Calories in Nut Butter: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Nut butter is a rich, spreadable paste made by grinding nuts until their natural oils create a smooth or chunky consistency. Almond butter — one of the most popular nut butters after peanut butter — provides approximately 98 calories per tablespoon, with 3.4 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, and 3 grams of carbohydrates. Pure almond butter (made from just almonds) is an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, copper, and riboflavin, and retains essentially the same nutrient profile as whole almonds but in a more versatile, spreadable form.

Calories by serving size:

Almond butter offers a slightly different nutritional profile from whole almonds because the grinding process breaks down the cell walls of the nuts, which may increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients and fats. This means your body absorbs more of the calories and nutrients from almond butter compared to whole almonds — research suggests up to 20 percent more calories may be absorbed from nut butters than from whole nuts. Almond butter is richer in monounsaturated fat than many other nut butters and provides about 7.3 milligrams of vitamin E per two-tablespoon serving (roughly 49 percent of the daily value), making it one of the best food sources of this antioxidant vitamin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does almond butter compare to peanut butter?

Almond butter and peanut butter are nutritionally similar but have some meaningful differences. Per two-tablespoon serving, almond butter provides slightly more calories (196 vs 188 kcal), more fiber (3.3 g vs 1.6 g), significantly more vitamin E (7.3 mg vs 2.9 mg), more calcium (111 mg vs 17 mg), and more magnesium (89 mg vs 57 mg). Peanut butter, on the other hand, is higher in protein (7.1 g vs 6.8 g), has more niacin and folate, and is substantially less expensive. Both are excellent sources of monounsaturated fat and can be healthy choices — the best option depends on your specific nutritional priorities and budget.

What should you look for on a nut butter label?

The healthiest nut butters contain only one or two ingredients: the nut itself and possibly a small amount of salt. Many commercial nut butters add sugar, hydrogenated oils (partially or fully), and palm oil to improve taste, shelf stability, and prevent oil separation. Added hydrogenated oils introduce trans fats, which are harmful to heart health, while added sugars increase calorie content without nutritional benefit. The natural oil separation that occurs in pure nut butter (where oil rises to the top) is actually a sign of a cleaner product — simply stir it back in and refrigerate to slow future separation. Reading the ingredient list rather than just the nutrition label is the best way to identify a high-quality nut butter.

Is nut butter more caloric than whole nuts?

Nut butters and whole nuts contain the same calories by weight, as grinding does not add or remove calories. However, research from the USDA has shown that the body absorbs approximately 20 percent fewer calories from whole nuts compared to nut butter because the intact cell walls in whole nuts trap some fat, preventing it from being fully digested and absorbed. This means that while 28 grams of almonds and 28 grams of almond butter have the same listed calories (about 164 kcal), the actual metabolizable energy from the almond butter is higher. For weight management purposes, this is worth considering — whole nuts may be the better choice for those watching their calorie intake, while nut butter may be preferable for those trying to gain weight or meet higher calorie needs.

Can nut butter be part of a weight loss diet?

Nut butter can absolutely be part of a successful weight loss plan when consumed in controlled portions. A two-tablespoon serving of almond butter provides nearly 200 calories with 7 grams of protein and over 3 grams of fiber, creating a combination that promotes satiety and helps control hunger between meals. The key challenge is portion control — nut butter is very easy to overconsume because it is calorie-dense and hyperpalatable. Using a measuring spoon rather than eyeballing portions, purchasing single-serving packets, or pre-portioning into small containers are effective strategies for keeping intake in check. Pairing nut butter with high-fiber foods like apple slices, celery, or whole-grain bread further enhances satiety.

What other types of nut butter are available?

Beyond almond and peanut butter, a wide variety of nut and seed butters are available, each with a distinct flavor and nutritional profile. Cashew butter is creamier and slightly sweeter, with more carbohydrates (about 9 g per 2 tbsp) but less fiber than almond butter. Walnut butter provides more omega-3 ALA fatty acids but has a more bitter flavor. Hazelnut butter (without added sugar) offers high vitamin E and a rich taste often associated with chocolate pairings. Macadamia nut butter is the highest in fat and lowest in protein but exceptionally smooth and buttery. Sunflower seed butter and tahini (sesame seed butter) are popular alternatives for those with tree nut allergies, offering comparable calories and healthy fat profiles.