The Ultimate Review of Store-Bought Almond Butters: Taste, Texture & More
Explore distinct taste and texture profiles to find your ideal nutty spread.
Store-Bought Almond Butter: An In-Depth Review
nn
If you’re an almond butter fan, you know the options in stores can be overwhelming. With so many brands, textures, and ingredient lists, finding the perfect jar is no small feat. This comprehensive almond butter review examines popular store-bought varieties, evaluating them for taste, texture, stir-ability, ingredient quality, value, and more. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or stirring it into your morning oats, let’s help you choose the best almond butter for your lifestyle.
nn
What Makes a Great Almond Butter?
n
Not all almond butters are created equal. This review considered several core factors to help fairly compare each brand:
n
- n
- Taste: Is it rich and nutty? Bland? Well-roasted or raw? Bitter or deliciously mild?
- Texture: Ultra-creamy, smooth, chunky, or gritty?
- Stir-ability: Is the oil separation manageable? How easy is it to mix?
- Ingredient quality: No unwanted additives? Organic or Non-GMO?
- Packaging: Glass or plastic? BPA-free? Resealable?
- Price per ounce: Is it a good value for what you get?
n
n
n
n
n
n
nn
All butters were sampled as-is, without enhancements, to allow for a fair side-by-side assessment. Below, you’ll find detailed tasting notes, ratings, and a cumulative ranking based on overall score.
nn
The Almond Butter Lineup: Brands Reviewed
nn
The following popular almond butter brands were reviewed:
n
- n
- Trader Joe’s Creamy No Salt Almond Butter
- Georgia Grinders Original Almond Butter
- Barney Butter Bare Smooth Almond Butter
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Unsweetened Almond Butter
- JUSTIN’S Classic Almond Butter
n
n
n
n
n
nn
Each jar’s details, such as ingredients, packaging, whether it’s roasted or raw, and price per ounce, are included in the breakdowns below.
nn
Almond Butter Review Criteria
n
| Brand | Stir-ability (1–5) | Taste (1–5) | Texture (1–5) | Overall Thoughts (1–5) | Overall Score (/20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s Creamy No Salt | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.75 | 18.25 |
| Georgia Grinders Original | 2.75 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 15.75 |
| Barney Butter Bare Smooth | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 16 |
| 365 Organic Unsweetened | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 13.5 |
| JUSTIN’S Classic | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.75 | 15.75 |
nn
Detailed Tasting Notes & Ratings
nn
1. Trader Joe’s Creamy No Salt Almond Butter
n
Stir-ability: 4/5 — Oil separation is present but it’s visibly creamy and fairly easy to mix.
nTaste: 4.5/5 — Of all those tested, this almond butter tastes closest to homemade: perfectly roasted, without any bitterness. A pinch of salt would elevate it, but as an unsalted variety, it doesn’t disappoint.
nTexture: 5/5 — Exceptionally creamy with just a slight grit, reminiscent of fresh, homemade almond butter.
nOverall thoughts: 4.75/5 — A nearly perfect, well-balanced almond butter that’s likely to appeal to purists and almond lovers alike.
nApproximate cost per ounce: $0.50
nAdded oils or salt: None
nRaw or Roasted: Roasted
nJar material: Plastic (BPA-free)
nQuality of ingredients: Non-GMO
nRepurchase? Yes
nn
2. Georgia Grinders Original Almond Butter
n
Stir-ability: 2.75/5 — Visible almond chunks and oil on the surface; requires significant mixing to become creamy.
nTaste: 4.5/5 — Nicely roasted, flavorful almonds without bitterness; slightly bland without salt, but still delicious.
nTexture: 4.5/5 — Offers a pleasant slight crunch from small almond pieces and becomes creamy once stirred.
nOverall thoughts: 4/5 — Stirring can be a workout, but the final product is rewarding for texture and flavor lovers.
nApproximate cost per ounce: $1.03
nAdded oils or salt: None
nRaw or Roasted: Roasted
nJar material: Glass
nQuality of ingredients: Non-GMO
nRepurchase? Yes
nn
3. Barney Butter Bare Smooth Almond Butter
n
Stir-ability: 5/5 — Very smooth, essentially no need for stirring, making it a convenient on-the-go option.
nTaste: 3.5/5 — Mild and somewhat plain; less intense almond flavor with a more neutral profile.
nTexture: 4/5 — Creamy, but not as rich as some roasted options.
nOverall thoughts: 3.5/5 — Great if you prefer no-mess, neutral almond butters, but might not satisfy purists.
nApproximate cost per ounce: $1.00
nAdded oils or salt: No added oils, no salt
nRaw or Roasted: Roasted (blanched almonds)
nJar material: Plastic
nQuality of ingredients: Non-GMO
nRepurchase? Maybe
What others are reading
nn
4. 365 Organic Unsweetened Almond Butter
n
Stir-ability: 3/5 — Considerable oil separation; needs thorough stirring that can be cumbersome.
nTaste: 3.5/5 — Very subtle almond flavor, somewhat raw and mild.
nTexture: 3.5/5 — Slightly gritty, thinner consistency; not as creamy as some others.
nOverall thoughts: 3.5/5 — An acceptable, budget-friendly option, especially if organic is a priority.
