Sunflower seed butter is one of the best alternatives to peanut butter. It is a food paste that is made from sunflower seeds. Since a lot of people have peanut and tree nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great allergy-friendly alternative. It is made the exact same way as peanut butter, it’s just that peanuts are swapped out with sunflower seeds. It is also a bit thicker compared to peanut butter.
If you want to try using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, read on to know more about sunflower seed butter and what benefits you can get from it.
History of Sunflower Seed Butter
It was in the early 1980s when the United States commercial versions of sunflower seed butter were first introduced as alternatives to peanut butter. It is made particularly for people who have nut allergies or peanut allergies. However, these attempts were unsuccessful because it resulted in having a greenish appearance, poor texture, and as well as a bitter, under-roasted taste.
In 2000, after a couple of decades, the researchers at the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture, who were working with sunflower seed processor Red River Commodities, established a formulation that resembled the taste and appearance of commercially available peanut butter. They focused on the degree of roasting, and as well as on the amounts of sugar, salt, and stabilizer used. They also invested in new hybrids of sunflower seeds and specialized production areas. The SunGold Foods, Inc. subsidiary was also formed, which created a peanut-free and tree-nut-free food processing, packaging, shipping, and distribution environment.
In 2002, the substitute for peanut butter was introduced and became known as SunButter. In 2011, it became available in major grocery retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods. In the present time, there are many companies that started producing their very one sunflower seed butter.
Health Benefits and Uses of Sunflower Seed Butter
Sunflower seed butter, aside from being an alternative to peanut butter for those with allergies, also offers a lot of health benefits. It is made from little nutrient-dense sunflower seeds, which are known to be a great source of protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats. The protein and healthy fats that it contains can help in keeping you satiated, feel full, and energized. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce cell damage in the body and can help in slowing the aging process.
Sunflower seed butter also contains magnesium, which is a key mineral in the body. It helps in promoting good sleep, muscle recovery, and healthy digestion and elimination. Most sunflower seed butter, especially organic ones, are dairy-free, palm oil-free, and gluten-free.
Sunflower seed butter can be used as a spread on bread, toast, and other pastries. Aside from that, it is also a fun ingredient to cook or bake with. You can also use it to drizzle on pancakes and waffles, add to oatmeal or smoothie, or pair it with apples or celery. When baking, you can use it instead of peanut butter.
How Sunflower Seed Butter is Made
Did you know that you can easily make sunflower seed butter at home? Yes, you can. All you need are 3 cups of hulled sunflower seeds, ¼ cup of coconut sugar, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Here are some of the steps you can follow.
- First, preheat the oven to 350F and spread a thin layer of sunflower seeds on a large rimmed baking sheet. After that, toast them until they turn lightly golden and have a nutty aroma. This can take about 20 to 25 minutes. You can also stir the seeds every 10 minutes to make sure that they do not burn.
- After toasting the seeds, pour them into a food processor, and use an S blade to process them. Ground the sunflower seeds into a fine meal, and then continue until they start to form a sticky ball. Then take another 5 minutes for the butter to become creamy.
- When the butter becomes smooth, you can add coconut sugar and salt. To taste, keep processing the butter for 2 more minutes.
- After processing, transfer the butter to a glass jar with an airtight lid. Then store it in the fridge. The sunflower seed butter can last for a month or longer in the fridge.
The Best Sunflower Seed Butter You Can Buy
If you do not have time to make sunflower seed butter at home, you can definitely find some in grocery stores, as well. Here are some of the best sunflower seed butter we can recommend:
Yumbutter Organic Sunflower Butter
This sunflower butter is naturally delicious, and it is crafted to create a naturally smooth and delicious seed butter. It is an organic sunflower butter that is placed in a squeezable pouch, making it easy for you to smother it on fruits, spread on bread, and add to dishes with no mess. It is also resealable, allowing you to bring it anywhere. It is packed with 6 grams of plant-based protein per serving. It is also gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and kosher.
Sunbutter Natural Sunflower Seed Spread
This is one of the best alternatives to peanut butter because of its taste and texture. It is perfect for making spread similar or PB&J, but a smoother version. It is great for those who do not like crunchy nut butter.
Vor Pure Sunflower Seed Butter
This is an all-natural and pure sunflower seed butter that is creamy, smooth, and full of flavor. It is gluten-free, soy-free, and preservative-free, as well. It is made simply by grinding down pure roasted sunflower seeds. You can use this for many purposes, as a spread, as a baking ingredient, or for snacking by itself.
Trader Joe’s Sunflower Seed Butter
This sunflower seed butter is 100% organic, and it is made from the highest grade of sunflower seeds. It does not contain hydrogenated oils. It is a tasty spread for bread and crackers. It is perfect for picky eaters and for those with nut allergies.
Once Again Organic Sunflower Seed Butter
This organic sunflower seed butter does not contain sugar and salt, but it has great taste. It also has a smooth consistency, making it an easy to use and versatile ingredient. Therefore, if you are looking for a healthier peanut butter alternative, this is one of the best options for you.
Wild Friends Foods Honey Sunflower Butter
This sunflower seed butter is organic, all-natural, non-GMO certified, kosher certified, palm oil-free, gluten-free, and made in a peanut-free facility. It contains 7 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, 0 grams trans-fat, and 2 grams of sugar. It is perfect to use on sandwiches, baking, and any other snack.
Laurel’s Butter Sunflower Butter
This sunflower butter is made using only roasted sunflower seeds and sea salt. It is vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and does not contain any preservatives. It also contains whey protein, which is a derivative of dairy milk. It is 100% natural.
Windy City Organics Sprouted Sunflower Seed Butter
This sunflower butter is made with BPA-free sprouted sunflower seeds. It is 100% organic, raw, and stone ground. It is a handcrafted sunflower seed butter that is silky smooth and delicious. It is a perfect alternative to peanut butter, and you can also use it for cooking and baking.
Gopal’s Organic Raw Sprouted Sunflower Seed Butter
This is a delicious and highly nutritious sunflower seed butter. The seeds were soaked and germinated, making it sprout. When the seeds are sprouted, the starch it contains is metabolized, giving it less starch and higher protein and fiber. It is handcrafted in the cleanest production facilities, which are gluten- and peanut-free. This sunflower seed butter is an excellent source of protein, magnesium, selenium, and Vitamin E. It does not contain artificial ingredients like sugar, fillers, and preservatives.
Naturally Nutty Organic Sunflower Butter
This is a delicious sunflower butter that is made using organic sunflower seeds. It is pure and smooth with a touch of organic sugar. It is easily spreadable on sandwiches and can also be used for baking and cooking, or even just by eating it alone. It is indeed a healthier alternative to peanut butter.
These are some of the best sunflower seed butter we can recommend. If you are searching for a delicious alternative to peanut butter, then sunflower seed butter is indeed one of the best choices you have.