10 Best Nut Butters in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
Peanut butter has been one of the all-time favorite spread by children and adults alike, enjoyed mostly with bread and even jelly. It is also used by fitness enthusiasts for their snacks as a source of protein and healthy fats. Aside from the go-to palaman peanut butter, there are also nut butters made with almond, cashew, hazelnut, and walnut.
Through this article, we will help you determine which nut butter is best for your taste, preferences, and diet with our top 10 list and buying guide. We even invited registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales to give lend us her wisdom on all things related to nut butters. She even gives her recommendations, so stay tuned!
Quick List - Top Nut Butters
Made by Maxine
Our Top 1 Recommendation: Has Only 2 Ingredients and 7 Grams of Protein!
17R Bakehouse
Combination of High-Quality Premium Nuts to Satisfy Your Cravings
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose a Nut Butter - Buying Guide
- Choose a Nut Butter for Their Taste Profile and Benefits1
- Creamy or Chunky? Find a Consistency You Prefer2
- For the Health Conscious, Read the Label for Nutritional Facts3
- Fewer Ingredients Are Better for You and Will Give You a More Natural Taste4
- Vegan, Vegetarian, Keto, Low-Carb: Find One That Suits Your Dietary Restrictions5
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Samantha Morales
- Which Nut Butter Is Best for Diabetics?
- How Much Nut Butter Should One Eat in a Day?
- Mix and Match Your Breakfast Staples
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
How to Choose a Nut Butter - Buying Guide
Nuts are one of the go-to choices for snacking as they give you energy and are healthy for the heart. As there are a lot of nuts, there are also a number of nut butters. Some even have a combination of a few for better flavor. In this section, you will be informed on the things you should consider when choosing nut butter. Let us get started!
Choose a Nut Butter for Their Taste Profile and Benefits
Technically, nut butters are not in the same category as the butter from animal fat. They are composed of nuts that have been mashed or ground to create some sort of paste to achieve a smooth or chunky consistency. They are not only delicious, but they also contain protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
Almond Butter If You Want a High Concentration of Nutrients
The taste of almond butter can be described as nearest to peanut butter, only richer and nuttier. If you want to try other types but are afraid that they might not suit your taste, get almond butter because its taste is more familiar. It is also a good alternative if you have a peanut allergy. However, almond butters are a bit difficult to find.
It has a high concentration of nutrients. In just one or two spoonfuls, you get Vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, fiber, iron, potassium, zinc, and calcium, along with 4 grams of protein. It also has a fair amount of Omega-3 and mono-saturated fats to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.
Almond butter is the second most popular, next to peanut butter. It's a little gritty due to the almond skin and slightly sweet and nutty in taste. A spoonful contains vitamin E, B vitamins, good fats, protein, fiber, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, just to name a few.
Peanut Butter Has 7 Grams of Protein and Low Carbohydrates
Peanut butter is widely used among all nut butters because it is the cheapest and most accessible one. Its taste is earthy and quite salty and sweet at the same time. It is often paired with sweet and acidic jelly or jam for a well-balanced taste.
Not only that, it has low carbohydrates and high content of mono-saturated fats. It also has one of the highest amounts of protein at 7 grams for every serving, perfect for a snack before or after working out. This is why it has been a favorite by people of all ages.
Peanut butter is the most popular of all nut butters. However, peanuts are included in the top food allergens. A mold called aflatoxin (which is carcinogenic) can potentially grow on peanuts. Make sure to use roasted peanuts to avoid possible mold toxicity. To ensure the freshness of making your own peanut butter, purchase from quality sources. Nutritionally speaking, it is rich in B vitamins, manganese, protein, phosphorus, and Vitamin E.
Hazelnut Butter Has Omega-6 That Helps With Brain Function and Body Development
We hate to break it to you, but the crowd-favorite Nutella is not considered a good alternative to nut butter since it is a highly processed sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread. Less processed hazelnut butters are rich and nutty and have a similar taste to Nutella, just less sweet and minus the chocolate.
Hazelnut butters have Omega-6, which helps in brain function and body development. They also have protein, fiber, Vitamin E, copper, and manganese. It can also lower the risk of cancer and has anti-inflammatory properties. Not only is it tasty, but it is also packed with nutrients.
