Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies which can cause a severe, potentially fatal, allergic reaction. Thus it is important for people with peanut allergy to avoid peanut. But what is life without peanut butter? Good news to peeps with/ without peanut allergy, there are alternatives available in the market such as almond nut butter, cashew nut butter and macadamia nut butter!
While many might be thinking where to get these nut butters, I have received a parcel from Garden Pick just 2 weeks ago to review these products. Yes, you can order these nut butter at the convenience of your home once you log on to their website. Don’t we all love online shopping? Anyway as you can see, the parcel arrived in a box with the bottles individually wrapped and protected with layers of newspapers. It is good to know that the products are being delivered via courier service so you can check the products before signing on the dotted line for receiving the goods.
As many have known, almond butter is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. In fact it has more omega-3 fatty acids than peanut butter. As almonds are one of the most nutritionally dense nut, they have high concentration of nutrients per calorie and ounce. The rich amount of nutrients such potassium and magnesium in almond also help to promote good cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol and provide a double-barreled protection against diabetes.
Besides spreading it on the bread, you can also use it as a base for pasta sauce, salad dressing or even a substitution for butter. There are ample of recipes found online and you might be amazed by its usage. Among the 3 nut butters that I have received, Almond nut butter has the texture nearest to a crunchy peanut butter. It has a naturally sweet and pleasant flavour from the almond. There are also small bites of almond in the nut butter. Be glad to know that there is no added sugar or salt and no additives or preservatives. For peeps who are looking for a gluten free, dairy free and GM free nut butter, this might be your option.
Like almond nuts, cashew nuts have many health benefits. It has a lower fat content than most other nuts with high amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats such as oleic and palmitoleic acids. These essential fatty acids help lower harmful LDL-cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol in the blood. Cashew nuts are also a good source of nutrients such as manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, vitamin B5, vitamin B-6, riboflavin, and vitamin B-1. There is also a presence of zeaxanthin which promotes eyes health.
The Cashew Nut Butter from Garden Pick is made from 100% cashews with no added oil, salt or sugar. It can be added to sauces to add body and replace thickening agents while boosting protein content. If you are on a diet, this can also be your guilt-free treat helping to suppress appetite. Personally I feel that the texture of the cashew nut butter is smoother and creamier as compared to the almond nut butter. If you are a cashew nut lover, do give it a try. =)
Although macadamia nuts have more omega-6s than peanut, it does not have as much of either fatty acid nor omega 3 than peanut. But among the nut varieties, macadamia nuts contain the highest concentration of monounsaturated fat which is good for the heart. As they are relatively low in protein, it is good to have them with milk, fortified bread, or even oatmeal to increase the punch and up the nutritional intake.
As macadamia nut has higher fat content thus it is mixed with cashew nut for easy usage (90% Macadamia & 10% Cashew). The cashew nuts are used to thicken the butter, as 100% Macadamia Butter will be too runny for use. Made with fresh Australian-grown macadamia nuts, this nut butter is the smoothest among the 3 butters without compromising on its taste. Yes, as a macadamia nut lover, I am totally in love with this nut for its prominent taste. Although it is more runny than the other 3, it is smoothest and taste the sweetest amongst the 3. I guess this could be awesome in a chocolate mousse, a cheesecake filling or on a fruit toast! For peeps who are more into cooking, this can be use as a marinade for chicken or prawns. =)
Garden Picks has been known for its choices of healthy snacks, they have up the game with the choices of nut butters. I am glad to find these nut butters which can be a good alternative for people who are looking for a peanut free, gluten free, dairy free and GM free nut butter with no added sugar, salt, additives and preservatives.
Garden Picks Food Manufacturing
8A Admiralty Street #06-05 FoodXChange@Admiralty, Singapore 757437
Tel: (65) 6659 4859
Email: enquiries@gardenpicks.com.sg
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