Almond Butter – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Groceries

What is almond butter?

Almond butter is a paste made by blending almonds. It’s deep golden in color and has a rich, nutty aroma. Although you could mistake it for peanut butter, almond butter has its own distinct flavor profile. 

This delicious nut butter can be creamy or crunchy, depending on the jar you buy. Either way, almond butter is a great breakfast or snack food. It goes well with bread, yogurt, fruit, and even drizzled over a smoothie bowl.

What is the nutritional value of almond butter?

Almond butter is packed with nutrition. Just 1 serving, which equals 2Tbsps, has:

• 196 calories
• 18g of fat
• 1.4g of saturated fat
• 6g of carbohydrates
• 3.2g of dietary fiber

On top of that, a serving of almond butter also contains several essential vitamins and nutrients:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Vitamin E

Don’t be scared off by the fat content in almond butter. Because this spread is so rich in monounsaturated fats (the good kind), it can help lower “bad” cholesterol. That, together with the fact that 1 serving gets you just over 50% of your daily vitamin E needs, makes almond butter a healthy way to start your day.

How is almond butter made?

Typically, almonds are roasted and blended in an industrial-sized food processor. Slowly, they go from being solid to crumbly to a paste-like consistency. Patience is vital in this process. The longer the almonds are blended, the runnier the almond butter.

But not all kinds of almond butter are made the same way. There are several varieties on the market:

• Crunchy almond butter: The almonds aren’t processed for as long, so you can still find chunks to give the spread more texture.
• Raw almond butter: Because the almonds are not roasted before blending, raw almond butter tastes less nutty and more subtle.
• Salted almond butter: Sea salt can be added to almond butter recipes for a boost of flavor.
• Flavored almond butter: Some manufacturers add spices and sweeteners (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, dates, and maple syrup) to almond butter to take it to the next level.

How do you pick almond butter at the grocery store?

The best jars of almond butter have a simple ingredient list. Look at the label and count how many ingredients have gone into making that nut butter. Ideally, there should just be 1 (or 2, maximum): almonds and sea salt.

Of course, if you want to try flavored almond butter, there will be more ingredients. However, there shouldn’t be any added oils or ingredients you don’t recognize.

Additionally, if you have a peanut allergy and have been cleared by your doctor to eat almonds, you still need to read the label. Sometimes, manufacturers make their almond butter in the same facilities where they process peanuts. Thus, there is a risk of cross-contamination. Look for a peanut warning before buying a jar.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for almond butter via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Justin's Almond Butter, Coconut (12 oz)

Simply Nature Creamy Almond Butter (12 oz)

MaraNatha Butter, Organic, Raw Almond, Creamy, California (12 oz)

365 by Whole Foods Market Almond Butter (16 oz)

Lindsay Classic Creamy Almond Butter (12 oz)

What is the shelf life of almond butter?

Treat an unopened jar of almond butter as pantry food. In other words, keep it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight for up to 2 years.

Opened almond butter jars have a significantly shorter shelf life. How long they’ll stay good for depends on how you store them.

How to store almond butter

You can store an open jar of almond butter in the pantry for up to 6 months. It will keep its runny texture the whole time.

Alternatively, you could keep your jar of almond butter in the fridge, where it will last for up to 10 months. Although it will solidify, you can leave the almond butter out of the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before using it to get the right texture.

If you don’t go through almond butter that quickly, storing it in the freezer is also an option. It will stay good for up to 12 months from the moment you freeze it. Then, when you want to use it, simply thaw it out overnight in the fridge, mix before using it, and refrigerate any leftovers.

How to tell if almond butter is bad

Almond butter will go rancid with time. Fortunately, it’s easy to tell if almond butter has gone bad. It will have a foul smell and taste sour. There may also be some mold on the surface of the almond butter.

Now, don’t throw away your jar of almond butter if you notice a layer of liquid at the surface. That’s normal. It just means the oils have separated from the almond butter, but it’s still good. Don’t drain the liquid, or you’ll end up with a solid un-spreadable paste; just thoroughly stir it in.

What can I substitute almond butter for?

You can swap out almond butter with any other type of nut butter. If you’re baking, do a 1:1 substitution. In other words, if the recipe calls for 1Tbsp of almond butter, try 1Tbsp of peanut butter instead.

Where can I find almond butter near me?

Almond butter is packed with great nutrients and vitamins, so it makes sense to incorporate it into your diet. Sadly, this spread isn’t too widely available for now, so finding it at the store can sometimes be a challenge.

To save time and money, you can order almond butter on Instacart—and even specify what type of almond butter you want. Thanks to same-day delivery, you could have it at your doorstep in just a few hours, in the most convenient way possible.

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