Nowadays in supermarkets, there are entire aisles dedicated to nut butters, including almond butters by brands like Pip & Nut and Meridian. You can spread almond butter on bread or toast, mix it into smoothies, bake it in brownies and use it as a savoury dipping sauce. But how do you choose the right one for you?
The almond butter revolution that's sweeping across the UK is being driven in part by the ever-growing number of health-conscious and vegan individuals and those interested in following a keto diet. A good source of protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals - it's little wonder why nut butters are so popular! Whether you're a fan of crunchy or smooth, in this article we've ranked the top 10 best roasted and raw almond butters, available in the UK from Amazon, Waitrose and other online stores.
Quick List - Top Almond Butters
mybest UK specialist Tara is a nutritionist and energy coach who helps clients lose weight, improve their eating habits, and get their energy back through their nutrition. Tara specialises in helping busy parents specifically improve their eating with ease and without overwhelm, and get back on track so the whole family can benefit.
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Tara is a nutritionist and energy coach who helps clients lose weight, improve their eating habits, and get their energy back through their nutrition. Tara specialises in helping busy parents specifically improve their eating with ease and without overwhelm, and get back on track so the whole family can benefit.
Most almond butters use roasted almonds. This is because roasting the almonds before they are ground gives the almond butter a richer and deeper flavour. This added flavour is definitely welcomed by most almond butter lovers, as it's known to be a bit devoid of taste without it.
However, there is a slight hiccup. As a result of roasting, the almonds will lose a little moisture, which in turn results in a higher fat content per 100g of almond butter. They can also be roasted with plant oil, so if you're avoiding excess oils look for an absence of oil on the ingredients list or opt for raw instead.
Almond butter is high in fat content by nature, so I recommend opting for dry roasted almonds over almond butters made with added oils. When selecting almond butter, always look at the ingredients listed and make sure that almonds are listed as the only ingredient. So there are no additives, preservatives, or excess oil added.
Eating raw is becoming more popular, as people discover the health benefits associated with consuming raw foods within their diet. Almonds, and nuts in general, retain their maximum amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, if eaten raw.
Those who follow specific diets, such as a raw vegan diet, may want to introduce raw almond butter as a source of fibre and protein. Some brands even soak their almonds in water before they are ground, as soaking makes them easier to digest.
Almonds certainly have an impressive profile when it comes to nutrients. They contain high levels of fibre, protein, and healthy fats, along with magnesium, manganese, vitamin E, copper, and riboflavin. And the easiest way to ensure your body is absorbing all of these nutrients to the best of its ability is to consume them raw, such as in the form of raw almond butter.
Nut butters can be smooth or crunchy, and people often have very firm preferences. If you dislike crunchy it's probably as a result of the bits getting stuck in your teeth. However, crunchy almond butter is actually slightly healthier than smooth, as the chunks provide additional fibre, and a little less saturated fat. Although marginal, this may help to swing you and your family over to the crunchy side.
It's safe to say that smooth almond butter is better for drizzling, mixing and dolloping in or on top of smoothies, breakfast bowls and sauces. Smooth also benefits from a creamier, softer consistency, accommodating more delicate taste buds.
Largely speaking, it doesn’t matter too much on a nutritional level whether you prefer smooth or crunchy almond butter. Whilst crunchy does offer slightly more fibre, it’s such a small amount that it shouldn’t sway your preference.
My favourite almond butter that I regularly have is Meridian Crunchy Almond Butter - yes, I prefer crunchy! This butter is made with 100% almonds only and no added salt, sugar, or preservatives. It is also certified as being palm oil-free. It just requires a stir when you first open it to mix in the natural oils, and then it’s perfect. You can buy from Amazon as well.
If almonds alone won't cut it, then fear not as the almond butter market now includes a few tried and tested flavour pairings. If you're after a treat, that's a little less naughty than a chocolate spread, you might want to try a sweet almond butter. You can now find flavoured almonds butters that include coconut, orange or even cacao to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
On the other hand, you can make your super spread even healthier by choosing an almond butter with argan oil. A Moroccan delicacy, argan oil is a highly sought after super food that is rich in antioxidants and immune-system supporting Vitamin E. Plus the addition of argan oil gives almond butter an even richer and nuttier flavour.
For other healthy, more-ish foods, look at our recommendations for the best supermarket hummus, peanut butters and healthy yoghurts.
There are plenty of varieties of almond butter available if you fancy a change from the standard butter. If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, I would undoubtedly recommend almond butter with cacao. Not only does it taste sweet (yet is much healthier than a chocolate spread), cacao is also a highly healthy superfood.
Cacao is high in iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, protein, and healthy fats. Not only that, but it has been linked to reducing inflammation, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as lowering blood pressure.
The organic food and drink industry is on the rise within the UK, with more and more companies switching over to organic farming of their raw ingredients. These practices require farming without the use of herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, which are things we all know that can have negative impacts on both the environment and our health.
When you choose to eat organic, you consume fewer pesticides and harmful chemicals. The food will be fresher (because preservatives weren't used in the production), and it is guaranteed to be GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) free.
It's not uncommon to find a form of vegetable oil included within almond butters. This added oil acts as an emulsifier that binds the product together, preventing the inconvenient rising of the natural almond oils the top of the jar or tub.
