Cashew Butter vs Peanut Butter

For many years, peanut butter didn’t have any competition from other varieties of nuts. Today, that situation has changed. The competition is coming from the different kinds of nut butter being included in vegan diets and health-conscious diets. Diverse types of nut butter have also gained popularity among the general public.

The Original Nut Butter

The nut butter made from red skin peanuts has more protein and fiber than butter made from cashews. It is a good source of potassium, iron, and vitamin B6. It also contains healthy unsaturated fats. It is a good source of phosphorous, zinc, and niacin. It can be eaten in moderation as part of a weight-loss diet because it contributes to a feeling of fullness.

Butter From Cashew Nuts

In comparison to butter made from peanuts, cashew butter is lower in fat and protein but higher in carbohydrates. It has a higher concentration of monounsaturated fat. Its content of iron, magnesium, B6, and calcium is about the same as butter made from peanuts.

Preparing Nut Butters

The same basic items are needed to make butter from nuts. You need the nuts, a baking pan and a food processor. The nuts should be roasted in a 325 degree oven for about 10 minutes. Then they need to cool before being placed in a food processor. Using the processor, grind the nuts until they become creamy. You can add coconut oil if you choose.

Raw cashews or cashew pieces raw can be used to make cashew butter. Raw redskin peanuts are the starting point for peanut butter. Once the peanuts are roasted, rub them together to remove the skins before putting them in the processor.

Choosing Which to Use

Basically, you can use either nut butter interchangeably. There are some circumstances when one would be preferable over the other. For instance, for a Paleo diet, cashew would be the option to use. Butter made from cashews is often used in dips, sauces, and soup recipes. Butter made from peanuts still ranks as the first and most popular choice.