Comparing Seed Butters

By now you are no doubt used to us discussing the many benefits of seed butter over peanut or tree nut butter. But what is the difference between different kinds of seed butter? Does it matter which one you choose to consume or are they all much the same?

To understand which is the best option for your health, you need to look deeper into the health benefits of the particular seed used and how the butter is produced.

What Is Seed Butter? 

Seed butter, as its name suggests, is a butter or spread made using seeds. Similar to peanut butter or tree nut butter, the seeds are blended until they form a smooth paste. Seed butter is similar in texture to nut butter and can be substituted for peanut or tree nut butter with great success. 

It is ideal for those with allergies or intolerances that make consuming nut-based butter products detrimental to their health. Seed butter can also deliver a huge nutritional load thanks to the many vitamins and minerals that seeds contain. 

Is Seed Butter Better For You Than Nut Butter?

Overall, yes. Seed butter has a denser nutrition profile than most nut butter choices and is lower in saturated fat and carbohydrates while also being higher in protein. Should you have allergies to peanuts and tree nuts such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and the like, seed butter offers a safe way to still enjoy a similar nutty flavor and texture without health risks. 

Many leading nut butter brands also add significant amounts of sugar, salt, and oil to their products. This makes them much less healthy and somewhat cancels out much of the good nutrition that nuts contain. 

Most Common Seeds Used In Seed Butter Production

Are all seeds able to be turned into butter? In theory yes, however, some seeds are more popular than others due to their taste, texture, and availability. The most common seeds you will see in seed butter include

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are incredibly nutritious and contain high levels of iron, calcium, B2, folate, and beta-carotene, which the body metabolizes into vitamin A. They also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds have a very mild flavor that pairs well with savory dishes. 

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are high in magnesium, vitamin E, and protein all of which can help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Shelled before grinding, they have an earthy, nutty flavor and a firm texture that can mimic crunchy peanut butter when coarsely blended.  

Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon seeds taste similar to sunflower seeds and are also high in protein and low in carbohydrates. High in minerals like magnesium and iron, they are full of healthy fats, amino acids and must be shelled before consumption.  

Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids as well as protein, fiber, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese, and selenium. These tiny seeds have a mild almost indiscernible flavor that tends to take on the taste of things they are mixed with. 

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein which can help lower blood sugar and insulin levels, aid in weight loss, and improve skin health. This seed has a mildly nutty flavor and is also rich in lignans which are shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are high in protein, unsaturated fats, and fiber. They also contain essential minerals such as zinc, iron, and B vitamins niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and folate. They are most often compared taste-wise to a cross between a sunflower seed and a pine nut. 

Sesame Seeds 

Sesame seeds have a distinct, dense flavor that can be enhanced through toasting or roasting. Sesame seeds contain a good dose of healthy fats as well as being high in fiber, protein, essential minerals, antioxidants, and B group vitamins. When decent portions of these seeds are regularly consumed it may help to control blood sugar, lower cholesterol and manage the symptoms of arthritis. 

Soybeans

Despite their name, soybeans are also a type of seed. Generally quite bland in flavor, they do offer a smooth texture when blended. Soybeans contain a huge amount of fiber and protein, they are low in saturated fat, a good source of antioxidants, and omega 3 fatty acids. 

Things To Watch Out For

While most seeds will pose minimal health risks, sesame and soy are also allergens. Peanuts and soy come from the same family and are known as legumes, so often an allergy to one comes hand in hand with the other

Soy also contains phytoestrogens which are a form of natural estrogen, which may disrupt the body’s normal hormonal balance if consumed in high amounts. 

Be mindful to always check the label of any seed butter and check that no unnecessary additives have been mixed in. Seed butter has a great natural flavor and does not benefit from having oil, sugar, or high amounts of salt added. 

For those with allergies, also check that your chosen seed butter is not produced in the same facility as the top 8 allergens or sesame.

Benefits Of Seed Blends 

At Beyond The Equator, we have taken all the very best seeds and created a blend that optimizes the various aspects of their nutritional profile. Rather than focus on a single seed, our blend contains sunflower, pumpkin, hemp, flax, and chia to give you a nutritionally dense spread that tastes great.

We add no oil and avoid adding sugar or salt, as much as possible and all our products are manufactured in an environment free of the top 8 allergens. This makes our 5 Seed Butter blend safe for allergy sufferers, those with health concerns, and vegans alike.  

Our goal is and always has been to create a seed butter spread that acts as the ideal safe, healthy and flavorful alternative to nut butter. Ensuring everyone can enjoy their favorite dishes with zero compromises and never feel left out. 

Shop our innovative range today and experience the very best seed butter on the market.

from Beyond the Equator - Blog https://beyondtheequator.com/blogs/blog/comparing-seed-butters
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