How to Make Homemade Organic Raw Almond Butter

If you have almonds in your kitchen, the best almond butter is just one step away! Try this super easy tutorial on how to make homemade organic raw almond butter and let me know what you think!

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Raw Almond Butter vs. Roasted Almond Butter

Sourcing Raw

The best option for sourcing almonds, if you want to really know your food, is to buy them organic, raw, and direct from the farmer (or if you’re in California, grow them yourself!). This way you can ensure that you are eliminating any spray or pesticide use as is common when buying conventional. To read more in-depth about what constitutes raw (like what you find at the store) versus what raw actually means (absolutely no pasteurization), check out this post. The United States does not allow almonds to be sold completely raw in grocery stores. They are required to go through a steam pasteurization process, but can still labeled as raw. That’s why knowing your farmer is usually the best choice as you can buy direct from a grower who isn’t subject to this law. 

Roasting at Home

Since I opt to buy my almonds directly from a grower (organic and unpasteurized), if I want to add some flavor, I can opt to roast them myself. This is a simple process that just means exposing the almonds to heat over a period of time. I usually soak my almonds first and then dehydrate them in the oven at 170°F, which for me, is enough to add a little flavor. The long slow roasting helps to get any of the water out of the almond before consuming or storing it. If there is any water left, it is more susceptible to mold. Another option is to roast your almonds at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time, but if you soak them first, you want to be sure that the almonds dry out during the roasting process, which may require lower heat. I write more about the benefits of soaking almonds here. You want to be sure there is no water in your almonds when making your almond butter.

You can also read more about how to source organic almonds that have not been pasteurized here. 

The Health Benefits of Almond Butter

Almond butter is not only a tasty treat but also a nutrient-rich food. Here are some of the health benefits associated with almond butter:

Rich in Nutrients: Almond butter is packed with essential nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. These nutrients support heart health, aid in digestion, and boost overall well-being.

Healthy Fats: Almond butter contains monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Blood Sugar Regulation: The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in almond butter helps stabilize blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.

Bone Health: Almond butter is a good source of magnesium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for bone health and strength.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Almond Butter

I typically prefer to make my own raw nut butters as opposed to buying them from the grocery store. This has to do with multiple factors:

Control Ingredients

If I buy my own nuts, I have a better understanding of how the nut was grown (especially when buying direct from the farmer). This ensures that I have only the raw ingredients that i need and I can process the food myself. When I make my own food, I can control how much additives I put in like sugar and salt. It’s easier to follow certain diets when you can control what goes into the recipe. Store-bought almond butters often contain additional ingredients to keep it’s shelf life. You can keep your ingredients clean and organic when sourcing raw. 

Reduces Waste

I am an avid zero waste advocate and anything that comes in a package (or multiple packages) is something I try to reduce. Though my almonds have to be shipped (because they aren’t grown in my region), I can’t avoid packaging altogether, but I can reduce it but making my own almond butter and putting it in a reusable jar. 

Price

Almonds in general are expensive, but any time I can reduce the middle man and make something myself, I opt to. Especially when it’s as simple as this. When you use raw ingredients, you can typically use them for multiple recipes. In this case, your almonds can be eaten as almonds or prepared as almond butter, almond flour, or almond milk!

Small Batches

When you make food from only raw ingredients, you can make as much or as little as you need.

How to Make Almond Butter at Home

Making nut butter at home is surprisingly simple and requires minimal ingredients. Here’s a basic almond butter recipe to get you started:

Ingredients

• 3 cups of raw almonds
• Optional: a pinch of sea salt, honey, pure maple syrup, or vanilla extract for flavor

Equipment

• Food processor
• Glass jar

Instructions

1. Be sure to use prepared almonds (soaked and roasted or dehydrated)
2. Place almonds food processor or high-powered blender. Process the almonds for 8-10 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until they form a smooth and creamy butter consistency. If desired, add salt, honey, or vanilla extract to taste. 
3. Transfer the almond butter to a clean, airtight jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

When the almond butter is stored in the refrigerator, it shouldn’t encounter oil separation. If it does, just stir the oil back in. Refrigerating raw almonds and almond butter is best practice for keeping it fresh. 

Reducing Waste Through DIY Almond Butter

Making almond butter at home not only saves money but also reduces waste. Here’s how:

1. Minimal Packaging: When you make almond butter at home, you eliminate the need for plastic jars or containers that often come with store-bought options. Instead, you can store homemade almond butter in reusable glass jars, reducing single-use plastic waste.
2. Use of Whole Ingredients: By starting with whole almonds and avoiding processed additives, you reduce packaging waste associated with pre-packaged foods.

Enjoy Your Almond Butter!

One of my favorite ways to use this organic almond butter is on homemade sourdough bread! You can also use it for homemade granola, smoothies, almond butter chocolate chip cookies, and so much more!

How to Make Homemade Organic Raw Almond Butter

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Author: Jodie Van Huysen

Equipment

• 1 Food Processor
• 1 Glass Jar

Ingredients

• 3 cups raw almonds prepared at home (soaked and roasted)
• pinch sea salt optional
• 1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup optional
• 1 tsp vanilla extract optional

Instructions

• Be sure to use prepared almonds (soaked and roasted or dehydrated)
• Place almonds food processor or high-powered blender. Process the almonds for 8-10 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until they form a smooth and creamy butter consistency. If desired, add salt, honey, or vanilla extract to taste.
• Transfer the almond butter to a clean, airtight jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.