When it comes to one of the most beloved staples in our pantries, peanut butter, we need to think about quality and not just taste. The peanut butter aisle is flooded with choices, but never fear, I’ve got the Best Healthy Peanut Butter Brands to help you choose a better choice for you and your family!
Who doesn’t love peanut butter? But did you know that not all peanut butters are the same? Some are all-natural, while others have flavors mixed in, some have oils added to make them no-stir and some even have protein powder mixed in.
Peanut butter has so many uses. Delicious PB&J sandwiches, gluten-free snacks, peanut butter ice cream and it’s even used to make sauces for many ethnic dishes.
It’s also a popular additive for making protein balls and bites. The stickiness helps bind together the individual servings.
Is peanut butter healthy?
Not all peanut butter is created equal, and the choices we make can have a significant impact on our well-being.
Determining the healthiest peanut butter brand can depend on your specific health goals and dietary preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a healthy peanut butter brand.
Ingredients
Look for peanut butter brands with minimal ingredients. The healthiest options typically contain just peanuts and maybe a touch of salt. Avoid products with added sugars, hydrogenated oils or artificial additives.
It is especially important to read the labels if you are following any specific type of diet, like a clean keto diet or a gluten-free diet. Sometimes brands add ingredients that you wouldn’t typically think you’d find in peanut butter.
Nutrient content
Check the nutrition label for protein, fiber and healthy fats. Healthier peanut butter options tend to have higher protein and fiber content, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
No added sugar
Many commercial peanut butter brands add sugar to their products to make them taste better. This can potentially contribute to weight gain. Opt for brands with no added sugar.
No hydrogenated oils
Avoid peanut butter brands that contain hydrogenated oils, as they contain trans fats, which we know are not good for us.
Salt content
Some peanut butter brands add excessive salt. Choose options with lower sodium levels or no added salt if you’re watching your salt intake.
Organic and non-GMO
If you prefer organic and non-GMO products, look for peanut butter brands that carry these certifications.
No emulsifiers
Select peanut butter brands without emulsifiers, as they can have long-term health implications. These most likely will be in the form of gums or partially hydrogenated oils. “Emulsifiers can generate inflammation to the gut’s fragile and important lining,” says dietitian Dahlia Marin.
You can always make your own homemade peanut butter by roasting raw peanuts and grinding them yourself, but that takes time. So below, find the healthiest brands of peanut butter that you can get at your local supermarkets and health food stores.
The healthiest peanut butter brands
Once Again
Once Again Unsweetened Creamy Peanut Butter, not only is this peanut butter organic, salt-free and sugar-free, but it also uses ethically sourced peanuts. The peanut butter is made by roasting and grinding blanched, dry-roasted peanuts until they are creamy. The best part is there is only one ingredient. They come in glass jars that are reusable, making them better for the environment as well.
“I absolutely love Once Again Creamy Unsweetened Peanut Butter. It is perfectly smooth, creamy, and flavorful.”
— Kristen Wood, MOON and spoon and yum
Pic’s Pinati Pata Peanut Butter
Pic’s Peanut Butter is known for only using the finest hi oleic peanuts, sustainably grown by farmers in Australia and Brazil. They roast their peanuts in-house and buy blanched, but unroasted peanuts so they can control how much roasting the peanuts get.
Elizabeth Stasny, a dietitian from Dallas, Texas says Pic’s Peanut Butter is slow-roasted, has only salt and peanuts for ingredients and the way it’s made prevents the oil from separating as quickly.
Laura Scudders Peanut Butter
Laura Scudders peanut butter has just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. It also has 8g of protein per serving.
Adam’s Peanut Butter
Adam’s 100% Natural Peanut Butter has just one ingredient: peanuts. It’s unsalted, gluten-free and Kosher pareve.
Kraft’s Only Peanuts
Kraft’s Only Peanuts peanut butter, as the name implies, this peanut butter has just one ingredient: peanuts.
Woodstock Peanut Butter
Woodstock Organic peanut butter is an unsalted, smooth and creamy peanut butter that is made from organically grown peanuts. Non-GMO Project Verified and USDA Organic.
Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter
Smucker’s Natural peanut butter, both the creamy and the chunky versions have only two ingredients. With only peanuts and salt, this makes for a healthy peanut butter brand.
Reading ingredient labels and nutritional information is key to finding healthy peanut butter brands. Your favorite might not be listed above, so give it a look over, and you might be surprised by the ingredients yours has.
Lara is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Personal Trainer. She is also a photographer and recipe developer and has a food and travel blog Lara Clevenger. She shares easy recipes that are mostly low-carb, along with some bowling and travel adventures. Whether you’re cooking with an air fryer, Blackstone or Instant Pot, she has you covered with healthy recipes.