Peanut Butter vs Almond Butter: Which to Buy
By Walnut Creek Cheese & Market | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Comparisons
Compare honey peanut butter and salted almond butter on taste, nutrition, and price to decide which nut butter fits your breakfast toast or snack needs.
Quick answer
Choose honey peanut butter for a sweeter, budget-friendly spread with a marshmallow-like twist, or salted almond butter for a savory, protein-rich option with a cleaner ingredient list.
Taste and texture differences
Honey peanut butter combines peanut butter with marshmallow creme and honey, creating a sweet, creamy spread that feels almost like a dessert. The salted almond butter is straightforward: roasted almonds ground with canola oil and a touch of salt, giving it a savory, nutty flavor and a slightly grainier texture.
Ingredient considerations
The honey peanut butter contains multiple sweeteners (corn syrup, honey, marshmallow creme) and hydrogenated oils, making it a less natural choice. The salted almond butter has just three ingredients: almonds, canola oil, and salt, which appeals to those seeking simplicity. However, both contain added oils—the almond butter uses canola oil, while the peanut butter uses palm oil and hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Price and value
Honey peanut butter costs USD 3.10 (regularly USD 5.09), while salted almond butter is USD 7.13 (regularly USD 10.19). The peanut butter is significantly cheaper per unit, making it a more economical choice for frequent use. Almond butter's higher price reflects the cost of almonds and its simpler ingredient profile.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Flavor profile: Honey peanut butter is sweet and candy-like; salted almond butter is savory and nutty.
- Ingredient simplicity: Almond butter has 3 ingredients; peanut butter has a longer list including corn syrup and hydrogenated oils.
- Price per unit: Peanut butter is about USD 3.10 vs. almond butter at USD 7.13, making peanut butter more budget-friendly.
- Allergen note: Peanut butter contains peanuts and egg; almond butter contains tree nuts (almonds). Check labels for cross-contamination concerns. If you have a peanut allergy, almond butter is a safe alternative; if allergic to tree nuts, choose peanut butter.
Product facts
- Peanut Butter Spread - Honey: Contains marshmallow creme, honey, and hydrogenated vegetable oils alongside peanut butter. This creates a sweet, dessert-like spread but adds processed ingredients not found in plain nut butters.
Peanut Butter Spread - Honey - Almond Butter - Salted: Ingredients are just almonds, canola oil, and salt, with no added sugars. It's a cleaner choice for those avoiding sweeteners, though the canola oil may be a concern for some.
Almond Butter - Salted
Which nut butter fits you?
Best for
- Shoppers who want a sweet, affordable spread for toast or baking.
- Those who enjoy a dessert-like flavor without added sugar from jam.
Not for
- Anyone avoiding processed sweeteners or hydrogenated oils.
- People on a strict clean-eating or paleo diet.