nApproximate cost per ounce: $0.62
nAdded oils or salt: None
nRaw or Roasted: Roasted
nJar material: Plastic
nQuality of ingredients: Organic, Non-GMO
nRepurchase? Only if price-sensitive
nn
5. JUSTIN’S Classic Almond Butter
n
Stir-ability: 4/5 — Some oil separation, but easy to mix to a creamy consistency.
nTaste: 4/5 — Nicely roasted, pronounced almond flavor with a hint of sweetness.
nTexture: 4/5 — Smooth and spreadable, with minor fine grit.
nOverall thoughts: 3.75/5 — Reliable, middle-of-the-road choice with crowd-pleasing features.
nApproximate cost per ounce: $1.19
nAdded oils or salt: No added oils, lightly salted
nRaw or Roasted: Roasted
nJar material: Plastic (BPA-free)
nQuality of ingredients: Non-GMO
nRepurchase? Yes
nn
Almond Butter Flavor & Texture Comparison Table
n
| Brand | Best For | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s Creamy No Salt | Homemade-style fans | Rich flavor, zero bitterness, very creamy texture, great value |
| Georgia Grinders | Chunky almond butter lovers | Lively texture, robust roasted almond notes |
| Barney Butter Bare Smooth | No-stir convenience | Extremely smooth, mild taste, ideal for quick snacks |
| 365 Organic Unsweetened | Budget and organic shoppers | Mild flavor, organic label, affordable price point |
| JUSTIN’S Classic | General use, new to almond butter | Balanced flavor and texture, slightly sweet, user-friendly |
nn
FAQs About Almond Butter
n
What’s the healthiest almond butter?
n
The healthiest almond butters are those made with minimal, recognizable ingredients—ideally just almonds or almonds and a small amount of salt. Avoid options with added sugars, unnecessary oils, or preservatives. Organic and non-GMO varieties may appeal to health-conscious shoppers.
nn
What should I do if my almond butter separates?
n
If your almond butter separates, simply stir it thoroughly with a butter knife or spoon until the oil is reincorporated. Storage in the refrigerator can help reduce separation after mixing, though it may thicken the spread slightly.
nn
Does almond butter need to be refrigerated?
n
While not always essential, refrigerating almond butter—especially natural or unsweetened varieties—can extend shelf life and minimize oil separation. Always check your specific brand’s label for storage recommendations.
nn
Is almond butter better than peanut butter?
n
Almond butter is often higher in vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber compared to peanut butter, but is usually more expensive and may have a milder flavor. The choice between them depends on personal nutritional needs, taste preferences, and dietary restrictions.
nn
Can I cook or bake with almond butter?
n
Absolutely! Almond butter works in energy balls, stir-fries, baked goods, sauces, and smoothies. Its rich texture and subtle nuttiness merge well in both sweet and savory dishes.
nn
Tips for Choosing the Best Almond Butter
n
- n
- Read ingredient labels: Look for short, simple lists: ideally almonds (and salt if desired).
- Try different textures: Choose creamy or crunchy depending on your usage and taste.
- Consider price per ounce: If you eat almond butter regularly, cost can add up! Finding the right balance between quality and affordability is key.
- Experiment with brands: Flavors and textures vary widely. If possible, sample a few before settling on a staple.
- Factor in packaging: Some prefer glass for sustainability; others like lightweight, BPA-free plastic jars for convenience and travel.
n
n
n
n
n
nn
Recipe Idea: Homemade Almond Butter
n
Looking for an even fresher, simple option? All you need is a food processor and roasted almonds:
n
- n
- Add 2 cups of roasted almonds (unsalted is best) to a food processor.
- Process for 10-15 minutes, scraping down the sides every couple of minutes. The almonds will transform from crumbs to a dry paste to rich, glossy nut butter.
- Optional: add a pinch of salt, a dash of vanilla, or a drizzle of maple syrup for flavor.
- Store in a glass jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for up to a month.
n
n
n
n
nn
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
n
Q: What does ”no stir” almond butter mean?
n
A: No stir almond butter is typically processed or stabilized so that oil separation is minimized, allowing for easy spreading straight from the jar.
nn
Q: Are all almond butters gluten-free?
n
A: Yes, pure almond butter containing only almonds (and possibly salt) is naturally gluten-free. However, always verify there’s no cross-contamination in the manufacturing process if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
nn
Q: Why does some almond butter taste bitter?
n
A: Bitterness may result from under-roasting, overly mature almonds, or lack of salt to balance natural flavors. Choose a well-reviewed brand if you dislike bitterness.
nn
Q: Can you use almond butter in place of peanut butter in recipes?
n
A: Yes, almond butter makes a great substitute in most recipes calling for peanut butter. Note that almond butter’s flavor is subtler than classic peanut butter.
nn
Final Thoughts: Which Almond Butter Should You Buy?
n
If you’re looking for a nutty, homemade-style experience, Trader Joe’s Creamy No Salt Almond Butter stands out with its roasted flavor, creaminess, and affordable price point. For a unique, crunchy texture and rich roasted notes, Georgia Grinders is a delightful splurge. If you want maximum convenience, no stirring, and a mild flavor, Barney Butter Bare is a mess-free pick. 365 Organic delivers value and organic certification, while JUSTIN’S provides a reliable, crowd-pleasing option. Don’t hesitate to sample and discover what’s best for your unique almond butter adventure!
n
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
