Peanut butter and almond butter are both related in terms of belonging to the nut butter family. Peanut butter is churned from peanuts whereas almond butter is derived from almonds and therefore, both the butters belong to the nut butter family. However, peanut butter and almond butter have many dissimilarities that are worth knowing as they are two of the most preferred form of butter available in the market.
What is Almond Butter?
Almond butter, as the name suggests, is made from almonds. It is available in both crunchy and smooth textures in stir (prone to oil separation) and no-stir (emulsified) versions, while it also comes in raw or roasted choices, depending on the state of the almonds before the grinding. It is rather rich in calories but nevertheless, almond butter is also rich in other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, riboflavin, phosphorus, and copper and potassium and is also a good source of fibre as well. Almond butter is rather abundant in Vitamin E which bestows upon it antioxidant properties because of which it is said to be beneficial for many health issues such as heart disease, cholesterol as well as blood pressure.
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Almond butter, plain, |
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Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) |
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Energy |
2,648 kJ (633 kcal) |
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Carbohydrates |
21 g |
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– Dietary fiber |
3.7 g |
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Fat |
59 g |
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– saturated |
5.6 g |
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– monounsaturated |
38.3 g |
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– polyunsaturated |
12.4 g |
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Protein |
15 g |
Source: Wikipedia, 20 April 2014
What is Peanut Butter?
In order to make peanut butter, roast peanuts are ground to a paste along with other ingredients such as Dextrose, salt and hydrogenated oil. Peanut butter is available in both smooth and crunchy textures and is a popular spread often used in sandwiches with the addition of cheese, jams, chocolate, and other ingredients. Peanut butter is a rich source of reservatol, which is a flavonoid and helps enhance the blood flow to the brain which results in lowering the risk of stroke. Two tablespoons of unsalted peanut butter contains 190 calories, with 3 grams of fibre, 7 grams of carbs and 16 grams of fat while also boasting of Vitamin E, folate, protein, calcium and iron. Helping to prevent oxidative damage which in turn can lead to various cancers, peanut butter is rich in antioxidant, being particularly beneficial to women in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
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Peanut butter, |
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Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) |
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Energy |
2,462 kJ (588 kcal) |
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Carbohydrates |
20 g |
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– Starch |
4.8 g |
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– Sugars |
9.2 g |
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– Dietary fiber |
6 g |
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Fat |
50 g |
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Protein |
25 g |
Source: Wikipedia, 20 April 2014
What is the difference between Almond Butter and Peanut Butter?
• Peanut butter is made from peanuts. Almond butter is made from almonds.
• Almond butter can be used as an alternative to peanut butter for those with peanut allergies.
• No preservatives or additives are added to almond butter and therefore it is said to be healthier than peanut butter which tends to include such things.
• Almond butter features a higher amount of calories than peanut butter. However, it is high in fibre content, protein and monosaturated fat which aids weight control and also serves as a brilliant regulator of blood sugar.
• Almond butter also serves as a substitute for peanut butter for those who suffer from peanut allergies.
• Peanut butter has a high amount of reservatol and antioxidant properties that it contains while almond butter is known for its high content of Vitamin E, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
• While almonds belong to the nut family, peanuts which are referred to as nuts at times, belong to the legume family.
The two butters made from two different nuts are equally delicious but feature different properties unique to each. All facts given, one should be able to decide between almond and peanut butters according to one’s personal and physical needs.