More and more people are paying attention to the foods they eat and looking for ways to make choices that are better for their health as well as the planet. This shift includes the versatile category of plant based spreads.

Spreads are a key ingredient in many meals, snacks, and sandwiches. They add flavor and texture to otherwise simple meals. In the past, mayonnaise, butter and cheese spreads were the kitchen staples.

Now, plant based spreads are gaining popularity. They are changing the way people think about not only flavor but what it means to eat well. 

This guide shares an overview of the best plant based spreads. We will look at everything from the taste, variety of options available, versatility, and the health benefits they offer. We will also show how you can use them in your everyday meals. 

 

A Guide to the Different Types of Plant Based Spreads

When people think of plant based spreads, they often picture just one or two options. The reality is this category is incredibly diverse. We see many different types of spreads available today. Understanding these varieties can help you find the perfect one for any meal.

Nut and Seed Butters

This is perhaps the most traditional category of plant based spreads. Almond, peanut, and cashew butters are staples in many homes.

These spreads are made by grinding nuts or seeds into a smooth or chunky paste. They are rich in protein and healthy fats. Seed butters like tahini or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives for those with nut allergies.

Legume Based Spreads

Legume based spreads are known for their creamy texture and savory flavor. Hummus is the most famous example in this group.

These spreads use beans, lentils, or chickpeas as their foundation. They are an excellent source of fiber and plant protein. Black bean dip and lentil pâté are other popular legume based options.

Vegan Butter Alternatives

For those looking for a direct substitute for dairy butter, the market for vegan butter is growing fast. These products are some of the most sought after plant based spreads.

They are typically made from a blend of plant based oils like coconut, avocado, or olive oil. The goal is to mimic the taste and melting properties of dairy butter. They are perfect for spreading on toast, baking, or cooking.

Fruit and Vegetable Based Spreads

This category includes a wide range of flavorful options. Guacamole, made from avocados, is a well loved example.

Other vegetable based spreads include tapenades made from olives or savory jams made from tomatoes and onions. On the sweeter side, fruit preserves and apple butter are classic plant based spreads that have been enjoyed for generations.

Plant Based Cream Cheese and Cheese Spreads

Cheese is often one of the hardest things for people to give up. Luckily, many fantastic plant based spreads replicate the creaminess of cheese.

These are often made from cashews, almonds, or even tofu. They come in various flavors, from simple plain cream cheese styles to sharp cheddar or herb infused varieties. They work well on bagels, crackers, and sandwiches. Each type of spread offers a unique experience.

 

Why Plant Based Spreads Are Having a Moment

Plant based spreads are gaining popularity as plant based eating has become part of mainstream culture.

Many people use plant based spreads as a health choice, and for others it is about sustainability or animal welfare. Because of this, the demand for plant based spreads has increased. 

Sales of plant based foods have grown steadily over the past decade, with plant based spreads specifically playing a key role.

These products can provide the creaminess and flavor that people want without the cholesterol and saturated fats found in traditional dairy or egg-based products. 

People are finding that choosing plant based spreads doesn’t take anything away from their meal.

They actually add exciting flavors, global influences, and nutrient rich ingredients that turn something like a simple sandwich into a meal worth savoring. 

 

Health Benefits of Plant Based Spreads

Plant based spreads often pack a nutrient punch in their ingredient deck. While the exact benefits will vary by product, most plant based spreads consistently have these advantages: 

  • Low in saturated fat: Plant based spreads often use ingredients like nuts, seeds or legumes as the base. These sources are lower in saturated fat compared to mainstream options like butter or cream cheese. 

  • Rich in healthy fat: Almonds, cashews and avocados are rich in heart healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. 

  • Cholesterol free: Since plant based dips are made without animal products, they naturally contain no dietary cholesterol. 

  • Nutrient dense: Plant based spreads often include protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals that support overall health.  

Replacing traditional spreads with plant based spreads is a great way to manage conditions like high cholesterol or heart disease. Even for individuals without health concerns, these options can be a great way to add variety and nutrients to meals and snacks. 

 

What Are Plant Based Spreads Made Of?

The ingredients are what make plant based spreads so appealing. We believe in using simple, recognizable components to create amazing flavors. The foundation of these spreads usually comes from a few key categories.

The Foundation: Nuts, Seeds, and Legumes

Most savory plant based spreads start with a rich, creamy base. Nuts like almonds and cashews are popular for their smooth texture and mild taste.

Legumes such as chickpeas and lentils provide a hearty, earthy foundation. Seeds like sunflower or tahini (from sesame seeds) are also common. These core ingredients give the protein and healthy fats that make these spreads satisfying.

Creating the Texture: Plant Oils

Many products use plant-based oils to get that perfectly smooth and spreadable consistency. These healthy fats are essential to the final product.

Coconut oil and avocado oil are often used in vegan butters for their richness. Olive oil is a frequent addition to legume based dips for its distinct flavor. These oils help bind the ingredients together.

Adding the Flavor: Spices, Herbs, and Acidity

This is where plant based spreads truly shine. A simple base can be transformed with the right combination of seasonings.

Garlic, onion, and nutritional yeast are common ingredients for a savory, cheesy flavor. Herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill add freshness. A touch of acidity from lemon juice or vinegar brightens the overall taste and balances the richness.

