MyTastr

Best almond & other nut butters, according to chefs

Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Carmen Varner, Chuck Hayworth, Emilie Symons, Melanie Underwood and 3 more. Recommendations come from eatingwell.com, tastingtable.com, simplyrecipes.com and tasteofhome.com.

Pantry Staples · The ranking

  1. 1
    Top pick

    Once Again Organic Almond Butter (Lightly Toasted, Unsweetened)

    Chosen by
    Also chosen by
    “Once Again comes the closest in taste to homemade” (Underwood). Hayworth likes that its oil separates — a sign there are no additives. Symons: “good if you’re looking for something that is just almonds and good quality.” #1 of seven in Tasting Table’s ranking: only lightly toasted unblanched almonds, no salt or added oil.
    Where to buy · onceagainnutbutter.com ↗Instacart ↗Source: eatingwell.com ↗
  2. 2

    Barney Butter Almond Butter (Smooth or Crunchy)

    Chosen by
    Also chosen by
    The unanimous pick of Simply Recipes’ expert panel. Vallo: “The ultra-smooth yet crunchy texture emphasizes the rich roasted almond flavor.” Taste of Home’s best spreadable almond butter: “spreads like a creamy, smooth, traditional peanut butter” (Ward). Blanched California almonds; no stirring.
    Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: simplyrecipes.com ↗
  3. 3

    Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter

    Chosen by
    #2 of seven in Tasting Table’s ranking and the best raw almond butter: just ground raw almonds, “a buttery, nutty flavor that tastes purely of almonds… a must-buy for anyone who wants an almond butter that tastes homemade.” Artisana also makes raw cashew, macadamia and pecan butters.
    Where to buy · artisanafoods.com ↗Instacart ↗Source: tastingtable.com ↗

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Questions, answered

What is the best almond & other nut butters, according to chefs?
MyTastr’s top pick is Once Again Organic Almond Butter (Lightly Toasted, Unsweetened), chosen by Melanie Underwood (chef, cooking instructor); Chuck Hayworth (private chef); Emilie Symons (Institute of Culinary Education); Carmen Varner (Tasting Table). “Once Again comes the closest in taste to homemade” (Underwood). Hayworth likes that its oil separates — a sign there are no additives. Symons: “good if you’re looking for something that is just almonds and good quality.” #1 of seven in Tasting Table’s ranking: only lightly toasted unblanched almonds, no salt or added oil. Source: eatingwell.com ↗
What are the other top picks for almond & other nut butters?
No. 2 is Barney Butter Almond Butter (Smooth or Crunchy), chosen by Grace Vallo (Tastefully Grace); Joanne Gallagher (Inspired Taste); Catherine Ward (Taste of Home Test Kitchen). No. 3 is Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter, chosen by Carmen Varner (Tasting Table). Each card above links to the original source.
How does MyTastr choose these picks?
Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.

The tasters behind this ranking

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