Is there crunchy almond butter? The surprising truth about this nutty spread

January 4, 2026 •

5 min read

Multiple brands and DIY enthusiasts confirm that crunchy almond butter is not only real but widely available, offering a delightful texture contrast to the standard smooth variety. Its creation is simpler than you might think, whether you're buying it off the shelf or making a fresh batch in your own kitchen.

Quick Summary

Crunchy almond butter is readily available commercially and can also be made at home by adding chopped almonds to a smooth base. Its existence caters to those who enjoy a textured spread, offering a satisfying crunch that complements its creamy counterpart. It's a popular alternative to traditional peanut butter.

Key Points

Yes, it exists: Crunchy almond butter is widely available from many different brands, confirming its popularity alongside the smooth variety.
Simple production: It is made by leaving small pieces of almond in the final mixture, which can be done by either processing the nuts for a shorter time or adding separately chopped almonds to the smooth butter.
Easy homemade option: You can create your own crunchy almond butter at home with a food processor and roasted almonds, giving you full control over the texture and ingredients.
Nutritionally similar: Both smooth and crunchy almond butter offer the same health benefits, including protein, healthy fats, and fiber, with the key difference being the textural experience.
Use case varies: The smooth version is better for sauces and blending, while the crunchy version excels as a satisfying topping for toast, oatmeal, or enjoying straight from the jar.
Brands to look for: Companies like Meridian, Biona Organic, Barney Butter, and Pip & Nut all offer high-quality crunchy almond butter options for convenient purchase.

Yes, Crunchy Almond Butter Exists

For those who prefer a textured spread, the news that crunchy almond butter is widely available is a welcome confirmation. It is produced by many brands and offers a delightful, toothsome experience with every bite. Unlike smooth almond butter, which is ground until it reaches a uniform consistency, the crunchy version contains small, delicious pieces of almond throughout. The existence of this textured version provides a great alternative for consumers who enjoy the classic crunch of peanut butter but prefer the unique taste and health benefits of almonds.

How is Crunchy Almond Butter Made?

The production of crunchy almond butter is straightforward, whether done on a commercial scale or in a home kitchen. The process begins with roasting the almonds, which enhances their flavor and helps release their natural oils. The almonds are then placed into a food processor or grinding machine. For smooth almond butter, the machine runs until the almonds are completely pulverized into a paste. For the crunchy variety, however, producers have two main methods:

Method 1: Partial Grinding: The almonds are not completely processed, leaving some chunks intact for texture.
Method 2: Adding Back Chunks: A portion of almonds is chopped separately and mixed into the final, smooth almond butter base. This ensures a more consistent crunch distribution.

Some manufacturers, like Meridian, roast the whole almond in its natural skin before crushing, which can add to the flavor and texture profile.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Crunchy Almond Butter

Deciding between buying a jar or making your own depends on your priorities regarding convenience, cost, and control over ingredients. Both options yield a delicious result, but they have distinct differences.


Feature	Store-Bought Crunchy Almond Butter	Homemade Crunchy Almond Butter
Convenience	High. Ready to eat immediately.	Low. Requires time for roasting, blending, and cleaning.
Cost	Typically higher than the cost of raw almonds.	Lower. Less expensive per ounce since you control the process.
Ingredients	Varies by brand. Can be 100% almonds or include added salt, sugar, oil, or preservatives.	You control every ingredient. Can add specific flavors or use only almonds for a 100% natural product.
Texture Control	Fixed texture determined by the brand.	Total control. You can decide how fine or coarse the almond chunks are.
Flavor	Consistent flavor profile from batch to batch.	Flavor can vary slightly based on roasting time and optional additions like salt or honey.

Smooth vs. Crunchy: The Great Almond Butter Debate

Just as with peanut butter, the preference for smooth or crunchy almond butter is a matter of personal taste. Both options offer the same high nutritional value, including protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamin E. The decision often comes down to how you plan to use it.

