Out of Peanut butter, one case
Vegan peanut butter substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Almond butter
Same amount as the peanut butter
The best vegan peanut butter substitutes are almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, and tahini. All are naturally plant-based and work well in vegan recipes.
- The tweak —
- Stir well before using.
- Best for —
- sandwiches
One casethe full peanut butter card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of peanut butter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Almond buttersandwiches | Same amount |
| 2 | Cashew buttersauces | Same amount |
| 3 | Sunflower seed buttersandwiches | Same amount |
| 4 | Tahinisauces | ¾ cup tahini + 2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt per 1 cup peanut butter |
| 5 | Coconut butterbaking | Same amount |
Almond butter
nutty, slightly sweeter
Creamy, protein-rich spread made from ground almonds, naturally vegan
- Best for
- sandwiches, baking, smoothies, dips, vegan desserts
- Texture
- similar to peanut butter
- Prep
- Stir well before using.
Check labels for honey-free varieties. Slightly sweeter than peanut butter.
Cashew butter
mild, creamy
Smooth, mild-flavored nut butter good for vegan cooking and baking
- Best for
- sauces, dips, baking, vegan cheesecakes, frostings
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
- Prep
- May need to warm slightly if too thick.
Milder flavor allows other ingredients to shine. Great for vegan desserts.
Sunflower seed butter
nutty, slightly different
Nut-free, vegan alternative made from roasted sunflower seeds
- Best for
- sandwiches, baking, dips, vegan energy bars, school-safe treats
- Texture
- similar to peanut butter
- Prep
- Stir well before using.
Completely vegan and nut-free. May have a slight green tint.
Tahini
nutty, slightly bitter
Sesame seed paste, a staple in vegan Middle Eastern cuisine
- Best for
- sauces, dips, dressings, hummus, vegan dressings
- Texture
- thinner, more liquid
- Prep
- Mix with oil and salt to achieve peanut butter-like consistency.
More liquid than peanut butter. Add oil and salt to match consistency.
Coconut butter
sweet, coconut
Naturally sweet, creamy spread made from ground coconut meat
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, vegan desserts, tropical recipes
- Texture
- similar when warm
- Prep
- Warm slightly if solid, then use as 1:1 replacement.
Naturally sweet. May solidify at room temperature.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan peanut butter substitutes must be completely plant-based and free from animal products. The key is choosing alternatives that provide similar texture, fat content, and nutritional benefits while maintaining the creamy, nutty flavor profile that works well in vegan recipes.
Tips for substituting peanut butter
10 tips- Always check labels for honey-free varieties when choosing nut butters
- For vegan baking: almond butter and cashew butter work best as 1:1 replacements
- For nut allergies: use sunflower seed butter or tahini
- For smoothies: any nut butter works well and adds protein and healthy fats
- For vegan sauces: tahini creates rich, creamy textures without dairy
- For vegan desserts: cashew butter works great in cheesecakes and frostings
- For energy bars: sunflower seed butter holds ingredients together well
- For savory dishes: tahini adds authentic Middle Eastern flavor
- For chocolate recipes: sunflower seed butter pairs well and masks any color changes
- For school-safe treats: use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter
Notes on peanut butter
- For vegan baking: almond butter and cashew butter work best
- For nut allergies: sunflower seed butter or tahini
- For smoothies: any nut butter adds protein and healthy fats
- For savory dishes: tahini adds authentic Middle Eastern flavor
- For desserts: cashew butter creates creamy textures without dairy
Questions
5 questionsIs almond butter vegan?
Yes, almond butter is naturally vegan as it's made from ground almonds. However, always check labels for added honey or other non-vegan ingredients.
What's the best vegan substitute for peanut butter in baking?
Almond butter and cashew butter work best in vegan baking as 1:1 replacements. They have similar fat content and texture to peanut butter.
Can I use tahini instead of peanut butter in vegan recipes?
Yes, tahini works well in vegan recipes, especially savory ones. Use ¾ cup tahini + 2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt for every 1 cup of peanut butter.
Are there any nut-free vegan peanut butter alternatives?
Yes, sunflower seed butter and tahini are both nut-free and vegan. They work well in most recipes that call for peanut butter.
Can I make my own vegan peanut butter substitute?
Yes, you can make almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter at home by roasting the nuts/seeds and blending them with a little oil and salt.