What is Nut Butter? Uses, Benefits & Best Types

Sarah McCahill 5 min read
nut butter

If you have ever spread peanut butter on toast or scooped almond butter into a smoothie, you’ve already tapped into the magic of nut butters-but trust us, they’re just the starting point of a scrumptious journey.

So, what is nut butter? It is nature’s answer to creamy, delicious, and healthy spreads that nourish you from the inside out. Made by grinding nuts into a smooth or crunchy paste, nut butters are rich in healthy fats and plant-based protein.

Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie or just looking for cleaner alternatives for snacking, this guide walks you through nut butter meaning, its benefits, how it's made, and why you should stock it in your pantry.

Table of Contents

1. Common Types of Nut Butters

  • Almond Butter
  • Cashew Butter
  • Hazelnut Butter
  • Peanut Butter

2. Nutritional Benefits
3. How to Use Nut Butters Daily
4. Why It's a Great Snack Choice
5. How to Store Nut Butters Right
6. Bottom Line

Common Types of Nut Butters

Nut butters have come a long way from being simple toast toppers. Today, they are your go-to for clean snacking, wholesome baking, and even post-workout fuel. Whether you love yours creamy, crunchy, subtly sweet, or rich with superfoods, there’s a perfect jar waiting for you.

Not sure where to begin? Here’s a quick guide to the most-loved types of nut butter that deserve a spot in your daily routine:

1. Almond Butter

Mildly sweet, full of Vitamin E and healthy fats, almond butter is perfect for energy and skin health. 

AOF Chocolate Almond Multiseed Butter isn’t your average chocolate spread. It’s a rich blend of roasted almonds, antioxidant-rich cacao, and a trio of powerful seeds: flax, chia, and sunflower, all gently ground together to create a velvety texture with a delightful crunch.

But if you're more into classics with a clean, nutty kick, our Classic Almond Multiseed Butter is a must-try. Made with 4 super seeds and dates (no palm oil), it’s vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly satiating.

2. Cashew Butter

Naturally creamy and slightly sweet, cashew butter is ideal for smoothies, drizzles, and desserts.

If you’re looking for a dreamy dessert experience, AOF Blue Vanilla Frosting Cashew Butter lightens up your mood. Made with slow-roasted cashews and blended with antioxidant-rich blue spirulina and vanilla bean, this butter brings you the indulgence of frosting without the sugar crash.

Our Strawberry Shortcake Cashew Butter, on the other hand, is your answer to a sweet and clean dessert. This healthy spread is made with just a handful of real, wholesome ingredients with no artificial flavours or preservatives.

3. Hazelnut Butter 

Rich, aromatic, and slightly sweet, hazelnut butter is the go-to choice when your mood craves something luxurious. Naturally high in healthy fats and antioxidants like vitamin E, hazelnuts offer a creamy texture and decadent flavour when paired with cocoa, making them a popular base for chocolate spreads.

4. Peanut Butter

A long-standing kitchen favourite, peanut butter is popular for its rich, nutty flavour, versatility, and budget-friendly protein boost.  When it comes to peanut vs almond butter, peanut butter tends to offer more protein per serving, making it a favourite among fitness enthusiasts.

Not sure which flavour fits your lifestyle or taste buds? Why choose one when you can sample them all? Our Nutty by Nature Tasting Box is the perfect way to explore the best of AsmitA Organic Farms’ artisanal nut butters in one beautifully curated set.

Nutritional Benefits

Nut butters don’t come with a side of guilt. Here’s what makes them such a powerhouse:

  • Heart-Healthy Fats: Most nut butters are rich in monounsaturated fats, the kind that help reduce bad cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.
  • Plant-Based Protein: Eat your protein, preserve your muscles. A spoonful of nut butter offers a solid dose of protein, which supports muscle recovery, energy, and satiety.
  • Essential Minerals: Nuts are naturally packed with key minerals like magnesium that aid in muscle and nerve function, zinc that is good for immunity, and potassium that looks after heart health and hydration balance.
  • Fibre for Digestion and Fullness: Nut butters contain dietary fibre that supports a healthy gut, aids digestion, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

How to Use Nut Butters Daily

Whether you're after a quick breakfast boost or a wholesome dessert upgrade, here are a few delicious uses of nut butters in your daily routine:

  • Smoothie Game Changer: Add a spoonful of nut butter to your morning smoothie for extra creaminess, healthy fats, and plant-based protein.
  • Next-Level Toast Topping: Forget boring butter and slather your toast with cashew or almond butter, then load it up with fruit and seeds for a balanced bite.
  • Oatmeal Upgrade: Melt nut butter into hot oats for extra creaminess and flavour. It’s a simple trick that turns your breakfast into a power bowl.
  • Better-For-You Bakes: Use almond or cashew butter in cookies or muffins to cut down on processed fats and sneak in more nutrients.

Why It's a Great Snack Choice

Snacking doesn’t have to mean sugar crashes or empty calories. Nut butters offer the perfect balance of fat, fibre, and protein to keep you full and energised and take away the guilt. They are portable, shelf-stable, and endlessly customisable. 

Plus, when you choose options like AOF Nut Butter Combo and enjoy a spoonful of it, you will know exactly how nut butter is made with care, quality, and just the right amount of crunch.

How to Store Nut Butters Right

So, you’ve got your favourite jar of nut butter from AOF, but now what? To keep every spoonful tasting as good as the first, proper storage is key.

With just a few mindful steps, you can preserve the flavour, texture, and nutritional goodness of your healthy spreads for days to come.

  • Keep it Cool, Dark and Dry Before Opening: Before you pop the lid, store your jar in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight or heat. This helps preserve the natural oils and prevents spoilage.
  • Refrigeration Not Required: Our nut butters don’t need to be refrigerated—even after opening. However, if you prefer a firmer texture or live in a very warm climate, you can refrigerate them. Just note that doing so may cause the texture to harden, making it less spreadable.
  • Store Upside Down: Here’s a pro-tip from AOF. We store every jar upside down before it reaches you! This smart trick helps the oils distribute more evenly, making that first stir way easier and less messy.
nut butter

Bottom Line

Now that you know what is nut butter, a wholesome, creamy spread made from nuts that is packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, it’s easy to see why it’s become a kitchen essential. 

But not all nut butters are created equal. To truly enjoy the benefits, it’s important to choose clean nut butters made without palm oil, preservatives, or refined sugar. That’s exactly where AOF shines. Every jar is thoughtfully crafted using the finest ingredients—and our Blue Vanilla Frosting Cashew Butter even includes cold-pressed avocado oil for that extra creamy touch.

Ready to experience the difference? Browse our full collection and bring home nut butters that are as pure and delicious as they are nourishing. Happy snacking!

Sarah McCahill
Written by Sarah McCahill
Sarah McCahill
Sarah McCahill

Sarah is an American professional based in India, passionate about making health and wellness mor...

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Sarah is an American professional based in India, passionate about making health and wellness more accessible and easy to understand. With a background in healthcare administration from Texas State University and a dual Master’s in International Business and Business Analytics from Hult International Business School, she brings a global perspective to local markets. Sarah enjoys exploring consumer trends, clean-label products, and the stories behind what we eat, all with a focus on better living.
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