If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of the grocery store spread aisle, torn between peanut butter, tahini, and something that sounds like “cookie butter,” you’re not alone.
The options are overwhelming, and not all spreads are created equal. Some are silky and wholesome, others are dangerously addictive, and a few might make you wonder why you ever bothered with plain old butter in the first place.
So, we did the hard (and delicious) work for you. We taste-tested 10 of the most popular spreads—from classics to modern favorites—to find out which ones deserve a permanent spot in your pantry. Here’s how they stacked up.
10. Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
There’s something about this spread that instantly transports you back to childhood lunchboxes and Saturday morning PB&Js. Jif’s creamy peanut butter has that nostalgic flavor—smooth, slightly sweet, and perfectly spreadable—that reminds you why it’s been a household staple for decades.
Unlike many “natural” peanut butters that separate and require a mini arm workout to stir, Jif is ready to go right out of the jar. Its texture is luxurious and uniform, making it ideal for everything from sandwiches to dipping apple slices.
While it’s not the healthiest option out there, it’s the one you’ll secretly crave when comfort food calls. Sometimes, simple really does win.
9. Justin’s Classic Almond Butter
A spoonful of this almond butter is like eating a handful of roasted almonds—only smoother and more satisfying. Justin’s Classic Almond Butter has an earthy, nut-forward flavor with just the right touch of natural sweetness.
It’s the spread you reach for when you’re trying to eat clean but still want a treat. The slightly gritty texture adds personality, reminding you this isn’t overly processed. It’s also a great source of healthy fats and protein, making it perfect for a pre-workout snack or a quick breakfast boost.
Just be warned: it’s thick enough to slow down your spoon, but worth every calorie.
8. Maranatha Organic Cashew Butter
If peanut butter and almond butter had a mellow, buttery cousin, this would be it. Maranatha’s Organic Cashew Butter is incredibly smooth, mild, and just sweet enough to make your taste buds dance without overwhelming them.
Its creamy consistency makes it ideal for spreading on toast, stirring into oatmeal, or even using in baking. Cashew butter’s subtle flavor is a dream base for creative pairings—think honey, cinnamon, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate.
It’s the kind of spread that whispers luxury, not shouts it. A little indulgent? Sure. But totally worth it for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
7. Barney Butter Bare Smooth Almond Butter
For anyone who likes their nut butter pure and simple, Barney Butter Bare delivers. It skips the added sugar and salt, letting the almonds take center stage with their naturally rich, slightly toasty taste.
The texture is silky and easy to spread, a rarity among clean-label almond butters. It’s perfect for those who love simplicity but still crave something creamy and satisfying. Plus, it’s peanut-free and made in an almond-only facility—great news for anyone with allergies at home.
Whether you’re dolloping it onto yogurt or just sneaking a spoonful after dinner, this one’s all about honest, no-fuss flavor.
6. NuttZo Power Fuel Crunchy
Variety lovers, this one’s your dream come true. NuttZo’s Power Fuel Crunchy is a chaotic masterpiece in the best way—blending almonds, cashews, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, and brazil nuts into one powerhouse jar.
Each bite is a texture adventure, with crunchy bits that make your toast or smoothie bowl far more interesting. It’s not just tasty—it’s packed with omega-3s, protein, and minerals that’ll keep you fueled all morning.
There’s a nuttiness that’s deep and complex, with just enough salt to keep you coming back for more. You can practically feel your health improving as you eat it.
5. 88 Acres Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter
Who says chocolate spreads can’t be healthy? This one proves you can have dessert and nutrition in the same spoonful. 88 Acres’ Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter combines the richness of cocoa with the subtle earthiness of sunflower seeds—without a trace of nuts.
It’s allergy-friendly, plant-based, and downright irresistible. The flavor is reminiscent of brownie batter, but not cloyingly sweet. Plus, the creamy texture spreads beautifully on toast or drizzles nicely over fruit.
Parents will love it because it’s safe for school lunches, and kids will love it because it tastes like a treat. Everyone wins.
4. Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter
Every once in a while, a spread comes along that’s less “breakfast food” and more “can’t-put-it-down obsession.” Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter is that spread. Made from crushed spiced cookies, it’s like spreading the essence of the holidays onto your toast.
The flavor is warm and cozy—notes of cinnamon, ginger, and brown sugar dance together in perfect harmony. Its thick, velvety texture makes it perfect for spreading, dipping, or spooning straight from the jar (we won’t judge).
This one’s dangerously addictive, so proceed with caution. Once you open it, there’s no going back.
3. Nutella Hazelnut Spread
Few spreads have achieved global cult status quite like Nutella. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and nutty all at once—the trifecta of comfort in a jar. One bite instantly reminds you why this iconic spread has fans from toddlers to grandparents.
The balance between roasted hazelnuts and smooth cocoa creates a luxurious experience that feels indulgent but familiar. It’s delicious on pancakes, strawberries, toast—or straight off the spoon at midnight.
Sure, it’s not the healthiest choice, but when you need a little happiness boost, Nutella never disappoints.
2. Lotus Biscoff Cookie Butter
For anyone who’s ever snuck extra airplane cookies, this spread is your reward. Lotus Biscoff Cookie Butter captures that same caramelized, subtly spiced flavor that made those little biscuits legendary.
It’s smoother than Speculoos, with a buttery finish that feels like dessert in spreadable form. The flavor is deep and sweet, with a hint of cinnamon that lingers pleasantly. It’s divine on toast, graham crackers, or even stirred into coffee.
One taste and you’ll wonder why you ever limited yourself to eating Biscoff cookies one at a time.
1. Soom Premium Tahini
Few spreads can go from savory dips to sweet desserts with as much grace as Soom’s Premium Tahini. Made from Ethiopian sesame seeds, this tahini is silky-smooth, slightly nutty, and wonderfully versatile.
It’s not bitter like some tahinis can be, which makes it perfect for drizzling over roasted veggies, blending into hummus, or even mixing with honey for a delicious toast topping. It brings a rich depth of flavor that feels both exotic and familiar.
One taste and you’ll see why chefs and home cooks alike swear by it—it’s the unsung hero of the spread world.