At 99th Monkey, we live by the principle that great food should be both simple and exceptional. We spend our days perfecting the craft of nut butter, ensuring every jar is filled with nothing but the purest, most delicious ingredients. But even the best ingredients are looking for their perfect partners.
While our Almond Butter is versatile enough to elevate virtually any dish (from savoury curries to sweet bakes), there is one combination that stands above the rest—a trio so classic, so nutritionally balanced, and so utterly satisfying that it deserves its own spotlight:
Almond Butter (Smooth or Crunchy) + Banana + Honey (or Maple Syrup)
This isn't just a snack; it's the culinary equivalent of a power ballad—rich, harmonious, and guaranteed to hit all the right notes. Whether you're layering it on toast, blending it into a smoothie, or simply slicing and dipping, this trio delivers the perfect balance of flavour and function.
Let’s dive into why these three simple ingredients create such a profound and effective synergy, exploring the flavour profiles and the potent nutritional benefits that make this the ultimate whole-food fuel.
The Harmony of Flavours: Sweet, Salty, Creamy, Rich
What makes this combination so addictive? It’s a perfect dance between contrasting textures and complementary tastes:
1. The Creamy, Earthy Anchor: 99th Monkey Almond Butter
This is the foundation of the flavour profile. Our Almond Butter, whether you choose the silky Smooth or the wonderfully textured Crunchy, provides a deep, rich, and slightly earthy base.
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Flavour: It offers a roasted, nutty depth that grounds the sweetness of the other two ingredients. It’s inherently savoury, even if unsalted, providing a complex counterpoint.
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Texture: The fat content ensures a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel (or a delightful, rustic crunch), which contrasts beautifully with the softness of the banana. It coats the tongue, making the flavour linger and ensuring satisfaction.
2. The Soft, Fruity Sweetness: Banana
The banana brings essential sweetness and a softer texture. It’s nature’s perfect pre-packaged treat.
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Flavour: The mellow, natural sweetness of a ripe banana is universally appealing. Crucially, it has a distinct tropical-sweet flavour that doesn't compete with the nuttiness but instead brightens it.
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Texture: Its soft, yielding consistency blends seamlessly with the richness of the almond butter, creating a cohesive, delicious spread or bite. When frozen, it becomes the foundation of the world’s best 'nice cream.'
3. The Sticky, Aromatic Drizzle: Honey or Maple Syrup
The final touch—the drizzle—adds complexity and that comforting, familiar sweetness.
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Honey: If you choose honey, you introduce a floral, aromatic layer of sweetness. Its viscosity creates a wonderful stickiness and chew, elevating the overall indulgence.
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Maple Syrup: Opting for maple syrup adds an earthy, caramel-like sweetness with a slightly thinner consistency. It’s perfect for those who want a pure, plant-based sweetener that ties into that comforting, breakfast flavour profile.
In short, the Almond Butter provides the fat and savoury depth, the Banana offers the fruit and softness, and the Honey/Maple delivers the final burst of aromatic sweetness. The combination is simply irresistible.
The Nutritional Power Play: Fuel That Lasts
Beyond the taste, the true brilliance of this trio lies in its outstanding nutritional synergy. This combination isn't just a snack; it’s a perfectly balanced meal component, packing three essential macronutrients into every bite: Protein, Healthy Fats, and Complex Carbohydrates.
1. The Almond Butter Advantage (Protein & Healthy Fats)
Our 99th Monkey Almond Butter is a powerhouse of nutrition, and the source of the recipe’s staying power:
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Healthy Monounsaturated Fats: Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, the heart-healthy fats that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and provide sustained energy. These fats are what make you feel satisfied and prevent the rapid spike and crash associated with high-sugar foods.
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Protein: Almond butter is an excellent source of plant-based protein, crucial for muscle repair, growth, and prolonged satiety. The protein works with the fibre and fat to slow down the digestion of the carbohydrates.
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Micronutrients: Almonds deliver significant doses of Vitamin E (a potent antioxidant), Magnesium (vital for muscle and nerve function), and Calcium.
2. The Banana Boost (Complex Carbs & Electrolytes)
Bananas are the carbohydrate component of this power trio, offering readily available energy and more:
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Complex Carbohydrates: Bananas provide glucose, the preferred fuel source for the brain and body. Unlike refined sugar, the natural sugars in a banana are packaged with fibre, which helps regulate their absorption.
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Potassium: Bananas are famous for their potassium content, a vital electrolyte that helps maintain proper fluid balance and supports healthy blood pressure and muscle function. This makes the trio an ideal post-workout recovery food.
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Fibre: They are a good source of dietary fibre, which supports digestive health and adds to the feeling of fullness.
3. The Sweetener Benefit (Energy & Antioxidants)
Whether you choose honey or maple, you’re getting more than just sweetness:
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Honey: Raw honey contains traces of B vitamins and important antioxidants, thanks to its plant-derived components. It also acts as a natural prebiotic, supporting gut health.
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Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is rich in several minerals, notably Manganese and Zinc, and contains powerful antioxidants. It’s one of the best naturally occurring sources of sweetness for the vitamins and minerals it brings along.
When combined, you get the perfect macronutrient profile: complex carbs for immediate energy, protein for muscle support, and healthy fats for sustained fullness. It’s clean, effective fuel that tastes like a treat.
Beyond the Sandwich: Creative Ways to Enjoy the Trio
While the simplest way to enjoy this combination is slicing a banana and spreading it with almond butter and a drizzle, the trio’s versatility is endless. Here are a few ways to incorporate this ultimate fuel into your daily routine:
1. The Classic Power Toast
Toast two slices of sourdough (for a slight savoury tang), spread generously with 99th Monkey Almond Butter, layer with sliced banana, and finish with a delicate drizzle of honey or maple. A sprinkle of cinnamon is optional but highly recommended!
2. The Post-Workout Smoothie
Blend one frozen banana, two tablespoons of 99th Monkey Almond Butter, a splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy), and a teaspoon of honey. This creates a thick, creamy, high-protein shake that is the ultimate recovery drink.
3. Baked Oatmeal Topping
Use the banana as a base in your baked oatmeal, and then mix the almond butter and honey/maple with a touch of hot water to create a decadent glaze to drizzle over the warm oats when they come out of the oven.
4. The Quickest Dip
Slice a banana lengthwise, spread a dollop of almond butter down the centre, and drizzle. This is a messy, delicious, and immediate way to silence any craving.
Final Thoughts on Your Ultimate Fuel
We created 99th Monkey Almond Butter to be a staple ingredient that enhances your healthy lifestyle. By pairing it with the humble banana and a touch of natural sweetness, you unlock a synergy that is hard to beat.
It’s the simplest solution to complex nutrition. It's the perfect balance of indulgence and health.
So, next time you’re reaching for a snack, remember the ultimate trio. Choose your texture—Smooth or Crunchy Almond Butter—and prepare to fuel your body and delight your taste buds with a combination that is truly unstoppable. Enjoy the energy boost!
