17 Best Peanut Butter Substitutes (+ Nut-Free Alternatives)

If you’re looking for the best peanut butter substitutes, I have you covered! From almond butter to cashew butter to pecan butter, there are plenty of tasty nut butters you can try.

But if you have allergies or sensitivities, there are also some great nut-free alternatives.

These swaps also work well if you don’t have any peanut butter on hand.

Let’s explore the best peanut butter substitutes for cooking, baking, and enjoying!

Purpose of Peanut Butter in Cooking and Baking

In baking, peanut butter can be crucial in providing desirable textures. 

Its creamy or chunky consistency adds richness and moisture to recipes.

Its use results in tender and soft baked goods.

Peanut butter contributes a delightful chewiness that elevates the overall eating experience.

In cooking, it can serve as a base for sauces, dressings, and marinades, infusing them with a distinctive nuttiness.

Best Peanut Butter Substitutes

1. Almond Butter

Almond butter is the perfect substitute for peanut butter. 

It has a mild flavor and creamy texture. It’s packed with healthy fats, fiber, magnesium and vitamin E. 

Plus, it contains fewer calories! You can use it as a base for salad dressing, sauces, or baked goods.

2. Cashew Butter 

Cashew butter is another great replacement for peanut butter. 

It’s made from ground cashews, oil, and salt. Although not as popular as almond butter, it has a lot of the same benefits. 

It’s high in monounsaturated fats and rich in protein. It’s also low in sugar and carbohydrates.

Spread cashew butter on crackers or toast, mix it into oatmeal or smoothies, or use it as a dip for apples and pears.

3. Walnut Butter 

Walnut butter is a slightly less popular choice. 

But it’s still a great option for those seeking a peanut butter alternative. 

It’s made from walnuts, oil, and salt and has similar benefits to almond and cashew butter. It’s high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. 

Add it to your favorite baking recipes for an extra flavor boost, or use it as a dip for fruit slices.

4. Hazelnut Butter

Hazelnut butter is made from ground hazelnuts and other ingredients like oil and salt. It’s a great option for those with nut allergies because it contains fewer allergens than other substitutes. 

You’ll love it as a peanut butter swap for sweet foods like fruit or chocolate. 

You can also use it as the base of a delicious dip for veggies.

5. Pecan Butter

Pecan butter is a great alternative to peanut butter.

It’s made from ground pecans and other ingredients like oil and salt. 

It also has a mild and nutty flavor that works great in baking recipes or as a spread on toast and crackers. 

Add pecan butter to your oatmeal for an extra boost of nutrition.

6. Brazil Nut Butter

Brazil nut butter is made from ground Brazil nuts, oil, and salt. 

It’s not as popular as other nut butters, but it still has a lot of great benefits.

Its distinctive flavor makes it a great addition to sweet and savory recipes.

Try adding a spoonful of Brazil nut butter to your favorite smoothie or yogurt bowl for a delicious and nutritious snack. 

7. Pistachio Butter

Pistachio butter is an interesting alternative to peanut butter. 

It’s made from ground pistachios, oil, and salt and has a unique flavor. It works with both sweet and savory dishes.

Pistachio butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein.

It’s wonderful when added to smoothies and oatmeal.

8. Sunflower Seed Butter 

Sunflower seed butter is becoming more popular lately because it’s a great alternative to peanut butter. 

It’s made from sunflower seeds, oil, and salt and has a mild nutty flavor that pairs well with many ingredients. 

I like to use it as the base of a creamy vegetable dip.

9. Tahini 

Tahini is not technically a nut butter, but it’s still a great alternative to peanut butter. 

It’s made from ground sesame seeds and has a very distinct taste.

You’ll recognize it as a key ingredient in hummus. But you can swap it out for peanut butter in a pinch.

10. Soy Nut Butter

Soy nut butter is made from ground soy nuts and other ingredients like oil and salt. 

It’s a great alternative to peanut butter for those with nut allergies, and it has some of the same benefits. 

It’s great slathered on bread for a sandwich or as an ingredient in your favorite cookies.

11. Coconut Butter

Coconut butter is made from ground coconut meat and other ingredients like oil and salt. 

It’s not technically a nut butter, but it still has some of the same benefits. 

The flavor is still very tropical, but this can only enhance desserts. You’ll love it!

12. Chickpea Butter

Chickpea butter is made from ground chickpeas, oil, and salt, and it’s high in healthy fats and protein.

Plus, chickpeas also contain fiber to help keep you full.

Use it as a spread on toast and crackers, or mix it into baking recipes for a unique flavor.

13. Granola Butter

Granola butter is a unique alternative to peanut butter and other nut butters. 

It has similar benefits to nut butters even though it’s not one of the more popular options!

This butter features a crunchy texture and granola-like taste. It adds a satisfying crunch to recipes.

14. Macadamia Nut Butter

Macadamia nut butter, known for its rich and buttery flavor, brings indulgence to the table. 

With its creamy consistency and unique taste, it’s an excellent choice.

Add it to your favorite smoothie or oatmeal for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. 

Or, use it as the base of a delicious dip or spread on toast and crackers.

15. Powdered Peanut Butter

Powdered peanut butter has emerged as a versatile and convenient alternative to traditional peanut butter. 

It’s created by removing most of the oil content from roasted peanuts, then grinding them into a fine powder.

With approximately 85% less fat, it offers a way to incorporate the taste of peanuts into recipes while keeping calorie intake in check. 

It’s perfect for smoothies, sauces, baked goods, and even as a topping.