The Nutritional Power of Pecan Butter (2024)

Alabama Pecan Company

by Elizabeth Shanks

September 20, 2023

Pecan butter is an exquisite and nutrient-dense spread that often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Pecan butter offers a unique flavor and an impressive array of health benefits. I want to dive intopecan butter and its nutritional information, helping you understand why it’s a fantastic addition to your diet.

Pecan butter is made by grinding roasted pecans until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency. Its rich, nutty flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Now, let’s delve into the nutritional aspects of pecan butter.

Nutritional Information (per 2-tablespoon serving):

1. Calories: Pecan butter is energy-dense, providing approximately 196 calories per serving. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to boost their calorie intake healthily.

2. Healthy Fats: Pecans are renowned for their healthy fat content. Pecan butter is primarily composed of monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to improved heart health. A serving contains around 20 grams of fat, with only 1.8 grams of saturated fat.

3. Protein: Pecan butter contains about 3 grams of protein per serving, making it a decent source of plant-based protein.

4. Fiber: Pecan butter offers approximately 2.5 grams of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help you feel fullfor longer.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: Pecan butter is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesiumand zinc. These nutrients play important roles in immune support, skin healthand more.

6. Antioxidants: Pecans are rich in antioxidants, particularly ellagic acid, which may help protect cells from oxidative damage.

The Nutritional Power of Pecan Butter (1)

Health Benefits of Pecan Butter:

1. Heart Health: The monounsaturated fats in pecan butter are heart-healthy and can contribute to reduced cholesterol levels.

2. Weight Management: Despite its calorie content, consuming pecan butter in moderation can help with weight management due to its satiating effect.

3. Improved Nutrient Intake: Pecan butter is a convenient way to incorporate essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium into your diet.

4. Antioxidant Protection: The antioxidants in pecan butter may help combat free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

5. Bone Health: Pecans are a source of magnesium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Ways to Enjoy Pecan Butter:

• Spread it on whole-grain toast or rice cakes.

• Add it to smoothies for a creamy texture and nutty flavor.

• Use it as a dip for apple or banana slices.

• Incorporate it into your baking recipes as a healthier alternative to butter.

• Drizzle it over oatmeal or yogurt for added richness

Pecan butter is not only a delicious and versatile nut butter but also a nutritional powerhouse. Its impressive combination of healthy fats, protein, vitaminsand minerals make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. So, the next time you’re shopping for nut butter, don’t forget to give pecan butter a try – your taste buds and your health will thank you!

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Give this recipe a try, it’s perfect for all those fall and holiday get together.

Honey Pecan Truffles

Time: 1 hour

Servings: 30 truffles

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 stick Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup Sweet Grown AlabamaHoney Pecan Butter
  • 1.5 cups Confectioners' Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 4 oz. Milk Chocolate Wafers
  • 2 oz. Dark Chocolate Wafers

Directions:

1. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat butter using paddle attachment until light and fluffy, approx. 2 minutes.

2.Add honey pecan butter to butter and mix well.

3. Next add in confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup at a time.

4. Once sugar is fully incorporated, add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

5. On a parchment lined baking sheet, using a teaspoon, form individual balls and set them on baking sheet, place in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

6. While the pecan butter mixture is chilling, melt your chocolate in the microwave in 20 second intervals, stir after each interval until melted and shiny in appearance.

7. Pull the pecan balls from the fridge and using a fork, roll each of them in chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.

8. Top with sprinkles or pecans and let sit until chocolate hardens.

9. Devour all of them or share them, whichever you prefer!

The Nutritional Power of Pecan Butter (3)

The Nutritional Power of Pecan Butter (2024)

FAQs

How healthy is pecan butter? ›

Pecan butter is primarily composed of monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to improved heart health. A serving contains around 20 grams of fat, with only 1.8 grams of saturated fat. 3. Protein: Pecan butter contains about 3 grams of protein per serving, making it a decent source of plant-based protein.

