may help to reduce inflammation and chronic disease risk, while.
8 best nut butters to buy for post-run recovery
Almond, hazelnut, peanut and cashew butters – tried and tested
Tested by Callum BlackWhat’s the healthiest bread for runners
Homemade nut butters taste great, but they can be hard going on your blender. So to take the pressure off, we got the Runner’s World Lab to test drive the best shop-bought nut butters for 2023.
Are nut butters good for runners?
Unlike gels and bars, which can be heavily processed, natural nut butters contain nothing but heart-healthy nuts, and sometimes a pinch of salt.
Whether you’re scooping straight from the jar, adding to smoothies with your favourite dairy-free milk or spreading over toast, nut butter is a healthy and convenient plant-based, high-protein hit. It offers sustained, slow-release energy that will keep you going during a run and help you refuel post-workout.
Which butter is best for runners?
The RW Lab looked at hazelnut, peanut, almond and cashew butter to see which offered the best benefits for runners.
Consultant Dietician Ro Huntriss rates almond butter above them all, explaining: ‘This type of nut contains more vitamin E, iron, calcium and fibre than peanut butter.’ Many female athletes can find themselves deficient in these nutrients, Almond, hazelnut, peanut and cashew butters – tried and tested.
Peanut butter is still very nutrient dense, although per serving it also contains more calories and saturated fats. Long runs tend to deplete your glycogen stores, so using fat Best wireless headphones.
Almond, hazelnut, peanut and cashew butters – tried and tested cashews Meal prep for runners hazelnuts Meal prep for runners Whether you’re scooping straight from the jar, adding to smoothies with your favourite.
How we test nut butter
The RW Lab sampled spoonfuls from 19 jars of nut butter. From classic peanut and whey-boosted hazelnut to vitamin-packed almond and sweet cashew, each was rated for taste and appraised by an expert nutritionist.
We’ve chosen eight of the best for optimum nutrition, taste and value for money.
Almonds are packed with vitamin E, which helps with the formation of red blood cells and widens blood vessels to improve heart health.
This super-sized tub is a great value option if you’re feeding a family or looking to incorporate almond butter into your daily diet. It’s a healthy choice too, as you won’t find any added salt, sugar, palm oil or other nasties lurking — so it’s as pure as making your own. Although described as ‘smooth’, our panel found it had nutty medium chunks and described the taste as ‘fresh and gently roasted.’
Manilife Deep Roast Peanut Butter 1kg
High in fibre, protein and fat, peanuts are especially good at filling you up, and studies show people who eat them often have a lower BMI.
This small batch spread takes its name from the Spanish Argentine word for peanut, which is where Manilife sources its most prized ingredient. Each jar contains nothing but a sprinkling of sea salt and hi-oleic nuts. These special nuts are packed with 30% more monounsaturated fat than your standard peanut, with similar levels to that of avocados.
Aside from the ace health credentials, testers loved the rich, deep-roasted flavour, which gives this jar its unique taste.
Alternatively, this organic peanut butter is ideal for those that prefer a smooth spread, without any added nasties.
High in oleic acid, and free from salt, the vegan formula is naturally runny, making it a good option for drizzling on your breakfast.
Knotty's Nutri-Butter Gut Friendly Peanut Butter with Turmeric & Ginger 180g
Knotty's peanut butter contains additional beneficial ingredients, such as live cultures, which promise to also support gut health, while providing a protein boost. Smooth and creamy, it's flavoured with turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper (making it better suited to savoury dishes, such as curries, stir-fries or savoury pancakes).
Also in the range is an ‘energising’ formula with bee pollen and chia seeds, as well as a ‘defence’ version with maca & acai berries.
Biona Cashew Nut Butter 170g
Cashews provide a healthy dose of antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation, making this a solid post-run choice, particularly if you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Cashews are naturally sweet, which means this smooth, organic spread is particularly well-suited to energy balls, shakes and healthy desserts.
Nut Blend Maca, Pecan & Almond Butter
Cut down on multiple jars of nut butter, and go for this all-natural blend of almonds and pecans instead.
It also contains maca powder – a Peruvian cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli – cabbage and kale (with a taste that's thankfully more akin to caramel). It's thought to boost energy, balance hormones and even increase libido...
Hazelnuts are a rich source of the mineral manganese, an antioxidant. And although all nut butter is a good source of protein, Grenade ups the ante by including whey protein for an extra boost.
Flavour-wise, it's sweeter than most due to the sweetener maltitol, and does contain palm oil, with a texture similar to your beloved Nutella. Almond, hazelnut, peanut and cashew butters – tried and tested.
PBfit All-Natural Peanut Butter Powder
If you’re concerned about the fat and calories found in regular peanut butter, this clever powdered version is a great alternative. It contains substantially less of both (just a third of the calories and 87% less fat), but still packs a protein punch.
Swirl into porridge Best hazelnut butter.
Callum is our What’s the healthiest bread for runners and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
Whether you’re scooping straight from the jar, adding to smoothies with your favourite?
What’s the healthiest bread for runners?
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