Is Almond Butter Better Than Peanut Butter On The Paleo Diet?
Listen to the post, Is Almond Butter Better Than Peanut Butter On The Paleo Diet, on our Live Lean TV Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast!
Peanut Butter or Almond Butter?
On today’s episode of Live Lean TV, we answer a viewer question who asked is almond butter better than peanut butter on the Paleo Diet?
We also compare the taste, price, and nutrition content of peanut butter vs almond butter.
This is another episode from our #WayBackWednesday series, where we highlight the best questions from previous episodes of our #AskLiveLeanTV Q&A show.
This question is from #AskLiveLeanTV Ep. 005, where we were joined by special guest, and fellow personal trainer, Leo Flowers.
Here’s today’s viewer question:
Joe Knotts on Facebook asks: I follow a Paleo-ish way of eating. With low carb eating, paleo especially, peanut butter is shunned in favor of almond butter, but the nutritional facts are virtually identical. While I like almond butter, natural peanut butter at $3 vs. almond butter at $10-13, is a big factor in which one I choose to buy. The only justification Paleo eaters can give for not eating natural peanut butter is because it’s a legume, and “cavemen didn’t eat it” (insert eye roll here). So what would be a valid reason, if there truly is one, why one should not consume natural peanut butter?
Here is Jessica’s opinion:
First and foremost, even though I eat both peanut butter and almond butter, I prefer the flavor of peanut butter slightly more.
I also love all kinds of different nut butters such as cashew butter, and making amazing homemade macadamia butter.
However, peanut butter has always just been one of my favorites because it’s such a classic.
I grew up eating it, so it brings back a lot of childhood memories that I just love.
From a nutrition facts standpoint, peanut butter is also very similar to other nut butters.
However, when it comes to any nut butter, it’s important to buy the kind the only contains nuts, and possibly salt.
That is the one thing that I am very particular with when it comes to buying nut butter.
But when it comes to which type of nut or peanut, I’m fine with other.
Therefore I don’t think peanut butter should be shunned, just because peanuts are a legume.
That’s just my 2 cents.
Here is Leo’s opinion:
Based on your question, it sounds like your entire diet is pretty consistent with the Paleo Diet.
So if you have the choice between peanuts or almonds, are we really going to argue over peanuts?
You know what I mean? 😉
😂
Now from a price point perspective, lets not go bankrupt trying to be healthy.
It’s also important to be financially healthy.
That way you can have some money to have fun and go see a movie (even though movies cost $20 now).
What I really love is adding the PB2 powdered peanut butter.
Even though some people mix it with water, then spread it on their bread, I prefer to add it to my protein shakes and smoothies in the morning.
This keeps me going when I’m training multiple early morning clients.
I don’t only eat peanut butter, I also love brazil nuts.
You only need to eat 3 brazil nuts though, because that packs 100 calories.
If you just take a big handful, you can easily overdue your calorie needs.
Here is Brad’s opinion:
Jessica nailed it with always looking at the ingredients list before buying any nut butter or peanut butter.
Every time I go visit my parents, and if my parents are reading this, I’m sorry for putting you on blast, I see they buy the cheap peanut butter filled with sugar and hydrogenated oils.
So since it was all they had, I tried it.
After eating a spoonful, it literally tasted like I was eating icing off of a cake.
If you’re a diabetic, watch out for this peanut butter.
Why paleo followers don not eat peanut butter
Now, let me answer your specific question about what a valid reason would be for why paleo followers do not eat peanut butter.
My understanding is legumes, to some people, may be considered an anti-nutrient and have inflammatory impacts on your body.
If peanuts are an anti-nutrient, eating them may negatively reduce the absorption of other vitamins and minerals, if your body can’t process it well.
So that’s just one thing to look out for and is the only thing I’ve ever heard of.
But for me, I just prefer the taste of other nuts over peanuts.
Even though it does break the bank, macadamia butter is my favorite.
I used to be Team Almond Butter, as I used to be in love with the taste, but I now classify myself as Team Macadamia Butter.
Since I’ve ate so much almond butter over the past 8 years, I kind of over did it and no longer crave it.
Bottom line
It’s important to mix it up with all kinds of different nuts.
If you just stick to one type and eat it all the time, you will eventually get tired of it.
Hopefully this answers your question and makes you feel less considered about eating peanut butter while following the paleo diet.
If eating peanut butter is the only thing that you’re doing, this is not technically considered paleo, you’re doing very well.
Just keep it going.
Peanuts are a major allergen
Lastly, since peanut allergies are so common, make sure your body is not allergic.
If you do have a peanut allergy, that’s a great reason not to eat peanut butter.
If you want to learn more about peanuts, I did a full in depth video post on is peanut butter good for you, here.
7 Days of Living Lean For Free
We just launched a brand new 7 day starter guide, so you can start your Live Lean journey for free.
Give it a try so you can see how amazing it is.
You’ll receive 7 days worth of:
- Workouts
- Meal plans including recipes with clickable cooking videos
It’s all done for you.
Let us be your coach for the next 7 days, and get a sense of what it feels like to Live Lean.
We know you’re going to love it.
READY TO BEGIN YOUR LIVE LEAN JOURNEY?
Start by taking our FREE Live Lean Body Quiz to get access to the best program specific to your goals, current fitness level, and access to equipment.
Take the Free Live Lean Body Quiz
Did you enjoy this post?
If you enjoyed this post on is almond butter better than peanut butter on the Paleo Diet, please support this blog, by clicking the social media buttons to share this with your friends.
Subscribe to our Live Lean TV YouTube channel and leave a comment below on what you want to see in future posts.
Question For You:
- Do you prefer peanut or almond butter or any other type of nut butter?
Be sure to share your answers in the comment section below.
Check out our free workout videos here.
Check out my free recipe cooking videos here.
[wd_hustle_cc id=”team-live-lean”]
Brad Gouthro is the founder of Live Lean TV, a media company focused on helping men and women “Live Lean” 365 days a year. Brad’s programs and content have helped millions of people all over the world learn how to get in shape, and more importantly, sustain it for life.
One response to “Is Almond Butter Better Than Peanut Butter On The Paleo Diet?”