Macadamias are the MVP of Asher's Nuts. They're the first ingredient by weight, and they're the reason the spread is so creamy. About 78% of their fat is monounsaturated, according to USDA data. When you grind them, they turn smooth and buttery without palm oil or stabilizers. Their mild flavor also gives the chocolate, walnuts and vanilla room to shine.
Why are macadamias the first ingredient?
Because they set the texture of the whole jar. Every team needs a player the offense runs through, and in our jar that player is the macadamia. Pound for pound, they carry more fat than any other common nut we checked. USDA FoodData Central lists raw macadamias at about 76 g of fat per 100 g, compared with about 50 g for almonds and 44 g for raw cashews. Once you grind them, all that natural fat turns the nuts into a spread that's smooth on its own. That's how we skip the palm oil, seed oils and stabilizers that many spreads lean on.
The macadamias set the foundation, and the rest of the roster fills in around them. If you've never had a spread built on them, start with what macadamia nut butter is.
What kind of fat is in macadamias?
Most of it is monounsaturated, the same family of fat olive oil is known for. USDA data puts raw macadamias at about 58.9 g of monounsaturated fat out of 75.8 g of total fat per 100 g. That works out to roughly 78%. Almonds come in at about 63% and pecans at about 57%. Macadamias also have very little polyunsaturated fat. That's part of why their flavor stays mellow instead of turning sharp.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health groups monounsaturated fats with the unsaturated fats it calls beneficial fats. That's a statement about eating patterns in general, not a promise about any one jar. Still, we'd rather build on this kind of fat than on palm oil. For a broader look, read is nut butter good for you?
What do macadamias taste like in a chocolate spread?
Buttery, a little sweet, and quiet in a way that helps everyone else. Peanuts and almonds have strong flavors that compete with chocolate. Macadamias don't. They let the 70% dark chocolate lead while adding a rich, rounded body underneath. Think of the MVP who makes everyone else look good. They also soften the edges of the walnuts, which can taste bitter on their own.
How do macadamias compare to almonds in nut butter?
Macadamias make a creamier, milder butter, and almonds make a thicker, more protein-forward one. Almond butter has more protein and a firmer, earthier body. Macadamia butter is silkier and tastes richer. We wrote a full breakdown in macadamia vs almond butter. The short version is that for a chocolate spread, texture wins, and macadamias win on texture.
Why does the oil separate if macadamias are so creamy?
Because nothing in the jar is forcing the oil to stay mixed in. Nut butter made without emulsifiers or stabilizers can separate over time. The natural oil rises and the ground nuts settle. That's expected and harmless, so give the jar a good stir. Refrigeration firms it up and slows separation, and a few minutes on the counter softens it again. Our desiccated coconut also helps give the blend body.
Are macadamias why the jar costs $18?
They're a big part of it. Macadamias cost far more than peanuts, and in our jar they're the first ingredient, not a garnish. A jar built mostly on peanuts or sugar costs far less to make. We'd rather lead with the nut that makes the texture than fill the jar with cheaper filler. Each 8 oz (227 g) jar is $18, with a 2-jar minimum and free shipping on orders of $65 or more. Details are on our shipping page.
Quick facts
- Position: first ingredient by weight in Dark Cocoa + Sea Salt
- About 76 g fat per 100 g raw macadamias, roughly 78% of it monounsaturated (USDA)
- Job on the team: creamy texture and a mild, buttery base
- Teammates: walnuts, dark chocolate, raw honey, coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, salt
- No palm oil, seed oils, emulsifiers or gums needed
FAQ
Are macadamias a tree nut?
Yes. Anyone with a tree nut allergy should avoid Asher's Nuts. It contains macadamias and walnuts and is made in a facility that also processes cashew and coconut.
Is macadamia butter high in protein?
Not especially. Macadamias are lower in protein than peanuts or almonds. One 2-tablespoon serving of Asher's Nuts has about 3 g of protein, so think of it as a rich spread, not a protein shake.
Why not use only macadamias?
On their own they're rich but one-note. Walnuts add a toasty depth and plant omega-3 ALA. Read what makes Asher's Nuts different.
How should I store a macadamia-based spread?
We recommend the fridge, but it isn't required. An opened jar keeps 2–3 months in the pantry or 6–12 months refrigerated.