Choosing the Best Brand of Peanut Butter for High Blood Pressure

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, nearly half of all adults in the United States have hypertension and many people are unaware of how seemingly healthy foods can impact their blood pressure. Finding the best brand of peanut butter for high blood pressure requires careful attention to ingredient lists and nutritional information.

Quick Summary

This guide details how to choose the right peanut butter for hypertension. It focuses on identifying low-sodium, natural options, explaining the ingredients to avoid, and highlighting heart-healthy benefits.

Key Points

Sodium is key: Avoid standard peanut butters with high salt content, as it negatively impacts blood pressure.
Choose natural and unsalted: The best options contain only peanuts and are free of added salt, sugar, and hydrogenated oils.
Crazy Richard's is a top pick: A brand frequently recommended for its single-ingredient formula with zero sodium.
Read the label carefully: Always check for a short, transparent ingredient list to ensure you're getting a genuinely heart-healthy product.
Pair with other healthy foods: Enjoying peanut butter with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables maximizes its nutritional benefits for heart health.
Practice portion control: Even healthy peanut butter is calorie-dense, so stick to recommended serving sizes to avoid weight gain.

Understanding the Link Between Peanut Butter and High Blood Pressure

While many people consider peanut butter a healthy food, not all brands are created equal, especially for those managing hypertension. The key factor to consider is sodium content. Standard commercial peanut butters often contain a significant amount of added salt and sugar, both of which can negatively impact blood pressure. For individuals with high blood pressure, excessive sodium intake can cause the body to retain fluid, increasing blood volume and placing extra strain on the heart and arteries.

Conversely, natural, unsalted peanut butter can be a valuable part of a heart-healthy diet. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to help lower 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol and maintain 'good' (HDL) cholesterol levels. These healthy fats, along with arginine and magnesium found in peanuts, can help improve blood vessel function and support healthy blood pressure.

What to Look for in a Healthy Peanut Butter

When shopping for peanut butter, the label is your best friend. A simple, transparent ingredient list is the most important indicator of a heart-healthy product. The ideal choice will have a minimal ingredient list, ideally containing only peanuts and possibly a touch of salt. Avoid brands that include hydrogenated oils, added sugars, or unnecessary preservatives.

Read the Ingredients: The ingredient list should be short. The fewer ingredients, the better. Look for "Peanuts" and nothing else, or "Peanuts and salt" for a lightly salted option. Some brands may add stabilizers like palm oil, which is acceptable for some but less ideal than a pure peanut butter.
Check Sodium Content: Opt for an unsalted variety whenever possible. If you prefer some salt, choose a brand with a very low sodium count, typically no more than 50 mg per serving, to stay within a heart-healthy range.
Avoid Added Sugars: Many conventional peanut butter brands add sugar to enhance flavor. Excess sugar intake is linked to weight gain and can indirectly affect blood pressure. Natural peanut butters typically have no added sugar.
Choose Natural or Organic: "Natural" or "Organic" labels often, but not always, indicate a cleaner product with fewer additives. However, always verify by checking the ingredient list, as some "natural" brands might still include unwanted stabilizers or sweeteners.

Top Brands for High Blood Pressure

Several brands stand out for their commitment to simple, heart-healthy ingredients. These are widely available and represent some of the best choices for those monitoring their blood pressure.

Crazy Richard's 100% Peanuts! Natural Peanut Butter: Often cited by dietitians for its single-ingredient formula. It contains zero sodium and no added sugar or oils.
Once Again Unsweetened Crunchy Peanut Butter: Made from blanched, dry-roasted organic peanuts with no added sugar or salt.
Teddie All Natural Unsalted Peanut Butter: Offers both salted and unsalted versions. The unsalted option is a reliable choice with no additives.
Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter: Contains only peanuts and salt, with no added sugars or hydrogenated oils. Be sure to buy the "Natural" variety and check for the lower sodium options.
Spread the Love Naked Organic Peanut Butter: Another single-ingredient option made solely from organic peanuts.

Comparison Table: Heart-Healthy Peanut Butters


Feature	Crazy Richard's	Once Again Unsweetened	Teddie Unsalted	Smucker's Natural	Spread the Love Naked
Ingredients	Peanuts only	Organic Peanuts	Peanuts only	Peanuts, Salt	Organic Peanuts
Sodium per 2 tbsp	0 mg	0-50 mg (depending on version)	0 mg	110 mg (salted version)	0 mg
Added Sugar	No	No	No	No	No
Hydrogenated Oil	No	No	No	No	No
Stirring Required?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Tips for Including Peanut Butter in Your Diet

Stir Well: Since natural peanut butters lack stabilizers, the oil will separate and rise to the top. Stir it thoroughly upon opening the jar. For easier spreading, store the jar upside down or refrigerate it after opening.
Watch Portion Sizes: While healthy, peanut butter is calorie-dense. A standard serving size is two tablespoons. Be mindful of your intake, as overconsumption can lead to weight gain, a risk factor for high blood pressure.
Pair Smartly: Pair peanut butter with other heart-healthy foods. Spread it on whole-grain toast, mix it into oatmeal, or use it as a dip for apple slices or celery sticks for a satisfying and nutritious snack.
DIY Your Own: For ultimate control over ingredients, you can make your own peanut butter at home. Simply roast unsalted peanuts and process them in a food processor until creamy. You can add a pinch of salt to taste if desired.

Conclusion

Choosing the best brand of peanut butter for high blood pressure is about prioritizing simple, natural, and low-sodium options. Brands like Crazy Richard's, Once Again, and Teddie offer excellent choices with minimal ingredients and no added sugars or oils. By paying attention to labels and incorporating these healthier versions into a balanced diet, individuals can enjoy the taste and heart-healthy benefits of peanut butter without compromising their blood pressure management goals. Always remember that moderation and portion control are crucial, as is consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. Ultimately, the healthiest choice is the one with the fewest ingredients and the lowest sodium, proving that sometimes, less is more when it comes to your health. You can find more information on healthy food choices for hypertension from the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can eat peanut butter with high blood pressure, but you must choose a natural, unsalted, and low-sodium brand. Avoid conventional brands loaded with added salt and sugar.

Brands with a single ingredient—peanuts—will have the least amount of sodium, typically 0 mg per serving. Crazy Richard's 100% Peanuts is a popular zero-sodium brand.

Sodium-free peanut butter is better for blood pressure because excessive sodium intake is a major contributor to hypertension. By choosing a salt-free option, you reduce your daily sodium intake, which helps manage blood pressure levels.

Not necessarily. While often a better choice, the term 'natural' isn't regulated and some brands may still contain added salt, sugar, or palm oil. Always check the ingredient list to be sure.

You should avoid peanut butters with added salt, sugar, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. A simple ingredient list is best for managing high blood pressure.

While peanut butter itself doesn't directly lower blood pressure, its healthy monounsaturated fats, arginine, and minerals like magnesium can contribute to overall heart health and help regulate blood pressure as part of a balanced diet.

A standard serving size is typically two tablespoons. Because peanut butter is calorie-dense, moderating your intake is important for weight management, which is a key factor in managing blood pressure.