Almond butter has become an increasingly popular alternative to peanut butter in recent years. With its rich, nutty flavor and smooth, creamy texture, it makes a tasty addition to snacks, smoothies, baked goods and more. Good & Gather Almond Butter is an affordable almond butter option sold exclusively at Target stores. But how does it compare to other almond butters on the market? And what exactly should you know before purchasing it?

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Good & Gather Almond Butter, from its ingredients and nutrition facts to how to use it in recipes and more. We’ll also provide tips on where to buy it, how to store it, and compare it to other almond butter brands. Read on for the ultimate guide to buying and using this Target-exclusive almond butter!

Good & Gather Almond Butter Ingredients

When choosing any food product, it’s always important to look at the ingredients list to see exactly what you’re getting. Here are the main ingredients in Good & Gather Almond Butter:

• Almonds – This makes up the bulk of the almond butter. Good & Gather uses roasted almonds to give the almond butter its signature nutty taste and crunchy texture.
• Sugar – A small amount of cane sugar is added, which enhances the natural sweetness of the almonds. Good & Gather Almond Butter contains 2g of added sugars per serving.
• Palm Oil – As with many nut butters, palm oil is added to improve smoothness and prevent separation.
• Salt – A pinch of salt is added which nicely balances out the sweetness. Good & Gather Almond Butter has 65mg sodium per serving.

Overall, the ingredients list for Good & Gather Almond Butter is relatively simple and straightforward. It contains just roasted almonds and a bit of sugar, palm oil and salt. There are no preservatives, artificial flavors or other unnecessary additives.

Is Good & Gather Almond Butter Organic?

Good & Gather Almond Butter is not certified organic. The almonds used are conventionally grown. However, Target’s Good & Gather brand strives to avoid artificial flavors, synthetic colors and many common food additives that consumers wish to avoid in their foods. So while it’s not organic, Good & Gather Almond Butter is free from many undesirable ingredients.

For an organic almond butter option, you may want to look for brands certified “USDA Organic” on the label. Just keep in mind organic brands will typically cost a little bit more.

Nutrition Facts for Good & Gather Almond Butter

One serving (2 Tbsp) of Good & Gather Almond Butter has the following nutritional information:

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 65mg
• Potassium: 170mg
• Total Carbs: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Added Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 6g

So in a 2 tablespoon serving you get 180 calories, 16 grams of mostly unsaturated “good” fats, 3 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein and 2 grams of added sugars.

This offers a good nutrient profile for a nut butter – high in healthy fats, fiber and protein with a minimal amount of added sugars. It makes a tasty and filling snack when paired with fruits, crackers, celery or apple slices.

Where to Buy Good & Gather Almond Butter

Since Good & Gather is Target’s exclusive, store brand, the only place you can find Good & Gather Almond Butter is at Target stores or on the Target website.

Good & Gather Almond Butter comes in a 16 ounce jar and is stocked in the nut butter section along with other alternative nut butters. It’s often shelved near the peanut butter.

Be sure to check the nut butter aisle at your local Target to see if they carry Good & Gather Almond Butter. You can also order it for delivery or in-store pick-up directly from Target.com. A 16 ounce jar is priced at $5.99 on the Target website at the time of writing.

One tip when buying at Target stores is to look on the jars before purchasing. Occasionally the oils may separate and rise to the top, so give them a good stir to reincorporate before buying. Make sure your jar looks creamy and homogeneous.

How Good & Gather Almond Butter Compares to Other Brands

So how does Good & Gather’s almond butter stack up against other popular almond butter brands like Jif and Justin’s? Here’s a brief comparison:

• Ingredients – Good & Gather has fewer additives and unnecessary ingredients than Jif. But Justin’s has the simplest ingredients of all – just dry roasted almonds and a pinch of salt.
• Texture – Good & Gather and Justin’s have a thicker, creamier texture than Jif.
• Flavor – Good & Gather and Jif have added sugar for more sweetness, while Justin’s lets the natural almond flavor shine through.
• Price – Good & Gather is the most budget-friendly option. Justin’s costs nearly twice as much.
• Availability – Jif and Justin’s are sold at most grocery stores. Good & Gather is only at Target.

So Good & Gather holds its own against the major brands. It provides a creamy, no-stir almond butter with added sweetness at a fraction of the cost of other options. The trade-off is that it’s not organic and has a few more ingredients than Justin’s. But for an affordable almond butter, it’s a solid product.

Is Good & Gather Almond Butter Gluten-Free?