Is eating pecans every day healthy? ›

Yes, pecans are a delicious and nutritious food choice that offer multiple health benefits. They're high in nutrients, heart-healthy, may improve digestion, lower blood sugar levels, aid in weight loss, promote brain function, and may even help prevent cancer.

Which nut is healthier, walnut or pecan? ›

As you can see, walnuts and pecans are both winners in terms of nutritional value. While pecans have fewer calories and more fiber, walnuts offer a higher degree of protein. Whichever you choose, you'll enjoy heart-healthy nutrition with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healthy cholesterol properties.

How many pecans should you eat a day? ›

Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.

What is the healthiest nut butter to eat? ›

"Of all the nut butters, walnut butter has the most omega-3 fatty acids," Andrea says. The healthful fat ratio helps lower LDL cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol, and reduce inflammation.

Which butter is the healthiest? ›

Grass-fed butter offers some health benefits to counteract the health risks it poses. It appears to have lower levels of saturated fats and more unsaturated fats than standard butter. This is because grass-fed butter is made from the milk of cows that are allowed to graze instead of being fed high-grain diets.

What organ are pecans good for? ›

Pecans are also uniquely high in good fats and other heart healthy nutrients which is why this special nut is certified by the American Heart Association's® Heart-Check Program.

Are pecans good for the kidneys? ›

Pecans and a Kidney-Friendly Diet

The American Heart Association5 recognizes pecans as a heart healthy food. Pecans may be beneficial for people with kidney disease who also have heart disease. Pecans are a good source of plant fiber. One serving contains 3 grams of fiber and 2.6 grams of protein.

What is the number one healthiest nut? ›

1. Almonds. Relatively low in calories, almonds are an excellent food for health due to their protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Are pecans anti-inflammatory? ›

The anti-inflammatory properties of pecans reduced low-grade inflammation that leads to chronic inflammation and the development of a range of prevalent diseases. This also shows pecans maintain body weight and prevent diabetes despite consuming a high fat diet.

Does pecan have omega-3? ›

In a one-ounce serving of pecans, you can enjoy a remarkable 280 mg of omega-3 fats and 5.84 g of omega-6 fats. Pecans are full of other vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, vitamin E, and calcium, to support healthy eyes, skin, and bones.

What nut has the most protein? ›

Peanuts are the highest protein nut containing 6.58 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving. Peanuts are closely followed by almonds and pistachios, which contain 6.07 and 5.81 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving respectively.

Which nut is a superfood? ›

According to Harvard Health, some of the healthiest nuts are: Almonds. Brazil nuts. Cashews.

What should not be eaten with nuts? ›

And although nuts are a healthy choice by themselves, they'll quickly become detrimental to any diet when paired with sugary or salty toppings or mixes.

Are pecans a superfood? ›

According to researchers at Texas A&M University, pecans may help prevent obesity, reduce inflammation, and increase energy consumption; and together with their high nutrient content, these benefits put them in the superfood category.

What is the most unhealthy nut butter? ›

The 10 Unhealthiest Nut Butters on Grocery Shelves
  • Jif Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter.
  • Skippy Natural Peanut Butter With Honey.
  • B. ...
  • Skippy Reduced Fat Peanut Butter.
  • Peanut Butter & C0. White Chocolatey Wonderful.
  • Peter Pan Honey Roasted Peanut Butter.
  • Great Value Creamy Peanut Butter.
  • Peanut Butter & Co Mighty Maple.
Apr 8, 2024

Is eating nut butter as healthy as eating nuts? ›

But use caution: While nut butters generally deliver the same benefits as the nuts they contain – protein and healthy fats, for example – some may contain excess amounts of sugar or saturated fats.

Can you eat nut butter everyday? ›

It is OK to eat peanut butter every day, but in moderation. Do not eat more than 2 tablespoons, approximately 32 grams, a day. This protein-packed spread is made by blending roasted peanuts into a thick paste and contains various nutrients that promote good health.

Is nut butter a superfood? ›

The Bottom Line. Almond butter is a nutritious food to add to your routine. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, specifically vitamin E, fiber and heart-healthy fats. As a result, it can boost your heart health and gut health and help with blood sugar management.

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