Forget the oversize jar of ordinary peanut butter or when being fancy, that familiar chocolate hazelnut spread. These days, creativity is what’s being spread on everything from crackers to sandwiches and beyond. Join us on a culinary tour of out-of-the-ordinary sweet and/or savory nut butters and other decadent spreads that leave plain ol’ PB in the dust.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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$8 from Amoretti
Said to be “spicy, bold, silken,” this spread (available in an 11-ounce jar) features, “intense cinnamon with creamy undertones of cacao.” And its list of uses is seemingly endless — spread it on croissants, waffles, crêpes, bagels, and toast or dip your favorite fruits, cookies, pretzels, and other bite-sized treats. That’s versatile, huh?
$9 from Amazon
This non-GMO selection has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and is vegan-friendly and nut-free. Made in Belgium, this spread – which is becoming quite popular these days – gets its crunch from pieces of Lotus Biscoff cookies. It’s said to be perfect on toast or pancakes, as a dip for fruits, on a sandwich or by itself. Who knows? The 13.4 ounces may not be enough.
$6 from NutsToYou
This 8-ounce jar is packed with high protein, low sugar, and is also gluten-free. Oh, and it’s packed with flavor, thanks to its honey-roasted nut mix and St. Lucifer’s Habanero Blend. Billed as an ideal spread for apples, it’s also versatile enough to use in a Thai peanut sauce — or savor right out of the jar. As the company notes, “The heat-lovers in your life will thank you.”
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$6 from Nuts
Those with a sweet tooth may just find a new favorite in this spread that’s created from just two ingredients — honey and butter (Yes, the name did give it away). This homey spread will liven up morning toast or add a sweet finish to baked goods such as cornbread, muffins, and more. The naturally low-fat product is sold in 8-ounce containers.
$10 from Robert Rothschild Farm
The description for this 4.7-ounce jar lets you know it's made for a sophisticated palate: “Perfect for glazing crispy bacon strips, roasted vegetables, or pairs perfectly with fontina, camembert, and Monterey Jack cheeses.” Bon appétit.
Related: 20 Foods Americans Eat Now That They Never Heard of 20 Years Ago
$10 and up from Amazon
Sure, this collection of “adult” nut butters, sold individually in 12-ounce jars, includes Classic Salted Peanut Butter, but there are plenty more, including Everything Bagel Nut Butter, Spicy Thai Peanut Butter, Espresso Nib Peanut Butter and Honey Chipotle Peanut Butter.
$8 from Stonewall Kitchen
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It’s said by this 9.5-ounce spread’s manufacturer that the white fig is a chef favorite for its nutty flavor. It’s billed as an ideal pairing for cheese but also finds a place at the breakfast table spread on croissants, scones, or in crêpes.
$28 from QVC
As the saying goes, “Everything’s better with bacon.” Well, then this gift set of three 7.5-ounce jars sounds just about right for the bacon lover. Created to be spread on burgers, crackers, sandwiches, waffles or even as a glaze for the holiday ham, the spreads come in three flavors, Original, Sweet Chili and Black Pepper. As the product description notes, “Don’t fry it, just try it.”
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$18 from Amazon
This all-natural product of Italy, sold in a 7.05-ounce jar, is said to be excellent paired with toast or panettone. It can also top ice cream, add flavor to icings, be drizzled over cakes, or simply eaten off a spoon. Ideal for the holidays, it may just become a year-round pick.
$18 from Amazon
For those who’ve never tried maple cream (basically spreadable maple syrup) why not? This 16-ounce jar is filled with maple cream, a preservative-free spread produced by a family-owned and -operated company since 1912. With nearly 350 customer reviews and a 4.7 out of 5 rating, the over-the-top comments, with titles ranging from “Oh my lord” to “Heavenly!” seem justified. Spread on toast, biscuits, pancakes, add to oatmeal, use as a frosting … you get the idea.
