6 Healthy Foods That Pair Perfectly With Almond Butter

Move over, peanut butter. Almond butter is here to stay! This spread has become a healthy eating staple in countless homes, thanks to its rich profile of essential nutrients like heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium. But if you haven’t tried it yet, you may be wondering what exactly to do with this jar of goodness. Read on to find out.

6 Foods to Pair With Almond Butter

This expert-curated list of mouthwatering combinations may just transform almond butter into your new favorite healthy ingredient.

1. Sweet Potatoes

A warm, soft sweet potato perfectly complements creamy almond butter, offering a cozy and comforting flavor almost reminiscent of your aunt’s holiday casserole — but with way less sugar.

Pairing healthy fats with foods rich in vitamin A is not only tasty, but also a smart nutritional strategy, says Avery Zenker, RD. The healthy fats in almond butter help your body better absorb the vitamin A content in the sweet potato.

To make: Roast or bake sweet potatoes until tender, then slice them open and generously spread almond butter on top. Zenker also suggests using almond butter as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries if you’re not a fan of the baked potato’s texture.

2. Medjool Dates

Dates are a dried fruit that pairs well with almond butter. Simply slice a Medjool date in half, remove the pit (it’s not edible), and fill each half with a spoonful of creamy almond butter. Top it off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and pistachios to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and salty. These bite-size snacks are great when you need a quick boost of energy or if you’re searching for a healthier way to satisfy a sweet craving.

3. Strawberries

Says Alyssa Pacheco, RD, “Strawberries with melted almond butter are a game-changer.” Pacheco suggests putting the almond butter into the microwave for a brief spin, bringing it to a delightful melty state. Then, either drizzle it over your strawberries or use it as a dip. This flavor reminds us of an elevated version of PB&J and is undeniably one worth trying.

4. Pears

Pears, with their sweetness and slightly grainy texture, are another fruit that goes well with almond butter.

Fun fact: Did you know pears are high in fiber? Fiber is an essential component of healthy eating patterns.

Knowing when pears are ripe is key. To check for ripeness, gently press near the stem. If it yields slightly, it’s ripe and ready to eat. If it’s still firm, let it ripen at room temperature.

To enjoy, slice a ripe pear, put a dollop of almond butter on your plate, and start dipping.

5. Greek Yogurt

Heed the advice of Emily Norman, RDN, and give her suggested parfait a go, featuring “layers of unsweetened Greek yogurt, almond butter, and fresh berries.” Opting for this do-it-yourself method enables you to avoid the excess refined sugar often found in store-bought alternatives. Says Norman, “This parfait not only satisfies your sweet cravings, but also delivers a powerful combination of probiotics and protein.”

6. Waffles or Pancakes

Say goodbye to pancake syrup! According to Kelly West Keyser, RD, CDCES, founder of Healthy Weight Nutrition, almond butter is the ultimate topping for frozen pancakes or waffles. She points out that 2 tablespoons of almond butter supplies over 3 grams of dietary fiber, which is a stark contrast to syrup’s 0 grams. “This simple swap can help promote healthy digestion and may even help lower LDL cholesterol,” says Keyser.

One More Bite

Of course, almond butter doesn’t have to be paired with anything. By itself, it offers a well-rounded combination of protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats. Keyser shares, “Almond butter packs are great on the go for hikes or in a lunch.”

Introducing new foods is a smart way to create sustainable, healthy eating habits, as it prevents burnout and allows you to obtain the variety of nutrients needed for optimal health. With that in mind, almond butter may be the perfect ingredient to swap into your diet. What will you try it in this week?

 

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

• Pears. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2023.
• Ripening and Handling. USA Pears. 2023.
• Almond Butter. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2020.