SunButter is a creamy alternative for those who are allergic or sensitive to peanuts. The newest SunButter product satisfies the need for a sunflower seed spread that doesn’t separate and spreads like peanut butter.

New No-Stir Creamy SunButter has all the nutrition and taste of the original spreads. The difference is the addition of palm oil to prevent separation and give it the texture of peanut butter.

I decided to turn to my family members who can eat peanut butter to taste test the new no-stir SunButter. I thought they would be more objective than me because I have been enjoying and loving the original SunButter for years.

I opened jars of both the new and old SunButter and placed them in front of my taste testers. Both my husband and son were turned off by the sunflower oil floating on top of the original SunButter.

However, they noted little difference in the taste between the old and new versions. Bottom line is if you don’t like stirring up your spread or the appearance of a separated SunButter, buy the new one.

All SunButter is manufactured in peanut and tree nut-free facilities which makes it a reliable choice for those with peanut allergy. However, it is processed on the same equipment as soybeans.

The mild-tasting spread has the same texture, color and appearance as peanut butter. It tastes good on crackers, celery, bread, and in cookie and other baked-good recipes.

It trumps peanut butter when it comes to nutrition. It’s higher in iron and folate, and in some brands, contains more protein. SunButter is rich in Vitamin E and contains 40 percent of the recommended daily amount in one serving (2 T.). It also contains copper, magnesium and zinc which are not listed on peanut butter labels. Calorie-wise SunButter is about the same as peanut butter but has less saturated fat, and lower sodium and sugars.

You can purchase SunButter in grocery stores, health food stores and online. It comes in no stir, crunchy, creamy, organic and unsweetened versions. Be prepared for sticker shock. The cost runs about twice as high as store-bought peanut butter but is well worth the price for those who are allergic to peanuts. Stock up when it’s on sale.