3 Top Chefs Agree This Almond Butter Is the Best Budget-Friendly Choice
Updated: Oct 1
FEATURED IN EATINGWELL
By Christie Rotondo • January 27, 2026
EatingWell asked chefs which budget-friendly almond butter they actually buy. Melanie Underwood of Nourish & Gather shared what she looks for on the ingredient label, why texture matters and the brands she reaches for.
Her budget-friendly pick
Melanie recommends Kirkland Signature Creamy Almond Butter for its simple flavor and texture.
“It's consistently creamy, easy to spread straight from the fridge and has a clean, straightforward almond flavor.”
Read the ingredient list
Her rule is simple: almond butter does not need much added to it. She recommends looking for a product made with almonds and skipping unnecessary sugar or added oils.
“Skip the sugar—it’s not necessary and if you use it for baking, it ends up making most things too sweet.”
“Many people hate butters that have the natural oil separate and adding in palm oil prevents that.”
“But palm oil is not only bad for the environment, it is high in saturated fats and shifts the fat profile away from heart-healthy unsaturated fats.”
Another option she likes
For people without a Costco membership, Melanie recommends Once Again Almond Butter.
“Once Again comes the closest in taste to homemade.”
The larger takeaway
The piece reflects the way Melanie teaches people to evaluate food: look beyond the front of the package, understand what each ingredient is doing and choose based on flavor, texture and how you actually plan to use it.
EATINGWELL • FOOD & NUTRITION • Almond butter, ingredients and chef recommendations
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