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6 Peanut Butter Alternatives Great for Sandwiches

Peanut allergies shouldn't leave fans of the famed PB&J sandwich hopeless. Here are six just-as-delicious alternatives.
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Alex Lau

A peanut-free school, or a peanut allergy at home, needn't threaten the beloved sandwich we grew up with, you just need to find replacements that hit similar notes while also being classroom-friendly. (We feel strongly about a good PB&J). We picked 6 alternative nut and seed butters, tried a few brands of each, and chose our favorites. Granted, they might cost a little more than your average peanut butter, with soy butter on the cheaper end at $5 and pecan ringing in at $15, but sometimes the unfettered pleasure of a nut butter sandwich is worth it.

So grab some sliced bread, give it a good smear (no stirring necessary if you stash your jar upside down!), add your favorite jam, or pair them with our suggested sweet complements, and you’re on your way to a peanut-free sandwich that will win some serious kid (and adult!) points.

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    Alex Lau
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    Almond Butter

    Many find almond butter to be too thick and quite dry, so it's important to find a brand that works for your taste. We like Kevala ($12 for 12 oz.) and Barney Butter ($10 for 16 oz.), but nowadays there are almost as many almond options to pick from as there are peanut.

    Perfect pair: Sour cherry preserves are slightly tart and just sweet enough to cut through the richness of the almond.

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    Alex Lau
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    Sunflower Seed Butter

    For those in need of a completely nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter is a great option. MaraNatha ($7 for 12 oz.) is a delicious no-sugar-added choice, but if you prefer something a little sweeter, we like Trader Joe's ($5 for 16 oz.).

    Perfect pair: Banana and honey balance the deep earthiness of the sunflower seed.

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    Alex Lau
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    Cashew Butter

    There's no question cashew butter is a decadent option, but if this sandwich is more treat than everyday lunch, it's worth the splurge, especially for cashew fans. MaraNatha ($9 for 16 oz.) makes a wonderful version that actually tastes like you've eaten a handful of nuts.

    __Perfect pair:__Fig jam adds a full-bodied sweetness and some texture from the tiny seeds.

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    Alex Lau
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    Pecan Butter

    Many pecan butters have a soil-like flavor that might be less appealing to children. Ziegelmeier's ($15 for 10 oz.) does a nice job bringing out the natural caramel flavor of pecan without overdoing it on sweetness. ____

    Perfect pair: Apple butter is mildly sweet without overwhelming the delicateness of the pecan.

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    Alex Lau
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    Soybean Butter

    Also safe for schools, many soy butters try to mimic peanut butter as much as possible and border on artificial-tasting or cloyingly sweet. But for an allergen-free option, we don't mind WOWBUTTER ($5.50 for 17.6 oz.) or I.M.Healthy ($9.50 for 15 oz.).

    Perfect pair: Sliced apples add welcomed crunch and freshness.

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    Alex Lau
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    For Mature Palates: Sesame Butter (Tahini)

    We all agreed that tahini was slightly odd to include, but interesting nonetheless. But for those whose tastes lean more savory, Blue Mountain Organics' ($13 for 16 oz.) stone ground version is thicker and richer than the tahini you're used to.

    Perfect pair: Date syrup quickly balances out any bitterness, but a drizzle is all you need because it's ultra sweet.

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