It has a creamy, rich flavor and a nutty, subtly sweet taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Pecan butter also offers many health benefits, as it is rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It can also help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. If you can’t find it in stores, you can also make pecan butter at home in minutes. Savor it on toast, blend it into smoothies and oatmeal, or use it to substitute for cashew butter in various recipes.
7. Walnut Butter
Walnut butter is a nutrient-rich spread packed with healthy fats, minerals, and proteins. It is made from ground walnuts and has a slightly deeper and nuttier flavor than cashew butter, as well as a crunchier texture. It’s full of unsaturated fats, vitamin E, B vitamins, alpha-linolenic acid, and magnesium.
Since walnut butter is not as sweet as cashew butter, you may want to add some honey or other sweetener of your choice to alter it to your taste. You can spread it over toast, mix it into smoothies, or use it as a substitute for cashew butter in recipes like sauces and desserts.
8. Hemp Seed Butter
Hemp seed butter is an excellent nut-free alternative to cashew butter that comes with a host of health benefits. It’s created by pressing hemp seeds, which are packed with healthy fats and protein, as well as dietary fiber that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
With a texture similar to cashew butter, it has a richer flavor that can be used in a myriad of recipes — from spreads, sauces, salads, and baked goods to oatmeal and smoothies. Hemp seed butter also lacks the sweetness of cashew butter, so feel free to add any sweetener you like.
9. Soy Butter
Soy butter is an excellent substitute for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Not only is it vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, but it is also a sustainable and affordable option due to its widespread availability and reduced production costs.
Soy butter is high in healthy fats and provides a complete set of essential amino acids as well as various vitamins and minerals. Plus, it has a distinct taste and texture, with a mildly nutty flavor that works as a great substitute for cashew butter.
