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Comparison · Spreads

Peanut Butter vs Almond Butter

In their natural forms (just nuts + salt), both are Level 1, among the simplest foods available. The processing difference exists only in commercial versions that add oils and sweeteners.

Subject A

Peanut Butter

5,771 products →
8.3
L4 · Ultra-Proc.
Avg processing score
Nutrition4.3/10
8% · 17% · 34% · 41%L1→L4
Difference4.6 pts
Subject B

Almond Butter

860 products →
3.7
L2 · Processed
Avg processing score
Nutrition6.7/10
36% · 38% · 23% · 3%L1→L4
The verdictAlmond Butter is less processed

Almond Butter scores lower in our analysis.

Peanut Butter averages 8.3 (Level 4) across 5,771 products; Almond Butter averages 3.7 (Level 2) across 860.

Peanut Butter · 8.3Almond Butter · 3.7
L1 · MinL2 · ProcL3 · HighL4 · Ultra
Scale: 0 → 15+ (uncapped)4.6 point gap

Written by UPFL Editorial Team

Editorial standards

Quick answer

Identical processing when natural (Level 1). Commercial versions of both add similar additives. Choose based on taste and nutrition preference, not processing concerns.

Worth knowing

Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores. These comparisons evaluate processing level and ingredient composition only. They do not account for taste, price, convenience, cultural significance, or individual dietary needs.

How do they compare by the numbers?

Avg Processing Score
Peanut Butter
8.3
Ultra-Proc.
Almond Butter
3.7
Processed
Dominant Level
Peanut Butter
L4 · Ultra-Proc.
Almond Butter
L2 · Processed
Avg Nutrition Score
Peanut Butter
4.3
of 10
Almond Butter
6.7
of 10
Avg Ingredient Count
Peanut Butter
21.0
Almond Butter
8.1
Products in Database
Peanut Butter
5,771
Almond Butter
860
Level Distribution
Peanut Butter
8%17%34%41%
Almond Butter
36%38%23%3%

Sample products from each

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A product in Ketzal with a Processing Score and a Nutrition Score

Frequently asked questions

Is almond butter less processed than peanut butter?

Not inherently. Natural versions of both are just ground nuts and salt, among the simplest products in our database. The difference shows up in commercial versions, which add hydrogenated oils and sweeteners; the peanut butters in our database include more of those formulations.

What makes a nut butter score higher?

Added sugar, hydrogenated or palm oils, and emulsifiers raise scores in our analysis. A natural nut butter lists one or two ingredients: nuts, and sometimes salt.

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