Nut Butters & Fruit Spreads

they are alternative spreads that can be used like any other condiments such as jam, vegan butter, or marmalade. Fruit spreads are basically jam but with no added sugar. Nut butter, despite the name, has no real resemblance to normal or vegan butter It is a paste composed of ground-down nuts that has a surprisingly buttery texture.

Both are delicious, and both have some great health benefits! Keep on reading to find out more about why you need more nut butter and fruit spreads in your pantry.

What Are Nut Butter And Fruit Spread Used For? 

Nut butter and fruit spreads are usually used as spreads on toast and bread. They can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or a balanced breakfast! However, we know that nut butters and fruit spreads have a lot more to them. We think they’re also great as healthy, vegan ingredients in cooking or baking recipes. Keep reading for more recipe info below!

What’s The Difference Between Fruit Spread And Jam, Jellies, And Preserves? Are Fruit Spreads Healthier?

They all kind of look the same, so it’s hard to know whether you’re eating a fruit spread, a jam, a jelly, or a preserve! Like we said above, fruit spreads are very similar to jam, except they have no added sugar. They’re 100% fruit, making them a great option for those of us who love our jam but need to cut back on the sugar! The only sugar you’ll find in these jars is the sugar that naturally comes from fruit.

Jam does contain real fruit too, but contains added sugar. Jellies are made with strained fruit juice, meaning there’s no actual fruit in jelly. Preserves have whole pieces of fruit in them, giving them a chunkier texture than jams, jellies, and fruit spreads. They also have added sugars. So fruit spreads might not be a bad addition to the pantry if you’re looking for a slightly healthier option!

Nutritional Information And Health Benefits: Nut Butters And Fruit Spreads

Nut butter has absolutely great health benefits. It is high in protein and fiber, and high in vitamin E - an important antioxidant that keeps your immune system strong. Although nuts do have a high-fat content, they are healthy fats that are potentially good for cholesterol and your heart!

So which nut butter is healthiest? Generally, all kinds of nut butter have benefits, but to help yourself out, take a look at the ingredients before purchasing. Try to avoid high salt and sugar content, and nut butter with hydrogenated oils. If you’re looking for a straight answer, go for almond butter. This nut butter is slightly higher in healthy fats and vitamin E - and it’s also delicious!

The best way to choose a healthy fruit spread is to choose one that uses organic fruit. Organic fruit spreads will use higher-quality fruit that hasn’t been tainted with chemicals or additives during the farming and manufacturing process. So if you’re looking for the healthiest fruit spread, go for organic fruit spreads! There are lots on the PlantX website. 

Are All Nut Butters And Fruit Spreads Vegan? 

A lot of nut butter is vegan! Often they are just made of nuts, oil, sugar, and salt. However, we always recommend checking the ingredient list before you buy or eat a product. Some nut butter may contain extra ingredients such as honey, fish oil, and gelatin, which are not part of a vegan diet. Some products could also be made in facilities where non-vegan products are made, meaning traces of non-vegan ingredients could end up in other products. So while a lot of nut butter is vegan, make sure you always check the label.

And what about fruit spreads? When it comes to delicious fruit spreads, watch out for ingredients like gelatin or jello (which has gelatin in it!). These could be added as a thickener. Just remember always to double-check that label, so you can enjoy your fruit spreads stress-free!

Top Suggestions

Want to know our top fruit spreads and nut butters here at PlantX? We’ve listed them below!

Dalmatia - Fig Spread

Made with Adriatic figs, this sweet and aromatic fruit spread is the perfect way to start your day. Spread some fig love!

Good Good - Sweet Strawberry Jam

This is the product for you if you’re looking for some extra good strawberry jam! No added sugar, it’s just the goodness and flavor of the fruit.

Bonne Maman - Preserves - Blackberry

Looking for a burst of rich berry flavor? Try Bonne Maman’s delicious blackberry spread. Its tangy taste goes well with some vegan yogurt.

Justin’s - Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Squeeze

These single-serve squeeze packs make life that bit easier, and food that bit tastier! Delicious vegan chocolate with rich, nutty hazelnuts makes for a mouthwatering combo.

Justin’s - Vanilla Almond Butter

These Californian almonds will fuel your body with 5g of protein and 2g of fiber per serving! With a creamy texture and subtle vanilla taste, this nut butter is irresistible.

Justin’s - Classic Peanut Butter

Bring this classic nut butter home! Using only dry roasted peanuts and palm oil, this simple staple is a crucial ingredient for any vegan pantry.

Recipes Using Fruit Spreads And Nut Butter

Nut butter and fruit spreads don’t just have to be reserved for breakfast time! Get creative and incorporate these great food products into your favorite meals! Nut butter can be used in sweet and savory recipes. Why not make some tasty, vegan nut butter cups? Some vegan dark chocolate and the nut butter of your choice will make for a tasty treat to share with friends and family. Vegans and non-vegans will go nuts for them! Or, add some nut butter to a vegan stew or soup for a creamy texture and nutty flavor! 

Flavor tip: sweet potato tastes great with peanut butter…

Fruit spreads are perfect for adding to your favorite desserts that you might want to make that little bit healthier! Elevate your oat bars by adding a delicious layer of fruit spread - perfect for a healthy snack that you can take with you on the go. Or add some organic fruit spread onto your favorite vegan cakes for an extra punch of fruity flavor! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to refrigerate organic fruit spreads?

Here at PlantX, we would recommend refrigerating organic fruit spreads after opening. We think it’s the best way to keep your product fresh for as long as possible. Have a look at the storage instructions on the product label for more information.

Is nut butter gluten-free?

Most nut butters are naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check the ingredients list and allergen information on the label of the product you’re consuming.

Do fruit spreads contain real fruits and colors?

Fruit spreads use real fruit, and if you opt for an organic fruit spread it’s likely to use real colors, with no unnecessary additives and chemicals. 

Is nut butter good for babies?

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, nut butter can be fed to babies after they have been introduced to other solid foods without showing allergic reactions. This can happen between 6-8 months of age. Nut butter can provide healthy minerals and vitamins to your baby’s diet. A study even showed that early introduction of nut butter could prevent the development of peanut allergy for ‘high risk’ children.

Top tip: If feeding your baby nut butter, make sure it’s smooth nut butter rather than chunky nut butter, which could be a choking hazard. 

What is the shelf life of organic fruit spreads?

We recommend checking the expiration date on your product, but an unopened fruit spread should be able to last between 6-9 months in your refrigerator or pantry. Once opened, be sure to consume your product before the expiration date.