You can make your own version of a healthier Nutella by combining pure hazelnuts with raw cocoa powder and lightly sweetening it using coconut sugar or coconut nectar syrup. Hazelnuts contain phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamin B6.
Walnut Butter Is Good if You Want High Levels of Omega-3
Walnut butters have a distinctly rich and meaty flavor. It has a slightly bitter after taste if the skin was not removed before grinding. If you do not like bitterness for your nut butter, then make sure that the skin is removed in the process. You can also add sweeteners and other seasonings to curb the taste.
Though walnut butters have less protein and fiber content, it is considered to have the highest levels of Omega-3 among other nut butters. If you are suffering from arthritis and other auto-immune diseases, then walnut butter is good for you because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Walnut butter has a dense, earthy, and slightly bitter taste. However, it contains the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids compared to other nut butters. Walnuts are anti-inflammatory, which is good for the brain and heart function. Add it as a topping to salads or desserts!
Cashew Butter Is Filling and Has Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc
If you want creamy goodness, you could find it in cashew butter. It has been noted to have a mild sweetness and a nutty flavor and tastes a tad creamier than peanuts. This makes it versatile in terms of food pairings and just as delectable for papak! Its naturally sweet taste means you won’t need much sugar or flavorings!
This is a good alternative if you want familiar nut butter, one that leans toward “traditional” peanut butter taste. It has a high carbohydrate and fat content so it is very filling. A serving can already make up around 80% of your daily requirement of copper. On the other hand, it has low protein content but has calcium, magnesium, and zinc for stronger bones, immune system, and metabolism.
This is the creamiest and most versatile of all nut butters. You can transform it into something savory such as a salad dressing or a cashew cheese dip; or turn it into something sweet such as a base for a vegan cheesecake. Cashews are rich in both mono and polyunsaturated fats; copper, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, and protein.
Pili Butter Has the Highest Fat and Lowest Carb Content
Pili nuts or Pacific almonds are harvested from pili trees. They are present in Australia, Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines. Pili nuts have the highest fat content and lowest carbohydrate content among nuts and tree nuts, respectively.
These contain vitamin E, thiamin, phosphorous, manganese, and magnesium. The high fat contributes to its buttery quality and flavor. The taste is relatively mild, with a bit of sweetness and bitterness that can be likened to roasted sunflower seeds. They are often combined with peanut butter, whether whole or ground.
Creamy or Chunky? Find a Consistency You Prefer
How do you like your nut butter? If you do not have a preference, then choose a consistency depending on the food you pair them with. Smooth and creamy nut butters are great for dipping with your favorite fruits and can be easily spread on bread and crackers. You can also blend it for a nutritious shake.
For those who want more texture, then get one with a coarse consistency that has bits and chunks of nuts. You can also use this for toast or eat it on its own for a quick energy boost. Just make sure to not eat too much of it if you are conscious of your calorie intake.
The consistency of your chosen nut butter depends on your preference. When making dressings, desserts, or adding it to your smoothie, it's better to use creamy nut butter. Otherwise, if you want more texture like a dip, go for the chunky one.
For the Health Conscious, Read the Label for Nutritional Facts
Even if you already know the benefits of each kind of nut butter, it still varies in the nutritional content when it is processed. It is a good practice to always check the label so you know the content of the food you eat.
Go for Low or Zero Sugar for a Bigger Serving Size
As the saying goes, too much of anything is bad for you. Anything with high sugar content means high calories. It is totally fine to eat peanut butter every day as long as you only consume the recommended serving size, which is usually one to two tablespoons.
If you really like nut butters and do not want high calories, then look for one with low or zero sugar. You should avoid products with added artificial sugar, especially when you want a bigger serving size. If you want a bit of sweetness, look for natural sugar alternatives like coconut sugar, muscovado sugar, and stevia.
When choosing nut butters, go for unsweetened ones. However, if you prefer the ones that are slightly sweetened, read the label and go for the ones that contain coconut sugar, coconut nectar syrup, raw honey, stevia, or monk fruit.
Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fats Are Good for Your Heart
Even though nut butters are healthier alternatives compared to other spreads, they still have high-fat content. Nut butters have heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which may reduce the risk of heart diseases. These fats come from the natural oil coming from the nuts, especially when grounded up.
These are essential fats, meaning they are not produced by the body, so you must incorporate them into your diet. Consuming nuts and nut butters are a way of having these healthy fats in your body. Do note that to get the most benefits, you need to consume them in moderate amounts.
Eating ample amounts of good fats (including nuts) in our diet can positively impact our health. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of nut consumption on heart health, cognitive function, and diabetes. Nuts are a good source of unsaturated fats and contain high-quality vegetable protein (for vegetarians).
Go for a Nut Butter With Higher Protein Content for Muscle Building and Recovery
Another benefit of nuts and nut butters is their protein content. Eating food rich in protein helps you have a better performance before working out and also aids in muscle building and recovery, so you get the best results from your hard work. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can get protein from meat-free products like nut butters.
Nuts are a nutrient-dense food. They are excellent sources of protein, amino acids, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and good fats.
Avoid Palm Oil, Emulsifiers, and Preservatives
Aside from the ingredients you should look for, you also need to know which ones to avoid. Palm oil acts as a stabilizer for nut butters to prevent the oil from accumulating at the top. Emulsifiers prevent the oil in nut butters from separating to maintain its consistency and extend its shelf life.
It is better to get nut butters that require stirring before use. Though these ingredients have their advantages, the risks still outweigh them. Palm oil or hydrogenated vegetable oil, emulsifiers, and preservatives pose great health risks, especially heart disease when consumed in great amounts.
When buying nut butters, it's best to look for brands that only use simple and pure ingredients such as pure nuts, healthy sweeteners (ex. coconut sugar), or other natural flavorings such as a bit of salt, cocoa powder (for a chocolate variant), etc. Nuts emit their natural oils when processed (grounded or blended). When you're making your own nut butter at home, you may use a small amount of oil such as coconut oil to act as a "stabilizer."
Fewer Ingredients Are Better for You and Will Give You a More Natural Taste
For nut butters, fewer ingredients are better. Preferably, look for one that is composed of just the actual nuts. This is so that you can still have the natural taste of the nut without it being masked by a ton of seasonings. Adding a bit of salt and sweetener is fine to improve the taste, depending on your preference.
Also, you can prevent the health risks brought upon by the preservatives and too much sugar. If you are not sure of the sweetness level of a product, then look for an unsweetened variant so you can customize how sweet you want it to be or just pair it up with sweet food.
Like any processed product, always read the label by checking the list of ingredients. The fewer and simpler the ingredients, the better. Anything that you can not pronounce or is not naturally occurring is better to avoid. A simple nut butter just contains the nuts and natural flavorings like a bit of salt to balance the flavor or a sweetener (choose healthy sweetener alternatives like coconut sugar, stevia, raw honey, or monk fruit).
Vegan, Vegetarian, Keto, Low-Carb: Find One That Suits Your Dietary Restrictions
Aside from those who want to explore the different nut butters who want to expand their palate and tickle their taste buds, they are often used by weight-watchers and the health-conscious. For those who are allergic to peanuts, you can eat any other nut butter alternatives, so you still get to enjoy the taste of nuts.
If you prefer food items with no animal products, then get one that is vegetarian or vegan friendly. If you are going on a low-carb diet, look for nut butter that is keto-friendly. Even if it is stated on the label, it is better to read the ingredient list so you can be sure that it does not contain food that you want to avoid.
If you have a peanut allergy, choose other nut butters made from cashews, almonds or hazelnuts. If you have problems with your blood sugar, opt for the unsweetened version and if you still want to have a kick of sweetness but won't hurt your blood sugar levels, choose the ones made with low glycemic sweeteners. Should you need more guidance on what nut butter is best according to your dietary needs, consult a registered dietitian.