Yes, Good & Gather Almond Butter is certified gluten-free.

The almonds and oils used to produce the almond butter contain no gluten. And none of the ingredients or processing aids used contain gluten either.

So Good & Gather Almond Butter is safe for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. Look for the “Certified Gluten-Free” label on the jar.

This makes Good & Gather a good option for anyone following a gluten-free diet who wants an affordable almond butter to use in recipes or as a snack.

Recipes with Good & Gather Almond Butter

Almond butter not only makes a great snack on its own, but it can be used to make all kinds of delicious recipes. Here are just a few ideas for how to use Good & Gather Almond Butter:

• Almond Butter Toast – Top slices of whole grain toast with almond butter, banana slices, and a drizzle of honey for a quick breakfast.
• Almond Butter Energy Bites – Mix almond butter with oats, honey, and chocolate chips then roll into bite-sized balls for an easy high-protein snack.
• Almond Butter Smoothie – Blend almond butter into your morning smoothie for extra nutrition. Goes perfectly with banana, berries, coconut, or cocoa powder.
• Almond Butter Granola – Toss rolled oats with almond butter, maple syrup and nuts then bake until crispy for homemade granola clusters.
• Thai Peanut Sauce – Whisk together almond butter, lime juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a tasty dipping sauce for chicken or veggies.
• Cookies – Substitute almond butter for peanut butter in your favorite chocolate chip cookie or oatmeal cookie recipes.
• Spreads – Use almond butter as a base for sweet or savory spreads for toast, pancakes, sandwiches and more.

So get creative in the kitchen with Good & Gather Almond Butter! Its versatility makes it perfect for both sweet and savory applications.

Does Good & Gather Almond Butter Need Refrigeration?

Good & Gather Almond Butter does not need to be refrigerated once opened thanks to the palm oil added to the recipe. The palm oil helps prevent separation and keeps the almond butter smooth, creamy and spreadable at room temperature.

However, if you don’t plan on using the almond butter frequently, you may want to store it in the refrigerator after opening to maximize freshness. The cool temperature of the fridge will slow oxidation and prevent the healthy fats in almond butter from going rancid as quickly.

But for everyday use, it’s perfectly fine to keep Good & Gather Almond Butter in a cool, dry pantry. The jar should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain quality.

Just be sure to give the almond butter a good stir when you first open it to evenly distribute any oils that have separated towards the top. Then it will stay creamy and mixable at room temperature.

Is Good & Gather Almond Butter Vegan?

Yes, Good & Gather Almond Butter is 100% vegan. It contains absolutely no animal products or byproducts.

The ingredients are simply roasted almonds, sugar, palm oil, and salt. So those following a vegan or plant-based diet can enjoy Good & Gather Almond Butter without any concerns.

It’s also dairy-free, making it a good option for those avoiding dairy. There is no milk, butter or other dairy products used.

Almond butter is naturally vegan as it’s just made from crushed or processed almonds. But it’s always important to double check the ingredients list, as some brands may add honey, whey or other non-vegan ingredients. Fortunately, Target’s Good & Gather keeps their almond butter vegan-friendly.

How Long Does Good & Gather Almond Butter Last After Opening?

An unopened jar of Good & Gather Almond Butter has a best by date printed on the lid and should last up to a year in your pantry before opening. This best by date takes into account optimal freshness and flavor.

Once you open your Good & Gather Almond Butter, it will stay fresh for about:

• Pantry – 3 to 4 months
• Fridge – 6 to 8 months

Keeping it refrigerated after opening will help extend the shelf life since the cool temperature slows down spoilage. But if stored properly in the pantry, an opened jar will still last for several months.

Be sure to store your almond butter jar with the lid tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss. And keep it somewhere away from direct light and heat, which can cause oxidation.

If you notice your almond butter start to separate, smell rancid, or grow mold, it’s time to toss it out. But an unopened Good & Gather jar stored in the pantry should retain quality for up to a year.

Price of Good & Gather Almond Butter at Target

One of the best things about Good & Gather Almond Butter is its affordable price point compared to other gourmet and organic brands of almond butter.

A 16 ounce jar of Good & Gather Almond Butter typically costs around $5.99 at Target stores. This equals about $0.37 per ounce.

Here’s how Good & Gather Almond Butter compares price-wise to other popular almond butter brands:

• Good & Gather (16 oz): $5.99
• Jif (16 oz): $6.29
• Justin’s (16 oz): $12.99

So at $5.99 per jar, Good & Gather offers a great price for an all-natural almond butter without any hydrogenated oils or additives you want to avoid. You get the same amount as Jif for a dollar less.

