Nut butters are often considered a healthy choice, but not all options on grocery shelves are created equal. Some varieties contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, and other ingredients that can negate their nutritional benefits. Here are ten of the unhealthiest nut butters you might find.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
While delicious, many chocolate hazelnut spreads are packed with added sugars and unhealthy fats, making them more of a dessert spread than a nutritious choice. These spreads often contain palm oil and high-fructose corn syrup, contributing to their poor nutritional profile.
Cookie Butter
Often made from ground-up cookies, cookie butter tends to be high in sugar and unhealthy fats, lacking the nutritional benefits of whole nuts. This sweet spread is more of a treat than a health food, offering little in the way of protein or fiber.
Peanut Butter with Added Sugars
Some peanut butter brands add sugars and other sweeteners to their products, increasing their calorie and sugar content without adding any nutritional value. These added sugars can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Almond Butter with Added Oils
Some almond butter varieties include added oils to improve texture and flavor, but these oils can be high in unhealthy fats, increasing the overall calorie and fat content of the nut butter. Opting for natural almond butter without added oils is a healthier choice.
Cashew Butter with Added Sugars
Similar to peanut butter, some cashew butter brands add sugars and sweeteners, making them less healthy choices compared to natural, unsweetened varieties. The added sugars can negate the health benefits of the cashews themselves.
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Macadamia Nut Butter
While macadamia nuts are delicious, their butter counterparts can be high in saturated fats, which may contribute to heart health concerns if consumed in excess. The high fat content of macadamia nut butter makes it a less healthy option compared to other nut butters.
Coconut Butter
While coconut butter is popular in some health circles, it’s extremely high in saturated fats, which may raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in large amounts. Moderation is key when enjoying this rich spread.
White Chocolate Peanut Butter
Combining the unhealthy aspects of white chocolate with peanut butter, this spread tends to be high in sugar and unhealthy fats, making it one of the less healthy nut butter options. The added sugar and fat content make it more of a dessert than a nutritious snack.
Cinnamon Sugar Almond Butter
While cinnamon adds flavor without calories, many cinnamon sugar almond butter varieties include added sugars, increasing their calorie and sugar content. These added sugars can contribute to an unhealthy diet if consumed regularly.
Toffee Crunch Peanut Butter
Similar to other flavored peanut butters, toffee crunch peanut butter tends to be high in added sugars and unhealthy fats, making it one of the least healthy options on the market. The toffee pieces add unnecessary sugar and calories, reducing its nutritional value.
