Healthy Alternatives

10 Better Than Butter Healthy Bread Toppers!

Emily Lockhart

Published on March 12, 2013 Updated on March 12, 2014

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There are healthy fats and then there are unhealthy fats, and unfortunately, butter is really high in saturated fat, which makes it an unwise decision for your heart and your waistline.

But the good news is that there are a ton of lower fat spreads that you can swap that stick of butter for—and cut down on fat and calories at the same time. Here are ten better than butter healthy bread toppers for toast, bagels, crackers, rolls, and sandwiches…

1. Avocado

Just as creamy and satisfying as butter, avocado is hearty enough to stand on its own as a bread or sandwich spread, plus it tastes great with meats like chicken or seafood.

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2. Apple Butter

When it comes to your morning toast, spreading a little apple butter may sound sinful, but it’s really not. Look for 100-percent natural apple butters made with one purely delicious and nutritious ingredient: apples!

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil is not only lower in saturated fats than butter (75-percent less)—it also packs less calories from fat overall and zero cholesterol in comparison.

4. Plain Yogurt & Cinnamon

If you like bread and honey as a mid-afternoon snack, you can cut empty calories and still get your sweet fix by spreading a teaspoon of thick, plain Greek yogurt on a whole wheat English muffin and sprinkling it lightly with cinnamon.

5. Light Cream Cheese

A low fat cream cheese has several pluses as a bread topper. First, it’s thick which makes it great for spreading. Second, it packs so much flavor that you can substitute it for your typical butter and cheese to really cut calories and fat.

6. Hummus

Protein-rich hummus is made with chick peas, which are also high in fiber. As a Mexican-inspired sandwich spread, this hearty dip goes well with egg, lean meat, veggies, and salsa.

7. Nut Butters

Almond butter, cashew butter, and hazelnut butter are widely available now in grocer’s aisles—and they pack plenty of protein, healthy unsaturated fat, and flavor, plus they keep little tummies satisfied longer.

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8. Mustard

Honey, grainy, horseradish, Dijon, dill…oh my! Mustards come in so many varieties, from sweet to savory, plus they pack almost no calories on your lunchtime sammie.

9. Fruit Purees

Your favorite fruit can be easily made into a delectable puree—apricot, plum, strawberry, cherry, and even mango! Spread it onto bread as a substitute for your morning butter and jam thick toast and you’ll reduce your fat and sugar intake, and your waistline.

10. Veggie Tapenade

If you’re one of those individuals who won’t eat your vegetables, a healthy way to sneak them into your diet is via a cleverly disguised vegetable tapenade (or veggie puree) such as olive or artichoke tapenade, or red pepper puree. They all offer a colorful and tasty spread…with stealthy health benefits.

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Emily Lockhart

Emily Lockhart is a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer. She believes that being healthy is a lifestyle choice, not a punishment or temporary fix to attain a desired fitness or body image goal. Anna helps her clients take responsibility for their own health and wellness through her classes and articles on ActiveBeat.