The only cheaper option is Target’s Market Pantry almond butter. But Good & Gather has simpler, higher-quality ingredients and tastes much fresher.

So in terms of quality ingredients plus great value, Good & Gather Almond Butter is a fantastic budget-friendly choice for almond butter lovers!

Allergy Information for Good & Gather Almond Butter

Since almonds are tree nuts, Good & Gather Almond Butter contains almonds and is not appropriate for those with tree nut allergies. It is processed in a facility that also processes peanut products as well.

It’s also important to note that Good & Gather Almond Butter contains palm oil. Palm oil is derived from coconuts, which are considered tree nuts. So those with coconut allergies may also need to avoid this product.

And while almond butter itself is gluten-free, Good & Gather Almond Butter is processed in a facility that handles wheat ingredients. So those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities should exercise caution.

Anyone with food allergies should carefully read the label each time before consuming Good & Gather Almond Butter. And if you have severe allergies, it may be best to avoid this product altogether given the potential cross-contamination risk.

Protein in Good & Gather Almond Butter

Almonds are a high-protein nut, so almond butter made from almonds is a good source of plant-based protein.

Each 2 tablespoon serving of Good & Gather Almond Butter provides 6 grams of protein.

That’s about 12% of the daily value for protein based on a 2000 calorie diet.

While not as high in protein as peanut butter, the 6 grams in almond butter still provides a decent protein boost to help you stay full and satisfied. And it supplies protein without any cholesterol or saturated fat that you’d get from animal sources like meat or dairy.

Over the course of a day, enjoying almond butter at breakfast, as a snack, and even baking it into recipes can easily help you meet your daily protein needs.

Pair your Good & Gather Almond Butter with a source of carbohydrates like whole grain toast or fruit to support muscle recovery and growth. So reach for almond butter to fill up with plant-powered protein!

Using Good & Gather Almond Butter in Smoothies

The rich, nutty flavor of almond butter makes it an awesome addition to smoothies. Good & Gather Almond Butter blends up perfectly in smoothies, adding nutrition, creaminess, and staying power to keep you full.

Here are some tips for using Good & Gather Almond Butter in smoothies:

• Start with 1-2 tablespoons of almond butter per smoothie. You can always add more to taste.
• Combine almond butter with bananas, berries, leafy greens, plant-based milk and ice for a balanced nutrition profile.
• Add cocoa powder or peanut butter for more flavor dimensionality.
• Use almond butter in place of protein powder to make smoothies more filling.
• Blend almond butter with coffee for decadent frozen coffee smoothies.
• Top your smoothie bowl with sliced banana, almond butter drizzle and cacao nibs.

So don’t hesitate to get creative and add Good & Gather Almond Butter to your daily smoothie routine! It blends up into creamy, nutritious smoothie perfection.

How is Good & Gather Almond Butter Made?

Good & Gather Almond Butter is made using a simple process of roasting and grinding almonds into butter. Here are the basic steps:

1. Almonds are roasted – Raw almonds are roasted at high heat, which brings out their oils and enhances the nutty flavor.
2. Cooled then blanched – The roasted almonds are cooled and the skins are removed. Blanched almonds have a milder taste.
3. Grinding into butter – The blanched, roasted almonds are turned into butter using heavy stone grinders. This pulverizes them into a smooth paste while retaining crunchy almond bits.
4. Mixing in oils and flavors – The almond butter is blended with small amounts of palm oil, sugar, and salt to emulsify it and balance flavor.
5. Packaging – Finally, the finished almond butter is packaged into jars, lids sealed, and transported for distribution.

So while there are a few steps involved, the basic process sticks to real food ingredients like almonds, oil, and salt. There are no thickeners, stabilizers or preservatives used in Good & Gather Almond Butter. Just simple, honest almond butter made through grinding and mixing.

Does Good & Gather Almond Butter Have Added Sugar?

Good & Gather Almond Butter does contain a small amount of added sugar – 2 grams per serving specifically.

The sugar is in the form of cane sugar, which is blended into the almond butter to sweeten it slightly.

Some almond butter brands like Justin’s contain no added sugars at all. But many leading brands do add a bit of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the almonds.

2 grams per serving is a relatively minimal amount compared to many sweetened foods. But those looking to limit added sugars may want to be mindful of this or look for almond butters with no added sugars instead.

