A Comparison of Barney Butter to Peanut Butter

Almond butter has been growing in popularity as an alternative to peanut butter. A comparison of one such almond spread, Barney Butter, with peanut butter may provide assistance if you are trying to decide between the two.

Similarities

• Barney Butter and peanut butter each come in at around the same numbers for calories and fat content. Barney Butter has 180 calories and 15 g of fat per serving, while peanut butter has 190 calories and 16 g of fat per serving. They are similar in texture and are each a great source of protein.

Differences

• Barney Butter, as with most almond butters, is higher in vitamin E, iron, magnesium and calcium. It has lower saturated fats than peanut butter and higher monounsaturated fats, or "good" fats. As of 2010, the price of Barney Butter is $8.99 a jar, nearly $3 more than its peanut butter counterpart.

Taste and Allergies

• Barney butter and peanut butter have a similar taste. Barney Butter, of course, tastes like almonds and so is slightly drier and richer tasting than peanut butter.

  Peanuts are one of the most common allergies to have these days. But almond butter may not be an appropriate alternative. Experts believe that if a child already has a peanut allergy there is up to a 60 percent chance that he will also develop a tree nut (almonds fit in this category) allergy. Additionally experts at the Mayo clinic state that both peanuts and tree nuts are among the top eight allergens to avoid.