Natural Sweeteners and Thickeners

Some spreads might include natural sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup. For certain textures, natural thickeners like tapioca starch might be used. We think the best plant based spreads keep their ingredient lists short and easy to understand.

 

Why Bitchin’ Sauce Is One of the Best Plant Based Spreads

Bitchin’ Sauce is a leader in the plant based spread category. Born in California and made famous at farmer’s markets, Bitchin’ Sauce is an almond based dip that is cream, full of flavor and endlessly versatile.

It has redefined what a plant based spread or tip can be. While hummus had long been the go-to plant based spread, Bitchin’ Sauce is now pushing the category forward by offering a wide range of flavors and uses. 

The secret lies in its commitment to healthy, clean ingredients. Almonds, lemon juice, garlic and spices are the foundation. Using recognizable ingredients gives it both nutritional value and delicious flavor.

Each variety, from the class Original flavor to fan-favorites Chipotle, Pesto or Hatch, feel like its own unique taste. Many plant based spreads serve just one purpose, but Bitchin’ Sauce can be used as a dip, a spread, a dressing, or a finishing sauce. 

 

How to Use Bitchin’ Sauce Every Day

It’s easy to swap out traditional condiments for plant based spreads without compromising on taste. Some popular uses are: 

  • Sandwiches and wraps: Spread Chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce on a veggie burger, or try Pesto on a grilled panini. 

  • Snacks: Dip Original (or any flavor!) with tortilla chips, pretzels, or crudite. 

  • Breakfast: Breakfast burritos, sandwiches or avocado toast are infinitely better with a generous spread of Cilantro Chili Bitchin’ Sauce. 

  • Grain Bowls: Spoon grain bowls with a heaping scoop of Bitchin’ Sauce for a creamy topping.

  • Salads: Drizzle your favorite flavor over a green salad with chopped veggies and crunchy nuts for a satisfying meal.  

  • Roasted Side Dish: Roasted vegetables or potatoes with a drizzle of Hatch makes a fancy accompaniment to any meal. 

  • Entertaining: Add a tub of Bitchin’ Sauce to a charcuterie style board for an impressive appetizer. 

The versatility and flexibility that Bitchin’ Sauce provides is rare in the dip category. Most plant based spreads fall into one category, such as nut butter, hummus, or cheese alternatives. Bitchin’ Sauce can be used on all of your meals and snacks all day long!

 

Comparing Plant Based Spreads to Traditional Options

Many people wonder how plant based spreads truly stack up against their dairy and egg based counterparts. Let's look at some direct comparisons.

Flavor Profile

Traditional spreads like mayonnaise have a particular, familiar taste. Plant based spreads offer a much broader spectrum of flavors. Instead of a single tangy note, you can find nutty, earthy, spicy, or herbaceous options. This variety allows for more creativity in the kitchen.

Texture and Creaminess

Achieving the right texture is key. While dairy butter has a unique firmness when cold, many vegan butters now replicate this very well.

Nut and legume based spreads provide a rich, dense creaminess that is very different from the lighter texture of cream cheese. They offer a satisfying mouthfeel that many people prefer.

Nutritional Differences

This is a major area where plant based spreads stand out. They contain no dietary cholesterol. They are also generally lower in saturated fat than full fat dairy products.

Instead, they are packed with heart healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, and oils. They also often provide a good amount of fiber and protein.

Versatility in Cooking

While traditional spreads are staples, some can be limited. Mayonnaise, for example, does not typically hold up well to heat. Many plant based spreads are incredibly versatile.

They can be used cold as a dip, spread on a sandwich, or warmed and used as a sauce for pasta or roasted vegetables. This flexibility makes them a powerful tool in any kitchen.

 

How to Choose the Best Plant Based Spread

When deciding which plant based spread to buy, it is important to look at a few key factors: 

  • Ingredients: Short, recognizable, and clean. 

  • Taste: Crave worthy flavors that keep meals interesting.

  • Texture: Smooth and creamy without being heavy.

  • Versatility: Works for snacks, meals, and recipes.

  • Values: A mission that aligns with health and making the world a better place

Bitchin’ Sauce has all of the above. It is not just another product in the plant based spread category. It is leading the way and has changed the way people think about condiments and spreads. 

 

Making Your Own Plant Based Spreads at Home

While we love the convenience of our products, we also encourage creativity in the kitchen. Making homemade plant based spreads can be a fun and straightforward process.

The basic formula is straightforward. You start with a primary ingredient for your base. This could be soaked cashews, a can of chickpeas, or even cooked white beans.

Next, you need a liquid to help it blend smoothly. A little water, lemon juice, or even a splash of plant based milk works well.

Then comes the flavor. Add garlic, your favorite herbs, a pinch of salt, and spices. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste, while a chipotle pepper can add a smoky kick.

Combine all the ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Creating your own plant based spreads at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can adjust the salt, experiment with different flavors, and make a custom spread that is perfect for you.

 

Bitchin’ Sauce is Future of Plant Based Spreads

Plant based spreads are healthier, more sustainable and often more versatile than the traditional options. While they used to be a niche alternative, they are now an everyday staple in many households. 

Bitchin’ Sauce has earned the reputation of being the leader in this category because of its commitment to using whole ingredients, being sustainable and being more versatile than its traditional counterparts. 

If you are ready to take your sandwiches, snacks and meals to the next level, start with a tub of Bitchin’ Sauce. It is proof plant based spreads can be flavorful, fun and satisfying!