Spreads and nut butters are a cupboard essential in my opinion. You can never have too much or too many flavours and variations. Smooth or crunchy? Thick or runny? Or both? Whatever you jam (or spread) is, see what I did there, there is something for everyone out there.

I've become more aware of the ingredients used and do try to stick with organic, natural spreads that avoid using additives and unethically produced palm oil. I've put together my current top 5 favourite spreads and nut butters. There are so many more I've got to try out but there's plenty of time for that.

Lotus Biscoff Spread
This one is a recent discovery and I've been through two jars since January. Whoops! It's got a creamy and smooth texture and caramel taste which very literally melts in your mouth. I've been trying to find as many ways to use it as possible, including just eating it from the jar. I created a protein smoothie recipe with it, you can check it out here. I've also found that spreading it on a toasted hot cross bun is delicious!

Pip & Nut -Crunchy Maple Peanut Butter
Pip & Nut have to be the masters of coming up with some epic flavours and this one is no different. I love the crunch and added sweetness this one brings. One of my favourite ways to eat it is on rice cakes with sliced strawberries.

Meridian - Cocoa and Peanut Butter
Another more recent discovery was this one. If you like chocolate and peanut butter this one is for you. The cocoa gives it an extra thick texture so it's perfect to melt into your oats or spread on a bagel.

Tesco - Smooth Peanut Butter
This one comes without the price tag that a lot of other nut butters do. Tesco have recently launched a new line of spreads that are made from 100% nuts so no added nasties in here! It's not just peanut butter either, almond and cashew have made an appearance along with crunchy too! It's perfect to dribbled over your porridge oats in the morning or any other time for that matter.

Whole Earth - Smooth Peanut Butter
I'm not a smooth or crunchy kind of girl as you've probably guessed. I like them both, just depends on what I fancy really. Whole Earth are another great brand that produce organic butters. I've had several of their jars before but particularly like the smooth peanut butter. It works great for a post-workout protein smoothie.

When those jars slowly start to empty and you find yourself with only a spoonful left, fear not. The perfect way to finish off all these is to fill your jar with some overnight oats. Add your oats, milk and fruit, give it a good stir and leave overnight in the fridge. That's breakfast sorted so you can head to the shops to scope out your next jar!