According to some embodiments, a method for making a nut-based ingredient includes receiving or grinding a pre-cut material of unroasted nuts to a mean particle size between approximately 0.01 and 0.5 inches and further processing the pre-cut material to yield a mixture having a mean particle size less than approximately 0.003. Examples of steps for processing the pre-cut material include performing a grinding step using a grinding mill configured with a microcut head, performing homogenization (e.g., at 1500-3000 psi) and/or high pressure homogenization (e.g., at 7500-15,000 psi), and/or recirculating the mixture through a pump or mill. In certain embodiments, an example comprises grinding unroasted nuts without a pre-cutting step. The temperature of the nut-based ingredient does not exceed approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit throughout processing from unroasted nuts to the nut-based ingredient.
