We Tried 10 Different Almond Butters and Two Brands Ended Up at the Top of the List

Celebrated for its delicious flavor and impressive nutritional benefits, almond butter has become a staple in many diets. Rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, it makes an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack, particularly when spread on whole-grain bread or sliced apples. This nutritious spread not only satisfies cravings but also provides a sustained energy boost between meals, making it a popular choice among health-conscious eaters.

As a devoted almond butter enthusiast, I’ve explored various options—chunky, creamy, artisanal, and budget-friendly—to find my favorites. To help me find the best of the best, I organized a taste test with fellow culinary aficionados. At the end, we had a definitive list of 10 popular almond butters, ranked best to worst. Read on for all of the nutty details.

Related: Go Nuts! We're Ranking the 8 Best Natural Peanut Butters

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What to Look For When Buying Almond Butter

When buying almond butter, it’s important to consider a few key factors:

1. Study the label: Look for almond butter with minimal ingredients—ideally just almonds and salt. Avoid those that contain added sugars, oils, or preservatives, as these can affect both quality and flavor—as the tasting team quickly discovered.

2. Choose your texture: Choosing between creamy and crunchy almond butter is a matter of personal preference. Both are solid choices, it just depends on what you like to eat. If you're solidly in one camp or the other, be sure to read the label carefully to make sure you're getting the texture you like better.

3. Oil is ok: Don’t be alarmed by oil separation in natural, high-quality nut butters; it’s a sign that the product is made without emulsifiers. A quick stir will bring the nut butter together.

4. Check the jar: When possible, choose almond butter packaged in a glass jar. Glass is often better for preserving freshness than plastic.

Related: Is Almond Butter Really Healthier Than Peanut Butter? Registered Dietitians Share the Truth

How We Tested the Almond Butters

To ensure a fair test, we opted to focus this test on classic almond butters—plain crunchy and creamy. Armed with tasting spoons, small cups to keep each nut butter anonymous, and scoring sheets to record our impressions and rankings, my culinary team and I got to work.

As we sampled an assortment of brands at different price points, we gained a deeper appreciation for this versatile spread. Each jar showcased its unique qualities, delivering delightful textures and rich, nutty flavors.

Related: The Viral Almond Milk Hack That Will Save You So Much Money

How We Ranked the Almond Butters

Flavor was the priority—specifically, a nutty taste that clearly highlighted the almonds. Additionally, we aimed for a spreadable consistency that didn’t require refrigeration, ensuring it was always ready for use. Our ideal almond butter had the perfect balance of exceptional taste and texture, making it a delightful addition to any meal or snack.

10 Popular Almond Butters, Ranked Worst to Best

After our taste testing, I crunched (pun intended!) to create our ranked list. This is how the 10 jars we tried shook out.

10. Simply Nature Almond Butter (creamy)

This Aldi brand almond butter, contains added sugar along with palm oil and salt, which was somewhat off-putting for the group as it masked the natural flavor of the almonds and added unnecessary sweetness. While none of the tasters considered it a favorite, it remains a solid affordable option for those not watching their sugar intake.

9. Barney Bare Smooth Almond Butter (creamy)

Interestingly, this nut butter was very smooth but far from creamy—instead, its thick, gelatinous texture was quite surprising. It also lacked the rich, nutty flavor that you'd expect from almond butter.

The taste was somewhat muted, and the thickness made it stick to the roof of the mouth, which the team agreed was not ideal. If you're seeking an almond butter that offers a satisfying flavor experience, this one may fall short.

8. Philosopher Foods Sprouted Almond Butter (naked creamy)

While the team was eager to love Philosopher Foods, a Santa Cruz-based brand known for its small-batch sprouted nut and seed butters, this wasn't our favorite jar. It has a thinner consistency than traditional varieties, making it somewhat challenging to use as a sandwich spread, though it's ideal for drizzling over fruit or oatmeal.

Initially, the group found the taste a bit earthy and lacking the nutty notes we had hoped for, which could have been a function of the sprouted nuts. However, after trying it several more times, we began to appreciate how well it could be incorporated into various dishes. At just under $30 (!!) for a 16-ounce jar, the team agreed it would be difficult to justify purchasing this regularly.

Related: I Just Made Peanut Butter Cups at Home and I Feel Like a Genius

7. Justin's Classic Almond Butter (creamy)

The team agreed that this particular nut butter's flavor leaned towards bitterness, with a noticeable oiliness that overshadowed the almond taste. While it was decent, it wasn't our favorite. The thick consistency made it difficult to stir, which affected our overall enjoyment. We were hoping for a more balanced nutty flavor and a thinner texture from this popular brand. However, if you enjoy flavored nut butters, Justin’s brand is a must-try. The cinnamon nut butter is fantastic, and we won't even get started on how delicious the chocolate hazelnut variety is!

6. Trader Joe's Almond Butter (crunchy)

If you're a peanut butter lover looking to explore other nut butters, give Trader Joe's almond butter a try. Our group noted that it has a distinct nutty flavor, making it a great transition for those new to almond butter. At $6 for a 16-ounce jar it's also an economical choice. One thing to note: despite the jar clearly stating "no salt," every reviewer thought it tasted salty and, in fact, overly so.

5. Spread The Love Almond Butter (creamy)

Having enjoyed Spread The Love Power Butter (a mix of almond and cashew butters) for years, I was eager to try the regular almond butter as part of this test. However, the team and I all agreed that it had a distinct roasted—almost burnt—nut flavor that wasn’t particularly appealing. Its texture was overly sticky, clinging to the mouth and making it somewhat difficult to enjoy. However, the denser consistency is ideal for spreading on toast or incorporating into recipes that call for a thicker mouthfeel.

On a positive note, the brand’s commitment to using quality ingredients is commendable and something I truly appreciate. While the plain almond butter didn’t quite meet our expectations, I would highly recommend trying the "power" mix.

4. Thrive Market Almond Butter (creamy)

This nut butter, made from high-quality, organic almonds, has a rich taste that truly shines. However, the testing team was surprised by its extremely thin consistency, noting that sadly this brand would not be the best choice for sandwiches. The thinness would be an advantage when making sauces or smoothies, though. Overall, this almond butter is a versatile product that would excel in various culinary applications.

3. Fix & Fogg Almond Butter (crunchy)

This New Zealand-based almond butter truly impressed the entire team with its creamy yet rugged texture. The deep almond flavor really stood out, and without the presence of palm oil, the pure, nutty essence could shine through. Each team member ranked it high on their list, praising its rich, balanced taste complemented by a satisfying crunch.

Fix & Fogg’s commitment to quality ingredients and sustainable practices makes it a top choice for almond butter enthusiasts. No matter how you enjoy it—though I recommend eating it straight from the jar—this almond butter is sure to delight.

(First Place Tie) Georgia Grinders Almond Butter (creamy)

Tied for first place, Georgia Grinders was a brand none of us had encountered before this taste test. Their almond butter features visible chunks of nuts that add a pleasing texture. The balance between the creamy base and the chunky pieces is impressive, with no bitterness—just a delightful, pronounced almond flavor that stands out more vibrantly than some other brands we tried. While there’s a hint of salt in each bite, it perfectly complements the nutty flavor. Overall, everyone enjoyed this premium nut butter, making it a standout in our ranking.

(First Place Tie) Artisana Raw Almond Butter (creamy)

This almond butter boasts the most pronounced natural almond taste, crafted from 100% organic almonds. It highlights the rich, nutty flavor of the nuts without any added ingredients, allowing their pure essence to truly shine. Our tasters unanimously agreed that the exceptional quality and flavor make the $19 price for a 14-ounce jar worth the splurge.

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