Abstract: A novel nut paste having a particular monomodal particle size distribution and to monomodal full-fat nut butters and monomodal reduced fat nut spreads which contain the novel nut paste and which, as a result, have superior fluidity, texture and flavor which comprises from about 50% to 100% of a nut paste. The Casson plastic viscosity of the nut paste is less than about 15 poise and the fat content of the nut paste is at least about 45%, and it has a fat content ranging from about 25% to about 80%. The final nut butters and nut spread products of the present invention have a Casson plastic viscosity of less than about 17 poise and a yield value below about 300 dynes per square centimeter. The water insoluble solids have a monomodal particle size distribution such that at least about 90% of the water insoluble solids comprising the nut butter or spread have a particle size of less than about 21.

Abstract: A process for preparing a high protein or low fat nut spread having desirable fluidity, texture and flavor. The process comprises as a first step depositing a nut paste in a mixing tank. Next, the solid ingredients which are to be present in the final product spread are mixed into the tank containing the peanut paste. The Casson plastic viscosity of the mixture is adjusted to about 30 poise or less. This mixture is then pumped through a homogenizer and a colloid mill or series of colloid mills. Nut spreads having a bimodal particle size distribution such that at least 50% of the solids in the nut spread have a particle size of less than 18 microns and 90% of the solids in the nut spread have a particle size of less than 60 microns, and further having a Casson plastic viscosity of from about 8 to about 17 poise and a yield value of less than about 300 dynes per square centimeter are produced according to this process.

Abstract: The invention is a reduced past nut or oilseed butter composition made from roasted nuts which contains: (a) from about 40% to about 67% nut solids, between 65% and 80% of said solids having a particle size less than 18 microns and a SPAN of greater than 2.5 and not more than 5.0; (b) from about 33% to about 45% oil; (c) from 0% to about 4% stabilizer; (d) from 0% to about 40% bulking agent; (e) from 0% to about 8% flavorant; and (f) from 0% to about 3% emulsifier; where the product has a Casson plastic viscosity of between 1 and 15 poise and a yield value below 300 dynes per square centimeter. The invention also relates to a reduced fat or full compositions of the general type described above which is whipped to contain dispersed gas bubbles, where at least 90% of the bubbles have a diameter less than 150 microns. Processes for making these compositions are also described.