Are Nut Butters Bad For You?

Is nut butter bad for you?

Here are a few thoughts to help you make up your mind!

What are you eating it with?

If you’re coating sugary biscuits in peanut butter then it might be better to enjoy in moderation but on wholegrain toast, crackers or with fruit you can eat a whole lot more! If you’re also eating it instead of another less healthy snack, then it’s also better by comparison. 

Is it loaded with added sugar and salt?

Whilst a pinch of either can help enhance flavours, going overboard with these two ingredients can start to complicate our health. Opting for low sugar or salt is an easy swap to make – or even better, make your own and moderate the amount of seasoning to taste!

Is it from whole nuts?

Removing the skins of nuts takes with it some important dietary fibre (something we’re generally lacking in our western diets), but not always to a large effect as the main body of nuts contain plenty.  

Nut butter health benefits

Beyond these points, there are actually more health benefits linked to nut butter, such as: 

• Nuts are nutrient-dense
• Packed with protein
• Full of healthy fats and calories

Hopefully this will help you make up your mind!