Sunbutter: What it Is & Sunflower Butter Brands to Buy

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Last Updated on August 28, 2023

Sun butter is a type of seed butter than can be used in place of peanut butter and other nut butters. It packs a powerful array of nutrients and unlike nut butters, has zero cholesterol. You can often use sun butter in place of peanut butter in recipes, and it’s safe for people with tree nut allergies.

Learn how to make your own sunbutter and explore the top brands along with their ingredients below.

Sun Butter

Sun butter is an excellent option for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. It is completely peanut-free, tree nut-free, and gluten-free, making it a safe and versatile spread for individuals who cannot have nut butters.

In recipes, sun butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter or almond butter, adding a unique and delicious twist to sandwiches, smoothies, baked goods, and more. Its smooth consistency makes it easy to spread, making it a convenient choice for quick and healthy snacks.

Whether you’re looking for a nutritious alternative to traditional nut butters or need a delicious spread that accommodates dietary restrictions, sun butter is a versatile and flavorful choice that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

What is Sun Butter?

Sun butter, also known as sunflower seed butter, is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional nut butters. Made from roasted sunflower seeds, it offers a rich and creamy texture with a slightly nutty flavor. You might be surprised to know sunflower seeds even make a great plant based milk!

What sets sun butter apart is its impressive nutritional profile. It is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals including magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin E. Additionally, it is naturally free from cholesterol and trans fats, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Sunflower Seed Butter

Sunflower seed butter can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some ways you can use sun butter:

1. Spreads and dips: Sun butter makes a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional spreads like peanut butter or cream cheese. Use it on toast, bagels, or sandwiches for a nutty flavor and a boost of protein.

2. Smoothies and shakes: Add a spoonful of sun butter to your favorite smoothie or protein shake to enhance the taste and creaminess. It also provides an extra dose of vitamins and minerals and increases the health benefits of smoothies.

3. Baking and cooking: Sun butter can be used as a substitute for traditional nut butters in recipes like cookies, cakes, and energy bars. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

4. Sauces and dressings: Create a unique twist to your sauces and dressings by incorporating sun butter. Its nutty taste and velvety consistency can add depth and richness to dishes like stir-fries, salads, and noodle bowls.

5. Snacks and desserts: Enjoy sun butter as a standalone snack by spreading it on apple slices, celery sticks, or crackers. You can also drizzle it over yogurt, ice cream, or fruit for a delightful and nutritious treat. I like using it to substitute for peanut butter in my peanut butter date balls recipe. 

Sun Butter Taste

Sun butter boasts a unique and nutty flavor. Made from roasted sunflower seeds, it offers a creamy texture with a hint of earthiness. Its taste can be described as rich, slightly sweet, and reminiscent of roasted nuts.

Sun Butter Nutrition

Take a look at all the vitamins and minerals in just 2 TBSP of sun butter:

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
•  Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Vitamin D: 0mcg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 1.8mg
• Potassium: 210mg

Is Sun Butter Good for You?

Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, sun butter offers a range of health benefits.

Here are the key reasons why sun butter is good for you:

1. Nutrient-rich: Sun butter is a great source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It also contains important minerals like magnesium, which supports bone health, and selenium, known for its antioxidant properties.

2. Heart-healthy fats: Unlike traditional nut butters, sun butter is free from cholesterol and low in saturated fat. Instead, it provides heart-healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

3. Protein powerhouse: Sun butter is a fantastic plant-based protein source. It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Protein is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall health.

4. Allergy-friendly: For individuals with nut allergies, sun butter is an excellent alternative. It offers the same creamy texture and nutty taste without the risk of triggering an allergic reaction. It’s also gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Your Own Sunflower Seed Butter

Are you interested in making your own sun butter? It can be more cost effective to make your own, but there are also some great brands you can buy (we’ve listed some below).

Homemade Sun Butter

If you want to make your own homemade sunflower seed butter, we have included the full recipe at the bottom of this post. 

