Tag: Legumes vs nuts

According to USDA data, a two-tablespoon serving of almond butter contains more potassium than an equivalent serving of peanut butter. For health-conscious consumers, this is just one of many important nutritional differences to consider when choosing between these two popular spreads.

Peanuts, despite their name, are botanically legumes that grow underground, a key difference from true tree nuts like almonds and walnuts. This fundamental distinction contributes to differences in their nutritional makeup, potential allergens, and risk factors that can influence their perceived value compared to other nuts.

While commonly mistaken for nuts or mistakenly associated with legumes, the truth is that a cashew is not a pulse. This tropical seed has a unique botanical classification, belonging to the same family as the mango and poison ivy.

While most people consider it a nut, peanuts are actually legumes, placing peanut butter in the protein foods group according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. This versatile spread is rich in both healthy fats and protein, which is why its classification can be a bit confusing.

While commonly treated as simple snack foods, the classification of nuts is remarkably complex and often surprising. The answer to what food category are nuts under depends on whether you ask a botanist, a chef, or a nutritionist, as each provides a different perspective on these nutrient-dense morsels. This diversity in classification is due to the wide variety of foods we call 'nuts' in a culinary sense, which includes everything from true botanical nuts to seeds and legumes.

For every 100 grams, cashews contain nearly twice the carbohydrates of peanuts, making them the higher-carb option. This distinction is crucial for individuals on specific diets like keto, where minimizing carbohydrate intake is a priority.

According to the National Peanut Board, peanuts are a surprisingly rich source of plant-based protein. Just how much protein is in 10 peanuts, and how does that contribute to your daily intake? This article explores the precise nutritional value of a small serving of peanuts.