Out of Peanut butter, one case
Peanut butter substitute for smoothies
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Almond butter
Same amount as the peanut butter
The best peanut butter substitutes for smoothies are almond butter, cashew butter, and powdered peanut butter. These alternatives blend smoothly and add protein and healthy fats to your smoothies.
- The tweak —
- Add directly to blender with other ingredients.
- Best for —
- protein smoothies
One casethe full peanut butter card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of peanut butter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Almond butterprotein smoothies | Same amount |
| 2 | Cashew buttercreamy smoothies | Same amount |
| 3 | Powdered peanut butter (PB2)low-calorie smoothies | Same amount |
| 4 | Sunflower seed butternut-free smoothies | Same amount |
| 5 | Tahinisavory smoothies | Same amount |
Almond butter
nutty, slightly sweeter
Creamy alternative that blends smoothly and adds protein and healthy fats
- Best for
- protein smoothies, green smoothies, chocolate smoothies, breakfast smoothies
- Texture
- blends smoothly
- Prep
- Add directly to blender with other ingredients.
Higher in protein than peanut butter. Blends smoothly without clumping.
Cashew butter
mild, creamy
Creamy, mild-flavored alternative that creates the smoothest smoothies
- Best for
- creamy smoothies, dessert smoothies, mild-flavored smoothies, protein shakes
- Texture
- creamy, smooth
- Prep
- Add directly to blender with other ingredients. May need to warm slightly if too thick.
Creates the creamiest texture. Milder flavor allows other ingredients to shine.
Powdered peanut butter (PB2)
peanut flavor, less rich
Low-calorie alternative that dissolves easily and adds peanut flavor
- Best for
- low-calorie smoothies, protein shakes, weight loss smoothies, convenient smoothies
- Texture
- dissolves completely
- Prep
- Mix with liquid first, then add to blender with other ingredients.
Much lower in calories and fat. Dissolves easily in liquid.
Sunflower seed butter
nutty, slightly different
Nut-free alternative that blends well and adds protein
- Best for
- nut-free smoothies, school-safe smoothies, allergy-friendly smoothies, protein shakes
- Texture
- blends smoothly
- Prep
- Add directly to blender with other ingredients. Stir well before using.
Completely nut-free. Blends smoothly and adds protein.
Tahini
nutty, slightly bitter
Sesame paste that adds unique flavor and creaminess to smoothies
- Best for
- savory smoothies, Middle Eastern-inspired smoothies, unique flavor profiles, protein shakes
- Texture
- blends smoothly
- Prep
- Add directly to blender with other ingredients. May need to reduce other liquid ingredients.
More liquid than peanut butter. Adds unique flavor profile.
How it behaves in this recipe
Making smoothies with peanut butter substitutes requires alternatives that blend smoothly and add nutrition. The key is choosing substitutes that have similar fat content and texture to peanut butter while maintaining the ability to blend well with other ingredients.
Tips for substituting peanut butter
10 tips- For creamy smoothies: cashew butter creates the creamiest texture
- For protein smoothies: almond butter provides the most protein
- For low-calorie smoothies: powdered peanut butter is the best choice
- For nut allergies: sunflower seed butter is completely safe
- For unique flavors: tahini adds Middle Eastern-inspired taste
- For blending: all nut butters blend well, but cashew butter creates the smoothest texture
- For convenience: powdered peanut butter dissolves easily and is shelf-stable
- For smoothies: any nut butter adds protein and healthy fats
- For storage: nut butters keep well in the refrigerator
- For mixing: add nut butter to liquid first, then add other ingredients
Notes on peanut butter
- For creamy smoothies: cashew butter creates the creamiest texture
- For protein smoothies: almond butter provides the most protein
- For low-calorie smoothies: powdered peanut butter is the best choice
- For nut allergies: sunflower seed butter is completely safe
- For unique flavors: tahini adds Middle Eastern-inspired taste
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for peanut butter in smoothies?
Almond butter and cashew butter work best in smoothies as they blend smoothly and provide good protein content. Cashew butter creates the creamiest texture.
Can I use powdered peanut butter in smoothies?
Yes, powdered peanut butter works well in smoothies and is much lower in calories. Mix it with liquid first, then add to the blender with other ingredients.
Why does my smoothie have chunks of nut butter?
If your smoothie has chunks, try adding the nut butter to liquid first and blending it before adding other ingredients. You can also warm the nut butter slightly to make it more liquid.
Can I use tahini in sweet smoothies?
Yes, tahini can work in sweet smoothies, but it has a more savory flavor. It works best when combined with strong flavors like chocolate or dates that can balance the slightly bitter taste.
How much nut butter should I use in a smoothie?
Use 1-2 tablespoons of nut butter per smoothie serving. This provides protein and healthy fats without making the smoothie too thick or overpowering.