Maranatha Organic, Creamy Raw Almond Butter Spread 12 Ounce

The Verdict

The Short Version: Maranatha’s Organic Creamy Raw Almond Butter is the real deal for purists — one ingredient, organic almonds, nothing else. But that purity comes with tradeoffs: a firmer texture when refrigerated and a flavor that’s more subtle than roasted versions. Here’s the full breakdown.

What You’re Actually Getting

The 12-ounce jar contains exactly one ingredient: organic raw almonds. No palm oil, no cane sugar, no sea salt — just almonds that have been stone-ground into a smooth, pourable butter. As shown in the product image, the consistency is noticeably more fluid than typical almond butters at room temperature, which is a good sign: it means no hydrogenated oils or stabilizers are holding it together artificially.

Raw almonds are also nutritionally distinct from roasted ones. They retain higher levels of heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin E and B vitamins, and the natural enzymes aren’t denatured by roasting. If you’re buying almond butter specifically for those nutritional benefits, raw is the way to go.

Performance and Build Quality

Here’s where this product genuinely stands out: the texture. Raw almond butters commonly end up gritty or crumbly because raw almonds don’t break down as easily as roasted ones. Maranatha uses a finer grind than most competitors, so you get a genuinely creamy spread rather than something that tastes like wet sand. Multiple reviewers note this exact point, with one writing, “This is the smoothest raw almond butter I’ve found — other brands separate into a brick of paste with oil on top.”

Oil separation is still present — you’ll need to stir it thoroughly when you first open it, and occasionally after that. But it’s notably less dramatic than with brands like Artisana or Wild Friends. The jar’s wide mouth makes stirring manageable rather than a battle.

The one functional issue: the label directs you to refrigerate after opening. Refrigeration firms the butter significantly, making it difficult to spread straight from the fridge. You’ll want to let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before use, or be prepared for some tearing on soft bread.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Beyond the texture, the dominant theme in positive reviews is ingredient purity. Shoppers are specifically seeking out a product without added sugar or salt, and Maranatha delivers that without compromise. One verified buyer put it simply: “Finally, almond butter that tastes like almonds, not like dessert.”

The organic certification also matters to this audience. Several reviews note they’ve repurchased multiple times specifically because the sourcing feels trustworthy, and the flavor is consistent jar to jar — a real concern with raw nut butters, which can vary based on crop quality.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. First, the flavor. Raw almonds are milder and slightly bitter compared to roasted ones. If you’re used to Justin’s or Barney Butter (both roasted), this will taste flat at first. It’s not a defect — it’s the nature of raw — but it’s a real adjustment.

Second, the price. This runs notably higher per ounce than roasted almond butters from the same brand or store brands. You’re paying for organic certification and raw processing, and that cost is real.

Third, the refrigeration requirement is genuinely inconvenient. If you’re someone who wants to grab the jar and spread immediately, this will frustrate you daily.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You want a single-ingredient, organic almond butter for smoothies, oatmeal, or baking where the almond flavor doesn’t need to be front-and-center. Or if you’re specifically seeking raw almonds for their nutritional profile — this is the smoothest raw option you’ll find at this price point.

Skip it if: You primarily eat almond butter on toast or sandwiches and want something you can spread straight from the pantry shelf. In that case, a roasted version (even Maranatha’s own roasted line) will serve you better.

FAQ

Q: Does this need to be refrigerated? A: Yes, after opening. The label instructs refrigeration, and the lack of preservatives means it can go rancid faster at room temperature. Expect it to firm up significantly in the fridge.

Q: Is Maranatha almond butter actually raw? A: Yes, the almonds are not roasted before grinding. This preserves more heat-sensitive nutrients but results in a milder, slightly more bitter flavor compared to roasted almond butters.

Q: How long does it last after opening? A: With proper refrigeration, most buyers report using it comfortably for 2-3 months. Watch for any off-smell or change in color as signs of rancidity. The oil that separates on top is normal — stir it back in.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5

Maranatha Organic Creamy Raw Almond Butter is a well-executed product for a specific audience. It’s not the best-tasting almond butter on the shelf, and it’s not the most convenient to use. But for shoppers who prioritize clean ingredients and raw nutrition over convenience, this is the smoothest, most reliable option in its category. If you’re in that camp, it earns its place in your pantry — or your fridge, as the case may be.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.