Peanut Butter vs. Sun Butter

While the most obvious difference is that one is made from peanuts and the other is made from sunflower seeds, the real crux of the argument of peanut butter vs. sun butter comes down to the nutritional aspects. While sun butter may have more vitamin E and iron, peanut butter has less fat and sugar.

Peanut Butter vs. Sun Butter: What Is the Difference?

The differences of peanut butter vs. sun butter start with the ingredients. While peanuts are not technically considered nuts, but instead legumes, many people are allergic to peanuts and peanut butter. On the other hand, sun butter is completely nut-free in every way. Instead, sun butter is made out of sunflower seeds. Both of these products are made in a smooth consistency and can be spread on desserts and sandwiches in addition to being an ingredient in a larger dish.

Peanut Butter vs. Sun Butter: How They’re Made

Different ingredients mean that the products will be made in their own unique way. Sun butter is made from sunflower seeds, sweetener (honey, maple syrup), oil, and salt. The oil is added to produce the creaminess of the butter. The syrup, honey, or other natural flavors help to elevate the taste.

If you make sun butter, but it tastes too much like sunflower seeds, then you can roast the seeds. Then, you’ll get that roasted undertone like with peanut butter. You can also add salt to give it more kick. The spread will be thick and creamy and generally softer than peanut butter. 

Peanut butter is made from shelled roasted peanuts that are ground down into a fine paste. In addition to the peanuts, there will also be salt, sweeteners, and emulsifiers to modify the taste. Regardless of what you do, you’ll still get that strong peanut flavor. Peanut butter comes in a larger variety of flavors, including chunky, creamy, organic, and more.

Peanut Butter vs. Sun Butter: Nutrition

When comparing the products, the largest difference is the nutritional aspects. Keep in mind that both peanut and sun butter are very healthy. They’re just healthy in different ways.

Peanut Butter

Make no mistake. Peanut butter is exceptionally healthy. It includes many essential nutrients, including magnesium, vitamin E, iron, selenium, and vitamin B6, among others. Its main claim to fame is that it packs a lot of fiber, which helps you to feel fuller for longer, so you can manage your weight. The peanuts in this product are also full of unsaturated fats, which is key for lowering your cholesterol and good for your heart health. 

Then there are the biotin or B vitamins that help to keep your hair smooth and silky. Vitamin E nourishes your skin and protects you from dangerous UV rays. 

Peanut butter is a very healthy snack. You can use it on your sandwiches, as an ingredient in larger recipes, or just as a snack. That means that you can eat it a lot, and it will prevent weight gain while also keeping your blood sugar under control. 

Sun Butter

Some nutritionists say that sun butter wins in the battle of peanut butter vs. sun butter when it comes to health benefits. Sun butter is packed full of protein. Each serving has about three grams of protein, and that’s enough to ensure that your muscles stay strong, that you’re fuller for longer, and that you don’t eat more than necessary.

There’s also a ton of vitamin E in sun butter which is great for balancing your cholesterol levels. Also, it reduces how quickly you age and reduces cell damage along the way. Most of all, vitamin E improves your immune system, which prevents illness. Then there’s the magnesium that relieves muscle spasms, helps you to stay energized, and, best of all, helps us to get sleep at night. 

Sun butter also has all of the healthy fats that our bodies need. While trans fats can make you feel slow and sluggish, healthy fats help to lower cholesterol and inflammation. 

All in all, sun butter provides the following nutrients:

• Protein
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin B6
• Zinc
• Niacin
• Iron
• Copper
• Vitamin E

What Are Substitutes for Peanut Butter?

If you love the texture of peanut butter, but you’re looking to try something new, then there are multiple substitutes you may enjoy instead.

Almond Butter

If you’re not allergic to tree nuts, then almond butter is a great substitute. It has a similar nutty taste, and in many cases, it’s actually healthier than peanut butter. It has more fiber, calcium, vitamin E, and monounsaturated fats.

Pea Butter

While it may sound like peanut butter, pea butter isn’t made with nuts at all. Pea butter is made from brown peas, so you get a similar texture and a good spread, but no allergens, and it’s gluten-free.

Soy Butter

People often recommend soy butter because the soybeans it’s made with are also roasted, just like the peanuts in peanut butter. There’s also a lot of protein and omega-3 fats, so it’s very healthy.

Cashew Butter

Like peanut butter, cashew butter is great for spreading and baking, and it’s a great source of magnesium, which helps with blood pressure. Some experts say that consuming up to 64  grams of cashews per day can lead to reduced cholesterol levels. 

Walnut Butter

As you may imagine, walnut butter has a nutty flavor that’s also very spreadable. Consuming this butter provides dietary fiber, healthy fats, and the highest omega-3-to-omega-6 ratio of all tree nuts. Walnut butter is great with smoothies, on toast, and in all the other ways that you’d also enjoy peanut butter. 

Hazelnut Butter

Don’t confuse hazelnut butter with products like Nutella, because natural hazelnut butter, which is less processed, is very good for you. It’s rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. They may also work as an inflammatory.

Pecan Butter

It tastes great on bread and as part of recipes in addition to being loaded with nutrients. It has zinc, magnesium, and only four grams of carbs per two tablespoons. In fact, it has a lower carb count than peanut butter, and it tastes really great.

Coconut Butter

Made from shredded coconut meat, coconut butter has a slightly stiffer consistency than peanut butter, but it can be very delicious. It also contains medium-chain fatty acids, which help to support weight loss.

What Are Substitutes for Sun Butter?

If you’re interested in sun butter because it takes the nuts out of the equation, then you’ll be happy to know that there are many other nut-free substitutes that are delicious and nutritious, while providing a similar texture.

Tahini

Many people who like sun butter can also tolerate tahini (sometimes called sesame seed butter), which is also a seed butter. Since there are no nuts, it’s safe for people with allergies, and it offers a similar texture and a nice spread.

Almond Butter

If you like the flavor of sun butter, but you’re looking for a bit more, then almond butter is similar but with more of a flavor punch. The texture is almost identical to sun butter.

Peanut Butter Recipes

In the mood for some peanut butter goodness? Then try these amazing recipes:

• Waffle Cone S’mores – Peanut butter chips + mini marshmallows = delicious.

• Peanut Butter Pie – A delicious treat for the whole family.

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge – These gooey treats will keep the kids coming back for more. 

• Buttermilk Corn Fritters – Spread some peanut butter on these fritters for a great treat.

• Peanut Butter Cookies – You can’t go wrong with this classic recipe.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a fair amount of differences in the peanut butter vs. sun butter debate, but both products are delicious and incredibly nutritious. Consider incorporating one or both into your diet. You won’t regret it.