$8 from FruitFast
Sure, apple butter may be a traditional country favorite — but this is a cherry of a twist that dates back to 1945. Inspired by the apple-butter tradition, Mary Louise Morse created this spreadable fruit butter with Michigan tart cherries. It went from a sought-after gift for her visitors to commercial production, and has been handcrafted by Brownwood Acres for more than 60 years. Sold in an 11-ounce jar, it’s billed as as spread that will become your breakfast stand-by.
$12 from Amazon
Can’t decide on a single flavor, or perhaps strawberry jam makes you yawn? This 11-ounce jar is filled with a made-in-the-USA, gluten- and dairy-free, and vegan product that can take you from breakfast (on waffles or toast) through the end of the evening meal (ladle it over ice cream for a decadent dessert). How’s it done? “Blueberries bursting with flavor are married with pecans, raisins, cinnamon, and a splash of bourbon,” for a sophisticated spread for those who like to mix it up.
$6 from World Market
This is so beyond squeezable grape jelly. The all-natural and perhaps unexpected flavor combination — one a reviewer called both “absolutely delicious” and “sweet and tangy” — is a product of France and sold in a 13-ounce jar. Created without high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colorings, or preservatives, the spread is ideal for toast, brioche, croissants or even a crêpe. (It is French, after all).
$12 from Amazon
Those who like Marmite, really like Marmite. It’s made from a yeast extract that is a by-product of brewing beer. It has a strong taste, and it’s unlike anything else you’ve tried. Intrigued? Test the waters with this 4.4-ounce jar of the vegetarian spread – and heed the directions found on its label, “Spread thinly.”
$40 from Amazon
Sure, cheese spreads aren’t groundbreaking — but at this time of year, they certainly seem to be more popular. Ideal for hors d'oeuvres, quick snacks, or an easy lunch, cheese spreads make entertaining a breeze. Get three 15-ounce containers with more than a dozen flavor choices including not only the expected Sharp Cheddar Cheese or Swiss & Almond Cheese but also Roasted Garlic, Horseradish, Smokey Bacon Cheese, Garden Vegetable Cheese, and Aged Asiago.
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$13 from Amazon
Those in search of artisan products — something homemade, all natural, and vegan to boot — might find themselves ordering this savory spread. Made from just caramelized onions, cane sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt, the 8-ounce jar is billed as the perfect addition to a cheese board or grilled cheese sandwiches, as a topper for brie tartlets — or even spread on a hamburger, steak, or barbecued meat.
$10 from Colavita The Store
This 4.76-ounce jar features an all-natural Italian artichoke pate in extra virgin olive oil. The maker says, “Try it spread on a slice of bread for an easy and healthy snack,” but also use it to add unique flavor to salads, pasta or pizza. Y-U-M.
$9.00 from McEvoy Ranch
Billed as “the definitive tapenade,” this spread, sold in a 7-ounce jar, features both black and Kalamata olives for depth of flavor. Spread on crudités or baguette slices for a flavorful treat or use it to create an easy “dressing” for pasta. Simply toss with spaghetti, fresh parsley and Parmesan for a complete dish.
$6 from Simply Gourmand
This 3.2-ounce jar of green olive tapenade is designed as a spread, condiment, or cooking ingredient. This French-made product that also features capers is from the family-owned Les Délices du Lubéron, which makes all-natural specialties with traditional Mediterranean recipes.
$9 from Yummy Bazaar
The 3.5-ounce jar from this Brittany, France-based gourmet brand is sure to up the flavor profile of any simple bread or toast. It’s a creamy topper further enriched by crème fraiche and chickpeas. It contains no added flavorings, colorings, or preservatives, either.
$49 for 6 from Walmart
Gluten-, dairy- and soy-free, this vegan almond butter is billed as a “shockingly delicious plant-based vegan cheese dip alternative.” Available in 12-ounce jars in three flavors (Classic, Tangy, and Hot), the dip can be eaten with fresh veggies, chips or crackers, used as a sandwich condiment, or as a sauce for steamed vegetables, pasta, and rice.