10 Best Nut Butters to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Made by Maxine Almond Butter - Plain Roasted | | Our Top 1 Recommendation: Has Only 2 Ingredients and 7 Grams of Protein! | |
2 | Little Retail PH Creamy Keto Peanut Butter | | A Great Locally Made Low-Carb Creamy Peanut Butter | |
3 | Lifestyle Gourmet Hazelnut Butter with Pumpkin Seeds | | A Healthier and Guilt-Free Nutella Alternative | |
4 | 17R Bakehouse All-Natural Mixed Nut Butter | | Combination of High-Quality Premium Nuts to Satisfy Your Cravings | |
5 | Premium Mount Mayon Pili Butter | | Award-Winning Pili Butter Made With Locally Sourced Ingredients | |
6 | Nutty Naturals PH Pure Almond Butter | | Customize Your Own Almond Butter | |
7 | Just Butter PH Crunchy Cashew Butter Spread | | Chunky and Creamy Cashew Butter - Best of Both Worlds | |
8 | Rose's Kitchen Midnight Cacao Peanut Butter | | All Natural and Vegan Peanut Butter with Cacao | |
9 | Madd Abt Maple Cinnamon Almond Butter | | Slightly Sweet with a Hint of Spice | |
10 | Gourmet Healthy PH Healthy Nut Butter - Roasted Cashews with Matcha | | A Match-a Made in Heaven! |
Made by MaxineAlmond Butter - Plain Roasted
Our Top 1 Recommendation: Has Only 2 Ingredients and 7 Grams of Protein!
This nut butter is made with only 2 ingredientsーalmonds and salt, without added flavoring and oils. The almonds are roasted for an added layer of smokiness. This is perfect for those who want to cut down their sugar intake and prefer a more savory spread. You also get 7 grams of protein per serving!
Since this has no sugar, you can pair it with sweet fruits like bananas and apples or bread. You can also use this as a topping or incorporate it into your pastry batter or dough for baking. Since it has no added oils, just the oils coming from the almonds, you need to stir it regularly before scooping.
Little Retail PHCreamy Keto Peanut Butter
A Great Locally Made Low-Carb Creamy Peanut Butter
This locally made and affordable peanut butter from Little Retail PH has the usual creamy consistency that will always satisfy. Aside from its original flavor and texture, it also has a chunky variant. It is also available in chocolate flavor for those who want additional richness and sweetness.
It is considered a low-carb nut butter since it is made from peanuts, which makes it perfect for those who are following a keto diet. Even if it is low carb, you should still control your portions. A 500-gram bottle may seem like a lot, but fair warning, it might get addicting!
Lifestyle Gourmet Hazelnut Butter with Pumpkin Seeds
A Healthier and Guilt-Free Nutella Alternative
Looking for a healthier and guilt-free alternative to Nutella? Look no further! Lifestyle Gourmet has this perfect blend of roasted hazelnuts, coconut sugar, ground pumpkin seeds, unsweetened cocoa powder, and Himalayan sea salt. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium which has antioxidants and also can control blood pressure.
The taste is really similar to Nutella, but it is less sweet. This hazelnut butter is recommended to pair with your favorite oatmeal, bread, and fruits. You can use this for a filling snack or mix it up with fruit or protein shakes to combat the summer heat.
Combination of High-Quality Premium Nuts to Satisfy Your Cravings
You might be having second thoughts about buying this mixed nut butter because of its price. Although that may be the case, it surely is worth it since it is a combination of high-quality premium nuts. They give a unique flavor that only a combination of almonds, cashews, pecans, brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts could bring.
It has healthy unsaturated fat and protein for your pre or post-workout meals. You also get health benefits from each of the different types of nuts used for this blend. Since this is all-natural, with no preservatives, you need to mix it every time. Take a look at their Instagram page to see the delicious pastries they offer to pair up with your nut butter!
Award-Winning Pili Butter Made With Locally Sourced Ingredients
Pili nuts are local to the Philippines, so it would just be right to include a pili butter that is sariling atin. Only the best pili nuts are included in this spread. It contains sprouted and SloDry™ pili nuts and a bit of Himalayan salt and coconut flower sugar to taste.
Coconut flower sugar is low in the glycemic index, so you can enjoy it without the guilt, plus it won't spike up your blood sugar levels! Moreover, this product has won several awards internationally, like The Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards in London in 2019. Get a bottle now to taste the award-winning goodness!
