Decoding Labels: What Peanut Butter Is Not Bioengineered?

October 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Peanut Board, there are currently no bioengineered peanuts on the market. This surprising fact means that the question, 'What peanut butter is not bioengineered?', is answered in a way you might not expect—all of it is technically not bioengineered at the base peanut level.

Quick Summary

All peanut butter uses non-bioengineered peanuts, but other ingredients may be derived from bioengineered crops. Navigating labels like USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard is key to making informed dietary choices for your family.

Key Points

All Peanuts are Non-Bioengineered: Currently, no bioengineered peanuts are grown or sold commercially, a surprising fact for many consumers.
Read the Full Ingredient List: While peanuts are non-BE, other additives like corn syrup or emulsifiers in conventional peanut butter may be bioengineered.
Look for USDA Organic: The USDA Organic seal is the most reliable guarantee that a product contains no bioengineered ingredients, from peanuts to any additives.
Choose 'Natural' with Caution: 'Natural' typically means fewer ingredients but doesn't explicitly protect against all bioengineered crops or guarantee an organic source.
Prioritize the Shortest Ingredient List: Opting for peanut butter made with only peanuts and salt is the simplest way to ensure a non-bioengineered product.
Use Certification Seals for Confirmation: The Non-GMO Project Verified seal provides additional third-party assurance beyond the USDA's mandatory labeling standards.

The Surprising Truth: All Peanuts are Not Bioengineered

One of the most reassuring facts for peanut butter lovers is that there are no commercially grown bioengineered peanuts available today. The peanut plant, Arachis hypogaea, remains unaffected by the genetic modification practices that have impacted other crops. This means that at its core, any peanut butter you purchase starts with non-bioengineered peanuts. However, the ingredients that companies add to peanuts can tell a very different story.

Decoding Peanut Butter Labels

Because peanuts themselves are not bioengineered, simply checking the label for the 'bioengineered' text or symbol (which became mandatory in 2022 under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, or NBFDS) may not give you the full picture. Many conventional peanut butters use additional ingredients that could be derived from bioengineered crops, such as corn syrup or sugar from genetically modified sugar beets. This is why understanding the different labels and certifications is crucial for a health-conscious consumer.

The Importance of USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified

For the highest assurance of avoiding bioengineered or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), look for specific seals. The USDA Organic certification is considered the 'gold standard' because its standards require all ingredients to be produced without genetic engineering. When you see the USDA Organic seal, you can be certain that all components of the peanut butter, including any added sugar or stabilizers, are non-GMO. For an additional layer of certainty, many brands also obtain the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, which focuses specifically on confirming the absence of genetically modified materials through rigorous third-party testing.

Natural vs. Conventional Peanut Butter

The difference between 'natural' and conventional peanut butter lies in the presence of extra ingredients. Natural peanut butter typically contains just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. In contrast, conventional varieties often include emulsifiers and stabilizers, such as hydrogenated oils, as well as added sweeteners like corn syrup. While hydrogenated oils used today are different from trans fats of the past, the added sugars and highly processed ingredients in conventional peanut butter can be less desirable for those following a strict nutrition diet.

How to Choose Non-Bioengineered Peanut Butter

Read the Ingredient List: Choose products with the shortest, simplest ingredient list. Look for just peanuts and salt. If other ingredients are present, check their source. For instance, is the sugar organic? Is the stabilizer a non-GMO product?
Look for Seals: Prioritize USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified seals for the highest level of assurance.
Consider 'Natural' Brands: Many 'natural' peanut butters are simple, but always check the ingredients. Some may still contain palm oil or other additives.
Grind Your Own: For ultimate control and freshness, many stores offer machines to grind your own peanuts. This guarantees the simplest, purest product.

Popular Brands for a Healthier Diet

Once Again Nut Butter: Offers certified organic and non-GMO peanut butter with minimal ingredients.
Crazy Richard's: Features 100% peanuts with no added salt, sugar, or oils.
Santa Cruz Organic: Provides organic peanut butter with only peanuts and salt, verified by USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project seals.
Justin's: While known for flavors, their classic peanut butter is made with non-GMO ingredients.
Teddie Peanut Butter: A simple, natural option made with only dry-roasted peanuts and salt.
Skippy Natural: The brand's 'Natural' line is explicitly labeled as non-GMO.

Comparison of Peanut Butter Types


Feature	Conventional Peanut Butter	Natural Peanut Butter	Organic Peanut Butter
Peanuts	Non-bioengineered	Non-bioengineered	Non-bioengineered & organically grown
Additional Ingredients	Added sugars (e.g., corn syrup), hydrogenated oils, emulsifiers	Minimal: often just peanuts and salt	Minimal: uses only organic salt, no added sugar or hydrogenated oils
Bioengineered Risk	Possible, from non-peanut ingredients like sugar from beets or corn syrup	Low, depending on the brand and simplicity of ingredients	None, USDA Organic prohibits GMOs in all ingredients
Certifications	National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (if applicable)	Often none, relies on simple ingredients	USDA Organic & often Non-GMO Project Verified

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

When considering what peanut butter is not bioengineered, the answer is actually quite straightforward at the fundamental peanut level. However, the bigger picture for a conscientious nutrition diet involves looking beyond the peanuts to all the other ingredients. Choosing natural or organic brands is the most reliable way to avoid any potential bioengineered additives and ensures a simpler, cleaner product. By paying attention to seals and ingredient lists, you can confidently select the best peanut butter for your health goals. For more in-depth information, you can explore the National Peanut Board's website, which offers resources on peanut facts and nutrition.

Visit the National Peanut Board Website for additional information

Frequently Asked Questions

Jif and Skippy use non-bioengineered peanuts, but their conventional versions contain ingredients that might be sourced from bioengineered crops. Skippy's 'Natural' line is labeled as non-GMO, and some Jif varieties may also be labeled accordingly, but it's best to read the label carefully and check for official seals.

For labeling purposes in the U.S., the terms are similar, but 'bioengineered' is the specific term used under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. This means any food that contains detectable genetic material that has been modified through laboratory techniques must be disclosed.

While it's not strictly necessary to avoid bioengineered peanuts, which don't exist commercially, buying organic provides the highest assurance that all ingredients are non-GMO. Conventional peanut butters can contain additives from bioengineered sources, such as sugar beets or corn.

No, the 'Natural' label is not a guarantee against bioengineered ingredients and is not regulated for this purpose. It typically refers to a simple ingredient list, but you must still check for other certifications like Non-GMO Project Verified for a more definitive answer.

Look for brands with USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified seals. Examples include Once Again, Crazy Richard's, Santa Cruz Organic, Teddie, and the 'Natural' lines of larger brands like Skippy.

Common ingredients that could be bioengineered include sweeteners derived from corn (like corn syrup) or sugar from genetically modified sugar beets. Soy lecithin, used as an emulsifier, can also be derived from bioengineered soy.

If a peanut butter product has a bioengineered food disclosure, it's because one or more non-peanut ingredients were derived from bioengineered crops, such as sugar from GM sugar beets or corn syrup. Highly refined ingredients may be exempt.