That said, the touch of sweetness from the sugar in Good & Gather Almond Butter can be enjoyable in moderation. Just stick to reasonable serving sizes.

Overall, while not sugar-free, Good & Gather keeps their added sugars lower than many competitors. So the almond flavor still takes center stage.

Texture of Good & Gather Almond Butter

Good & Gather Almond Butter has a deliciously smooth, creamy, and spreadable texture that’s ideal for almond butter.

It spreads easily onto toast or fruit without crumbling thanks to the touch of palm oil emulsifier that prevents separation.

And while perfectly smooth and creamy, Good & Gather Almond Butter still retains a good bit of crunchy almond texture from the finely ground nuts. It’s smooth with a subtle crunch.

The texture sits right in between completely smooth (but pasty) almond butters and the extra crunchy (but hard to spread) types.

Whether you prefer your almond butter more smooth or chunky, Good & Gather offers the best of both worlds. And the palm oil helps it stay emulsified so you can enjoy that creamy texture right out of the jar through months of use.

Can I Substitute Good & Gather Almond Butter for Peanut Butter?

You sure can! Good & Gather Almond Butter makes an excellent stand-in for peanut butter in recipes and snacks.

Thanks to its similar consistency, nutty flavor, and use of common ingredients like sugar and oil, almond butter works beautifully in place of peanut butter in most cases.

Here are some tips for substituting almond butter for peanut butter:

• Use the same amount called for in the recipe – don’t cut back or add more.
• Stir the almond butter before using to disperse any oils.
• Add a pinch of salt to replicate salted peanut butter.
• If needed, use a little less baking powder/soda as almond flour rises faster.
• Adjust sweetener if using unsalted, no-sugar-added almond butter.
• For sandwiches, use fruit or honey to mask any missing peanut flavor.

So go ahead and use Good & Gather Almond Butter in cookies, smoothies, sauces, oatmeal, and anywhere else you’d normally use peanut butter!

Reviews of Good & Gather Almond Butter

Most customer reviews of Good & Gather Almond Butter are very positive overall. Here’s what real buyers have to say:

• “Tastes exactly like Jif’s almond butter but much cheaper! My new favorite.”
• “Goes perfectly on my morning toast. Stays creamy and spreadable unlike other natural ones.”
• “Great for smoothies, energy balls, toast, etc. Much better than Target’s old Market Pantry brand.”
• “Very satisfied with the price point and quality. My kids love it too.”
• “I like that the ingredients are simple with no junk added. Tastes more natural than many brands.”
• “Fantastic texture and flavor. My new go-to almond butter for sure!”

Based on buyer feedback, it seems most are very happy with the flavor, quality, and price point offered by Target’s Good & Gather Almond Butter. Many report it stacks up nicely against pricier name brands.

Negative reviews seem rare, with just a few complaining it separating or tasting too sweet. But overall, a great almond butter option that mixes affordability with fairly clean ingredients.

Is Good & Gather Almond Butter Keto-Friendly?

With its high fat content and low net carbs, Good & Gather Almond Butter can definitely fit into a ketogenic diet.

Here’s a quick look at the key stats:

• Total Fat: 16g
• Net Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 6g

This macro profile makes almond butter a great option for keto. Most keto dieters aim for 70% or more calories from fat, less than 5% net carbs, and adequate protein.

With 16 grams of fat and just 3 net grams of digestible carbs coming from fiber, almond butter easily meets keto requirements.

It can help keto dieters meet their high fat needs for the day all while providing filling plant-based protein and fiber.

Just be mindful of portion size, as the calories can add up quickly. 1-2 tablespoons per serving is plenty.

Overall, the healthy fats and low net carbs in Good & Gather Almond Butter make it a perfect choice for the ketogenic diet! Spread away and enjoy the delicious creamy taste.

The Takeaway on Good & Gather Almond Butter

With its affordable price, quality ingredients, and versatility in recipes, Good & Gather Almond Butter makes a smart choice for anyone wanting to incorporate almond butter into their diet.

This Target-exclusive brand offers great flavor and texture without any unnecessary additives. It spreads wonderfully while retaining pleasant nutty crunch. And a little goes a long way thanks to the richness.

So if you’re looking for an accessible way to enjoy almond butter, don’t hesitate to grab a jar of Good & Gather Almond Butter on your next Target run. Just check the ingredients for potential allergen concerns.

Then get ready to create nutritious snacks, energizing smoothies, luscious baked goods, and more with this quality almond butter. Your tastebuds and body will thank you!