Sun Butter Ingredients:

• raw sunflower seeds
• coconut oil
• Optional: raw honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of your choice
• Pinch of salt (to taste)

Grab the instructions from the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Equipment Needed:

• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Spatula
• Airtight container for storing

How to Make Sun Butter

1.) First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sunflower seeds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes until they become golden brown. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the sun butter.

2.) Allow the toasted sunflower seeds to cool for a few minutes, then transfer them to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the oil, sweetener (if desired), and a pinch of salt.

3.) Blend the mixture on high speed for about 4-5 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the processor or blender. Continue blending until the sunflower seeds break down completely, and the mixture turns into a smooth and creamy consistency.

4.) Taste the sun butter and adjust the sweetness and saltiness according to your preference. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more oil and blend again until you achieve the desired consistency.

5.) Once the sun butter reaches the desired texture and taste, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. It’s best to store it in the refrigerator since there are no preservatives.

Other Butters

There are a variety of different butters you can make or enjoy purcahsed from the grocery store. Some are made without tree nuts, like sun butter.

Butters made without tree nuts:

• Soy Butter
• Pea Butter
• Pumpkin Seed Butter
• Chickpea Butter
• Tiger Nut Butter
• Coconut Butter

Butters made with tree nuts:

• Peanut Butter
• Almond Butter
• Cashew Butter
• Walnut Butter
• Hazelnut Butter
• Pecan Butter

How to Choose the Right Nut Butter

• Avoid added oils (hydrogenated oils, trans fats, and saturated fats)
• Avoid reduced fat butters
• Look for no added sugar
• Look for few ingredients
• Make it yourself

Top Sun Butter Brands

When looking for a sun butter brand to purchase, there are some things to keep in mind. It’s best if the sun butters use the natural oils from the seeds, so 100% organic sunflower seeds is always the best choice.

You’ll want to look for simple ingredients. Raw sunflower seed butter is a healthier option than roasted, however roasted will impart a stronger flavor.

You can also find brands that use sprouted sunflower seeds, that will make it even more nutritious and easier to digest.

There are a lot of different brands of sun butter, although not all are great options because some have unhealthy oils and refined sugar. Let’s take a look at the most popular brands and compare the ingredients.

Sunbutter

Sunbutter is a leading brand known for its pure sunflower seed butter. Made from roasted sunflower seeds, this brand is free from common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, and dairy.

Ingredients: The ingredients vary by variety. They offer regular sunbutter, no sugar added, organic, creamy, and crunchy. They also have chocolate flavored sun butter.

We recommend the organic sunbutter variety as it only contains organic roasted sunflower seed.

Once Again Sunflower Seed Butter

Once Again offers a sunflower seed butter that is both organic and non-GMO. Made from dry-roasted sunflower seeds and a touch of salt, their sun butter is perfect for those seeking a simple yet wholesome option.

Ingredients: Organic sunflower seeds and organic sunflower oil

88 Acres Sunflower Seed Butter

88 Acres creates sunflower seed butter using only the finest ingredients, including locally sourced sunflower seeds. They offer various flavors, including regular smooth and creamy, vanilla cinnamon, and dark chocolate. You can also find pumpkin seed butter!

Ingredients: (Simple ‘N’ Smooth variety) Organic sunflower seeds, organic maple sugar, organic expeller pressed sunflower oil, sea salt

Trader Joe’s Sunflower Seed Butter

Their sun butter is made from roasted sunflower seeds, sea salt and powdered sugar. The Trader Joe’s sunflower butter is more affordable than some of the other brands, but the powdered sugar makes it rank lower on the list.

Ingredients: roasted sunflower seeds, powdered sugar (cane sugar, cornstarch), salt

Wild Friends Sunflower Butter

Wild Friends offers a unique twist on traditional sun butter with the addition of organic honey. Their sunflower seed butter is gluten-free, dairy-free, Non-GMO Certified, and Certified Palm Oil Free.

