We Asked the Experts Which Nut Butter Is Healthiest-and Their Answer Was Unanimous

Real Simple • February 8, 2026 • health

Key Points:

Nut and seed butters like peanut, almond, and tahini are nutritious pantry staples that provide unique health benefits and can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
Registered dietitians recommend choosing nut butters with minimal ingredients—ideally just nuts—and low levels of added sugar, salt, and saturated fats to maximize health benefits and avoid unnecessary additives.
Despite the variety of options, peanut butter is favored by dietitians for its affordability, high protein content (8 grams per serving), healthy fats, antioxidants like vitamin E, and links to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Peanut butter is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, including on toast, as a dip, in baked goods,