Skip to content

What Can I Eat With Almond Butter on Keto? Delicious & Low-Carb Pairings

4 min read

Studies suggest that almonds, the core ingredient in almond butter, can increase feelings of fullness and help manage appetite, which is crucial on a ketogenic diet. Knowing what you can eat with almond butter on keto offers a delicious and versatile way to incorporate healthy fats into your daily routine while staying in ketosis.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an extensive list of keto-friendly food pairings for almond butter, covering everything from simple snacks and sweet desserts to savory sauces and creative main courses. Key information includes selecting the right brand, adhering to portion sizes, and incorporating healthy ingredients to stay on track.

Key Points

  • Choose Unsweetened Almond Butter: Always check the label to ensure your almond butter contains no added sugars, fillers, or inflammatory oils, which can impact carb counts and health.

  • Practice Portion Control: Measure your servings of almond butter carefully, as even small amounts can add up in calories and carbs. A typical keto serving is around two tablespoons.

  • Enjoy Sweet Treats Creatively: Combine almond butter with keto-friendly ingredients like low-carb berries, sugar-free chocolate, and keto sweeteners to create delicious desserts and fat bombs.

  • Explore Savory Possibilities: Almond butter is a versatile base for savory applications, including dipping sauces for vegetables, marinades for meat, or thickening agents for stews.

  • Excellent for DIY Recipes: Use almond butter as a main ingredient for homemade keto bars, cookies, and low-carb bread, allowing for full control over ingredients and macros.

  • High in Healthy Fats: Its rich content of monounsaturated fats makes almond butter an ideal source of energy and satiety on the keto diet, supporting overall weight management and heart health.

In This Article

Why Almond Butter is a Keto Powerhouse

Almond butter can be a phenomenal addition to a ketogenic diet, provided you choose wisely and exercise portion control. A natural, unsweetened almond butter is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, moderate in protein, and low in net carbs. These nutrients are essential for maintaining ketosis, fueling your body, and keeping you satiated. However, it is critical to avoid brands with added sugars, inflammatory vegetable oils, or other fillers that can derail your progress. Look for a product with a simple ingredient list—ideally just almonds and salt.

Sweet & Satisfying Almond Butter Pairings

For those with a sweet tooth, almond butter offers a rich, nutty base for a variety of guilt-free treats:

  • Low-Carb Berries: Use almond butter as a dip for fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. These fruits are relatively low in carbs and provide antioxidants.
  • Keto "Toast": Spread almond butter on slices of 90-second keto bread or a low-carb cloud bread. Sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of monk fruit sweetener for a perfect snack.
  • Fat Bombs: Create easy no-bake fat bombs by combining almond butter with melted coconut oil and sugar-free chocolate chips. Freeze for a quick, satisfying treat that boosts your fat intake.
  • Smoothies: Blend a tablespoon of almond butter into a keto-friendly smoothie made with unsweetened almond milk, a handful of spinach, and a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
  • Keto Pancakes: Top almond flour-based pancakes with a generous dollop of almond butter for a delicious and filling breakfast.

Savory & Unexpected Combinations

Almond butter's creamy texture and subtle flavor make it a fantastic ingredient for savory dishes as well:

  • Crunchy Vegetables: Classic combos like celery sticks with almond butter are a simple and satisfying snack. You can also use it as a dip for cucumber slices or bell pepper strips.
  • Savory Dipping Sauce: Whisk almond butter with a splash of soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), sesame oil, and ginger to create a delicious dipping sauce for grilled chicken, tofu, or steamed vegetables.
  • Asian-Inspired Dishes: Add a spoonful to a stir-fry sauce or a cold noodle salad (using spiralized zucchini or konjac noodles) to add rich flavor and creaminess.
  • Meat Marinade: Combine almond butter with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic to create a savory marinade for chicken kebabs.
  • Cheese Pairings: For a quick, high-fat snack, pair a hunk of hard cheese with a smear of almond butter. The salty, nutty combination is incredibly satisfying.

DIY & Recipe Ideas

If you have a little more time, almond butter can be the star of some impressive keto recipes:

  • No-Bake Almond Butter Bars: Mix almond butter with shredded coconut, a keto sweetener, and a little coconut flour. Press into a lined tin, top with melted sugar-free chocolate, and chill until firm.
  • Almond Butter Cups: Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Add a spoonful of melted sugar-free chocolate, followed by a spoonful of almond butter, and top with more chocolate. Freeze until solid.
  • Keto Almond Butter Bread: This low-carb bread uses almond butter as a base, along with eggs, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar. It's surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sandwiches or snacking.

Comparison: Almond Butter vs. Other Keto-Friendly Options

Feature Almond Butter Macadamia Nut Butter Pecan Butter
Net Carbs (per 2 tbsp) ~3g ~2g ~2g
Healthy Fats High in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Extremely high in monounsaturated fats, great for ketosis. High in healthy monounsaturated fats.
Micronutrients Good source of Vitamin E, magnesium, calcium. Also contains trace minerals. Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E.
Flavor Profile Mild, sweet, and nutty. Rich and buttery. Mild and slightly sweet.
Versatility Excellent in sweet and savory dishes, from spreads to sauces. Best for high-fat fat bombs and desserts. Great for desserts, pies, and savory crusts.

Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Stay in Ketosis

Almond butter is a versatile and highly nutritious food that can be a fantastic part of a ketogenic diet when used correctly. By opting for natural, unsweetened varieties and controlling your portion sizes, you can enjoy its rich flavor and numerous health benefits without jeopardizing your state of ketosis. Whether you use it in sweet treats, savory sauces, or a simple veggie dip, the possibilities for creative, low-carb pairings are plentiful. From quick snacks to impressive homemade recipes, almond butter can add variety and satisfaction to your keto journey. The key is to check labels, measure servings, and get creative with your combinations to find your perfect keto almond butter creations. For more on the benefits of nuts on keto, check out this guide to keto nut butter options from Perfect Keto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can have almond butter every day on keto, but moderation is key. Stick to the recommended serving size (typically 1-2 tablespoons) to keep your net carb and calorie intake in check and avoid accidentally going over your daily limits.

For most keto dieters, unsweetened almond butter is slightly better than peanut butter. It generally has a higher fiber and fat content, along with a richer micronutrient profile, and is lower in sugar than its peanut counterpart.

Low-carb berries are the best fruit option. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries pair excellently with almond butter. You can also pair it with avocado slices for a higher-fat, creamy combination.

Blend a tablespoon of almond butter with unsweetened almond milk, heavy cream, ice, and a scoop of low-carb protein powder for a creamy and filling keto smoothie. You can also add a small handful of berries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

For savory options, try dipping celery or cucumber slices in almond butter. You can also mix it with sesame oil, soy sauce, and spices to create a sauce for meat or tofu, or whisk it into a low-carb salad dressing.

Yes, avoid almond butters with added sugars like cane sugar, honey, or corn syrup. Also, check for inflammatory oils such as palm oil, soybean oil, or canola oil. Stick to brands that list only almonds and maybe a little salt.

A fast and easy snack is a simple dollop of almond butter straight from the spoon, topped with some sugar-free cacao nibs or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. For a slightly more involved snack, make no-bake fat bombs by mixing almond butter with coconut oil and chilling.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.