The clean ingredients in Wild Friends Sunflower Butter and more affordable price tag make this a great option!

Ingredients: Organic roasted sunflower seeds, organic clover honey, organic sunflower oil, sea salt

MaraNatha Sunflower Seed Butter

MaraNatha’s sunflower seed butter is made fromnon-GMO dry-roasted sunflower seeds, ensuring a rich and full-bodied taste. You can often find this brand in your local grocery store, and it’s priced cheaper than many other brands.

The added palm oil makes it a creamier, no-stir option.

Ingredients: roasted almonds, palm oil

Windy City Organics Dastony Sprouted Sunflower Seed Butter

Can I just say that I love how Windy City Organics uses sprouted sunflower seeds for their sun butter? And that’s the ONLY ingredient!

Ingredients: 100% organic raw sprouted sunflower seeds.

Organic Sunflower Butter by Yumbutter

The ingredients in Organic Sunflower Butter by Yumbutter make is super easy to spread, and the pouch makes it easy to bring along for a quick snack.

Ingredients: organic sunflower seeds, organic coconut sugar, organic palm oil, organic sunflower oil, salt.

Healthy Crunch Seed Butters Salted Caramel

Healthy Crunch Seed Butters has a bunch of differnt certifications. They have a unique spin on sunflower seed butter in their list of ingredients. The only red flag for me is the “natural flavour” that’s listed.

Ingredients: sunflower seeds, tapioca fibre, maple syrup, mct oil (coconut), natural flavour, salt, rosemary extract.

Sun & Seed – Raw Organic Sun Butter

Sun & Seed uses traditional methods of stone-grinding or cold-pressing to grind the sunflower seeds into a smooth and creamy butter.

Ingredients: Raw organic sunflower seeds

Lakanto Sugar Free Cookie Butter Sunflower Spread

If you are looking for a tasty treat that’s got some sweetness to it, this cookie butter made with sunflower seeds might do the trick!

Ingredients: sunflower seeds, monkfruit sweetener (erythritol, monk fruit extract), coconut oil, natural flavors, sea salt.

Are there different types of Sunbutter?

There are several types of Sunbutter available. The most common varieties include original sunbutter, which is made solely from roasted sunflower seeds, and crunchy sunbutter, which contains small pieces of sunflower seeds for added texture.

Additionally, there are unsweetened and sweetened sun butters and sub butters with additions like chocolate.

Is Sunflower Seed Butter Inflammatory?

Sunflower seed butter is not typically considered inflammatory. In fact, it is often praised for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, sunflower seed butter can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Is Sunbutter Easy to Digest?

Yes, Sunbutter is generally easy to digest. Made from ground sunflower seeds, it is naturally free from common allergens like peanuts and tree nuts, making it a suitable alternative for individuals with food sensitivities.

Does Sunbutter Raise Cholesterol?

Sunbutter does not raise cholesterol. In fact, Sunbutter is a great alternative to traditional nut butters for individuals who are looking to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Sunbutter is made from sunflower seeds, which are naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

It also contains healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can actually help lower bad cholesterol levels.

Is Sunflower Butter Comparable to Peanut Butter?

Sunflower butter can be considered comparable to peanut butter. Both spreads are made from ground seeds/nuts and offer similar nutritional profiles. While the taste may differ slightly, sunflower butter can be used in similar ways as peanut butter, such as in sandwiches, smoothies, or as a dip.

Is Anyone Allergic to Sunbutter?

SunButter is made from sunflower seeds, which can trigger allergic reactions in people with sunflower seed allergies. In addition, sunflower seeds are a ragweed pollen allergy food, so if you have an allergy to ragweed, sunflower seeds may cause hay fever when it’s ragweed-pollen season.

Does Sunbutter Need to Be Refrigerated?

Sunbutter should be refrigerated after opening. This helps to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. Refrigeration also helps to preserve the quality and taste of sunbutter for a longer period of time. Remember to always refer to the product’s packaging or label for specific storage instructions.

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