A Taste and Texture Breakdown

Smooth Almond Butter: Valued for its silky consistency, this type is ideal for applications where a uniform texture is desired. It blends effortlessly into smoothies, works perfectly in sauces and dressings, and offers a clean mouthfeel.
Crunchy Almond Butter: The added texture from the almond pieces makes this version a more robust and satisfying spread for snacking. The crunch provides a textural contrast that can elevate a simple cracker or a slice of toast. It's particularly well-suited for recipes where you want a bit more bite, such as topping oatmeal or yogurt.

DIY Crunchy Almond Butter Recipe

Making your own crunchy almond butter at home is surprisingly simple and requires very few ingredients. The most important tool you'll need is a powerful food processor.

Ingredients:

3 cups of raw almonds
Pinch of salt (optional)
1-2 teaspoons of neutral oil (like coconut or grapeseed, optional)

Instructions:

Roast the Almonds: Spread the raw almonds evenly on a baking sheet. Roast at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. This step is crucial for releasing the almonds' natural oils. Let them cool slightly but blend while still warm.
Separate for Crunch: Set aside about 1/4 cup of the roasted almonds. You can chop these by hand or give them a quick pulse in the food processor to create the chunks you'll add back later.
Process the Base: Place the remaining almonds in your food processor. Blend on high, scraping down the sides with a spatula every minute or so. The mixture will go through several stages:
- Crumbly: A fine powder-like texture.
- Paste: The almonds will clump together and form a thick paste.
- Smooth: After several more minutes, the oils will release, and the paste will become a smooth, creamy butter. This entire process can take 15-20 minutes, so be patient.
Add the Crunch: Once the butter is smooth, add your optional salt and the pre-chopped almonds. Pulse a few times to combine, but do not over-process.
Store: Transfer the finished crunchy almond butter to an airtight jar. It will keep at room temperature for about a week or can be refrigerated for up to a month. If the oils separate over time, simply give it a good stir.

Brands That Offer Crunchy Almond Butter

While the homemade route is rewarding, many excellent brands offer quality crunchy almond butter for those who prefer the convenience of store-bought. Some examples include:

Meridian: This brand is known for its 100% nut butters, including a crunchy almond butter made by roasting whole almonds in their skins for a perfect texture.
Biona Organic: Offers an organic crunchy almond butter that is freshly roasted with crushed almond pieces for a delicious crunch.
Barney Butter: Praised by food experts for its balance of smooth body and crunchy almond chunks.
Pip & Nut: Provides a crunchy version of its popular almond butter, made with Californian almonds and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Crunchy Almond Butter

The idea of crunchy almond butter is not only a reality but a popular option for many consumers. Whether you prefer the control and cost-effectiveness of making it at home or the convenience of a commercially available jar, you can easily enjoy this delightful, textured spread. Its versatility in cooking and snacking, combined with its nutritional benefits, makes crunchy almond butter a perfect addition to any pantry. The final choice between smooth and crunchy remains a personal preference, but the good news is that for those who crave that satisfying bite, crunchy almond butter is a readily available and delicious option.

Learn more about the health benefits of nuts and other nut butters from authoritative sources like WebMD. For further reading, see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutritionally, there is no significant difference between smooth and crunchy almond butter. Both offer the same amount of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins per serving. The only variation is the texture.

Yes. The easiest method is to take some roasted, chopped almonds and stir them into a jar of smooth almond butter. You can control the amount of crunch by adjusting how many almond pieces you add.

To get the perfect, evenly distributed crunch, it's best to process the majority of your roasted almonds until creamy first. Then, chop a separate small batch of almonds by hand or with a quick pulse in the food processor and stir them in at the end.

Yes, the shelf life is comparable for both smooth and crunchy varieties. Homemade versions last about a week at room temperature or up to a month in the fridge, while commercial products typically have a longer shelf life due to packaging.

Differences in taste can come from the type of almond used, whether the almonds are roasted with or without their skins, and any added ingredients like salt, sugar, or different oils. The level of roasting also impacts the final flavor.

No, it is generally less expensive to make homemade almond butter. The cost of buying raw almonds and making your own spread is typically lower per ounce than purchasing a pre-made commercial product.

Crunchy almond butter is excellent for adding texture to many dishes. It can be used as a satisfying spread on toast, crackers, or apple slices; stirred into oatmeal or yogurt; or incorporated into baked goods like cookies or bars.