Nutty Naturals PHPure Almond Butter
Customize Your Own Almond Butter
Looking for your own unique almond butter? Try customizing one with Nutty Naturals PH! Aside from the pure almond butter they have, you can also go for a lightly sweetened and salted classic variant. You can also choose from the following add-ons: chia seeds, raisins, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.
Though it costs P30 to P60 for each topping, they give additional texture on top of their health benefits. Their shop also offers cashew nut butter which you can also customize to your own liking. The pure variant is low in calories with just 70 per tablespoon.
Take note that this product has a relatively short shelf life of 3 to 4 weeks, so if you are trying it for the first time, best to purchase the smaller bottle.
Just Butter PHCrunchy Cashew Butter Spread
Chunky and Creamy Cashew Butter - Best of Both Worlds
Could not decide what texture you want? This cashew nut butter gives you both! It is chunky and crunchy, but also creamy at the same time because it is made of ground cashew, which has a smooth texture.
You also have the option to go for an unsweetened or sweetened variant. The unsweetened one is perfectly safe for babies to eat! Since they use muscovado sugar, the sweetened variant has a darker color.
Rose's KitchenMidnight Cacao Peanut Butter
All Natural and Vegan Peanut Butter with Cacao
This peanut butter with cacao is the best-selling product from Rose's Kitchen. It is vegan and contains no preservatives and additives. The taste is slightly bitter from the cacao but has coconut sugar to curb it. Since it is made from peanut butter, it has the right mix of sweet and salty.
Aside from the peanut butter, they also have almond butter with different flavors. If you haven't decided yet on what to get and want to try out of their flavors first, then you can go for a sampler set that includes 5 different flavors of their almond and peanut butter in 100-gram bottles.
Madd AbtMaple Cinnamon Almond Butter
Slightly Sweet with a Hint of Spice
This almond butter is good for those who are looking for a unique but quite restrained flavor. The nut butter is seasoned with Himalayan salt and maple syrup. It also has cinnamon for an added spice. Aside from making this a palaman, you can also top it on waffles or yogurt.
This spread is also perfect with fruits like apple, which goes really well with cinnamon. You can even try putting this in your apple pie and other pastries. It is a bit pricey for a small bottle but considering its premium and organic ingredients that give it a distinct and unique flavor, it is definitely worth it!
Gourmet Healthy PHHealthy Nut Butter - Roasted Cashews with Matcha
A Match-a Made in Heaven!
Ground cashew has a fine and creamy texture like dairy. Pair that with slightly bitter and earthy matcha, then you get this perfect blend, specially made for green tea lovers! It is sugar-free so you get to enjoy the real taste of matcha.
It has a hint of vanilla for a bit of sweetness for those who do not want an overly bitter matcha taste. You can top this virtually to any bread or pastry. We also recommend that you pair this with any red bean-based dessert, as matcha goes really well with it. Get a taste of Japan with every spoonful of this matcha flavored cashew butter!
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Samantha Morales
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales.
Which Nut Butter Is Best for Diabetics?
Regardless of what kind of nut, as long as it's made of low glycemic sweeteners, it is okay to be consumed by people with diabetes. Better yet, go for unsweetened nut butters without any refined or hydrogenated fats or oils in them.
How Much Nut Butter Should One Eat in a Day?
Generally, a tablespoon or two for the day to add to your smoothie or as a spread.
Mix and Match Your Breakfast Staples
If you are out of breakfast ideas, we got you covered. Get your caffeine fix with either tea or coffee. Trying to take a step back from caffeine? Then try some of the best dairy and non-dairy milk. Tired of your usual bread or toast? Then pair up your nut butter with pancakes!
Author: Patricia Catimpo
Reviewed by: Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian Samantha Morales
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Nut Butters
No. 1: Made by Maxine｜Almond Butter - Plain Roasted
No. 2: Little Retail PH｜Creamy Keto Peanut Butter
No. 3: Lifestyle Gourmet ｜Hazelnut Butter with Pumpkin Seeds
No. 4: 17R Bakehouse｜All-Natural Mixed Nut Butter
No. 5: Premium Mount Mayon｜Pili Butter
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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