Top Reasons to Add Organic Almond Butter to Your Pantry

So most of us are sitting here with a jar of something nutty right in our kitchen! Perhaps those little peanut butter jars at the checkout are only half used, or maybe you've noticed that shiny jar of organic almond butter at the grocery store and wondered whether it's really worth the extra cost. Spoiler alert: it is in fact. When you know, perhaps you will not go back.

Organic almond butter isn't a passing fad in the food exchange. It's a pantry essential that really does deserve its place on the shelf... nutritionally, culinary, and even on your wallet, since it takes the place of something else!

It's a Nutritional Powerhouse in Disguise

Did you know that one 2-tablespoon serving of organic almond butter can do some heavy lifting? Here's a healthy monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, fiber and plant protein — all in one bite of the good kind that tastes like a treat.

Put the same as what you'd lay on your toast in the morning and you can tell the difference. Almonds are a natural source of antioxidants, notably vitamin E, which helps with skin health, immune system and even heart health. Magnesium is very important for recovery of muscles and regulation of blood sugar. And that healthy fat content? It makes you feel satisfied and keeps you full longer so there are fewer requests for a snack by 10 a.m.

The organic certification is also important. This option is organic, which eliminates the contaminants that have been found on traditional almonds, including synthetic pesticides. If you eat something every day — which I hope you do when you get started — better ingredients, a huge difference over time.

Why "No Added the Sugar" Should Be Your a New Non Negotiable

However, not all almond butters are made the same, and this is where many fall short. Look at the nut butter section, and you will see that the nuts are filled with hydrogenated oils, added sugars, and salt that have no place in a jar of nut butter. Therefore, opting for almond butter no added sugar is a great choice.

If you add sugar to nut butter, it's pretty much a whole food with dessert properties. Your blood sugar rises, your fullness wanes, and before you know it, you're once again hungry. Almond butter no added sugar allows you to enjoy the natural sweetness of the almonds without all the sugar that accompanies a candy bar.

Read the label. Seriously, simply turn over the jar. A good quality organic almond butter only has one ingredient, which is almonds, and perhaps a smidgen of sea salt. That's it. If the ingredients are more numerous than a grocery receipt, place it back.

It Works in More Ways Than You'd Think

The versatility of organic almond butter is one of the best characteristics. It's only a bread spread, but that's like saying a cast iron skillet is only good for eggs. Here are just some of the more imaginative ways you can use it beyond the basics:

·         Blend it to smoothies as a creamy base with a protein punch, and it will give smoothies a satisfying thickness that will leave you full for hours with a hint of honey sweetness — go a little wild with banana, oat milk, a handful of spinach, and a drizzle of honey.

·         Mix it into oatmeal just before serving for a rich, nutty texture that enhances the ordinary breakfast.

·         Simply combine with soy sauce, lime juice and garlic with a bit of warm water to create a savoury peanut sauce to taste which can be used on rice noodles, roasted vegetables or anything else!

·         Use it as an afternoon snack on apple slices, celery, or rice cakes for that sweet-savory balance without compromising.

·         Use in baking — the almond butter adds moisture and a subtle nuttiness that regular butter can't produce in cookies, energy.

It's Better for the Planet Too

Purchasing organic products is not only about what you put in your mouth, it's also about what you put back into the soil. Organic farming practices do not involve the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, thus contributing to healthier soil, cleaner water and better ecology in general. It's a small step, but a good one as almonds are already known for their water needs, and it makes sense to support organic farmers who take sustainable growing to heart.

The Cost Argument

Yes, organic But think about what you're replacing — expensive protein bars, sugary snack packs, multiple supplements. If you look at it as a multi-tasking food that not only gives you healthy fats, quality protein, vitamins, but also satisfies your need for a snack, it'll look very different.

Conclusion

Keeping organic almond butter in the cupboard is not a drastic change of lifestyle. This is just one intentional change that you can make at your table – which makes your food better, your nutrition better, and your snacking better too! Choose almond butter no added sugar, read the ingredient labels, and try to find as many ways to eat almond butter as possible! You may be amazed at what comes out of one little jar.