But avoid palm oil (or thoroughly check out any sustainability claims), as the ongoing rainforest devastation from the palm oil industry in Indonesia, Malaysia and Borneo is no secret. That's why checking the fine print on the label and steering clear of brands that add non-sustainable palm oil to their almond butters is crucial.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pip & Nut Smooth Almond Butter|1 kg | ![]() | Protein Packed Spread Made From 99.6% Californian Almonds | |
2 | Yumello Smooth Almond Butter |230 g | ![]() | Smooth Almond Butter With Cold-Pressed Argan Oil | |
3 | Kape Pure Almond Butter|170 g | ![]() | Raw 100% Spring Water-Soaked Almond Butter | |
4 | Pip & Nut Coconut Almond Butter|1 kg | ![]() | Coconut and Almond Spread for Drizzling, Desserts and More | |
5 | Biona Organic Almond Butter|170 g | ![]() | Organic Almond Butter from Biona the Experts in Ethical Products | |
6 | Nutural World Crunchy Almond Nut Butter|170 g | ![]() | Crunchy Small Batch Almond Butter | |
7 | Zeina Love Our Food Almond Butter|1 kg | ![]() | Peanut, Sesame and Palm Oil Free 100% Almond Butter | |
8 | Meridian Natural Crunchy Almond Butter|170 g | ![]() | Affordable Roasted Almond Butter Without Additives or Palm Oil | |
9 | KoRo White Almond Butter|500 g | ![]() | Unique White Almond Paste From Blanched Nuts | |
10 | Whole Earth Almond Butter Smooth|227 g | ![]() | A Popular Roasted Almond Butter With a Creamy Texture |
This is Pip & Nut's famed almond butter made from 99.6% Californian almonds and a pinch of sea salt. It's a smooth and roasted blend that's highly sought after for its taste and versatility.
Mixed generously into porridge, breakfast bowls, smoothies, protein shakes or smothered on toast - once you try this this almond butter, it will become a kitchen staple! Available in a 1 kg tub or 170g jar, this protein-packed and delicious spread will ensure the whole family stays energised throughout the day.
Yumello have created a very unique and delicious almond butter, that blends dry-roasted almonds with cold-pressed argan oil, and a little bit of sea salt. The taste is nothing short of excellent, with a rich and nutty flavour.
The addition of argan oil is a real win, for your taste buds and for the women's cooperatives in Morocco who produce this prized super-food (full of antioxidants), for a guaranteed a fair wage from Yumello.
Kape's pure, all-raw almond butter is made of 100% ground Californian almonds. Many consider it the tastiest raw almond butter on the market - it's known for its clean and natural taste, so if you fancy trying a raw option, make sure it is this one.
Before the almonds are ground they are soaked in a mixture of spring water and sea salt. This reduces the risk of bacteria forming - it is a raw product after all - while also improving the digestibility of the almonds to help you fully absorb the vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.
Coconut and almond flavours go together magically. While there are quite a few brands putting this delicious pairing together, from all accounts it's Pip & Nut who are doing it best! They also run limited edition flavour pairings, so it's worth keeping an eye on Pip & Nut's website for new nutty treats.
A versatile spread that tastes as good as it sounds, this smooth blend of roasted almonds, coconut and agave syrup is perfect to spread on toast or drizzle over porridge. Why not take it one step further and try adding it to smoothies, brownies or even savoury dishes?
Biona has been selling organic products for over 25 years, their crunchy almond butter is created from small batches of freshly roasted, organic almonds and that is completely it. Nothing else is added.
The almonds are ethically and sustainably sourced, and their transportation involves zero air miles. This velvety smooth nut butter is studded with crushed almonds for a moreish crunchy texture. Organic, ethical and delicious.
This crunchy almond butter from Nutural World was deemed 'the Maserati of all almond butters' by one reviewer, for its rich and moreish taste. Having won a Great Taste Award in recent years, you know this almond butter is the real deal!
It's made lovingly in the UK in small batches and stoneground the traditional way. This gives the undeniably crunchy almond butter a unique texture, adding to its artisanal appeal. The clever folk at Nutural World also make an intriguing-sounding Smoked Almond Spread.
This no nonsense almond butter is made from 100% roasted almonds right here in the UK (in Yorkshire), creating a smooth blend of nothing but nuts. Zeina pride themselves on their food safety standards ensuring a peanut and sesame free environment throughout every step of production.
The 1kg tub is a great way to save some money and ensure nobody misses out on their almond-centric protein boost in the morning - making it the perfect almond butter to kick start the day.
This Meridian crunchy almond butters is made from 100% roasted almonds. It's a popular crunchy classic from a nut-obsessed brand that can be found on just about any supermarket shelf the whole country over.
Meridian pride themselves on each of their products being completely additive free, and this almond butter is no exception! This promise allows you to buy with confidence, plus it's not just a healthy choice, but an environmentally sound one too - Meridian proudly don't fly their ingredients.
This is a completely unique-looking almond product, its creamy-white appearance comes from the blanched-then-roasted almonds. Without the almond skins, this paste is therefore lower in lectins (proteins which bind to carbs) and should therefore be easier to digest.
Ideal to stir into porridge or granola, to add to a smoothie or as a bread spread - this is certainly a different take on almond butter and tempting to try as a result, but the hefty price tag could put people off.
Whole Earth have quite an extensive range of nut butters, and their smooth almond butter is especially popular for it's creamy texture. It also has a rich taste, thanks to a blend of 99% roasted almonds and 1% palm oil.
Although it tastes great, the inclusion of sustainable palm oil is a bit disappointing. We would encourage anyone looking to consume more ethically to do their own research into the specific type of palm oil used, prior to buying.
Written and researched by Connor Macanally
No. 1: Pip & Nut|Smooth Almond Butter|1 kg
No. 2: Yumello|Smooth Almond Butter |230 g
No. 3: Kape|Pure Almond Butter|170 g
No. 4: Pip & Nut |Coconut Almond Butter|1 kg
No. 5: Biona|Organic Almond Butter|170 g
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