Decoding the Label: Is Peanut Butter Considered Ultra-Processed?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

With over 60% of the daily caloric intake in the United States coming from ultra-processed foods, many consumers are scrutinizing their pantry staples. Among the most questioned items is peanut butter, a beloved staple often assumed to be healthy. So, is peanut butter considered ultra-processed? The answer isn't straightforward and hinges entirely on the specific ingredients listed on the jar.

Quick Summary

The classification of peanut butter as ultra-processed depends on its ingredients, not the food itself. Natural versions with minimal ingredients are minimally processed, while conventional brands with added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and emulsifiers are considered ultra-processed.

Key Points

Ingredient-Dependent: The classification of peanut butter as ultra-processed is entirely dependent on its ingredients; a jar with only peanuts and salt is minimally processed, while one with added sugars and hydrogenated oils is ultra-processed.
NOVA System Explained: The NOVA classification system categorizes foods based on their level of industrial processing, placing formulations with many additives and extracted substances into the ultra-processed category.
Additives Mark UPF: Conventional peanut butter is often ultra-processed due to the addition of stabilizers, such as hydrogenated oils, and excess sugar to prevent oil separation and enhance flavor.
Natural is More Nutritious: Minimally processed, natural peanut butter retains more of its inherent nutritional value, including healthy fats, protein, and fiber, without the saturated fats and added sugars found in many conventional brands.
Check Labels for Health: To avoid ultra-processed peanut butter, always check the ingredients list for a short, simple roster of ingredients, preferably just peanuts and salt.
Health Concerns of UPFs: A high intake of ultra-processed foods, including conventional peanut butter, is linked to adverse health outcomes like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
DIY is Minimally Processed: Making your own peanut butter at home using only roasted peanuts and a food processor is the most straightforward way to ensure it is minimally processed.

Understanding Food Processing: The NOVA Classification

To properly answer the question, "Is peanut butter considered ultra-processed?", one must first understand the NOVA classification system, which categorizes foods based on the extent and purpose of industrial processing.

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods: These are foods in their natural state or with minor alterations like roasting, freezing, or pasteurization. Think whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and plain milk. A peanut butter with just peanuts (and perhaps salt) falls here or on the border of Group 3.
Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients: These are substances extracted from Group 1 foods, such as oils, flour, sugar, and salt, used for cooking and seasoning.
Group 3: Processed Foods: These are simple products made by adding Group 2 ingredients to Group 1 foods. Examples include canned vegetables with salt or canned fish. A peanut butter with just peanuts and salt often falls into this category.
Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods: These are formulations of ingredients mostly extracted from other foods, often with many additives not typically used in home cooking. They are designed to be convenient, hyper-palatable, and have a long shelf life.

The Ingredient Divide: Natural vs. Conventional Peanut Butter

The difference between a minimally processed peanut butter and an ultra-processed one comes down to its ingredient list. Natural peanut butter typically contains only two ingredients: peanuts and a small amount of salt. In contrast, many conventional, shelf-stable brands include a list of additives.

What Makes a Peanut Butter Ultra-Processed?

Conventional brands add various ingredients to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life, pushing them into the ultra-processed category.

Added Sugars: Many popular brands add sugar, molasses, or other sweeteners to increase palatability. This significantly increases the total sugar content compared to natural varieties.
Hydrogenated Oils: These fats are added to prevent the natural oil separation that occurs in minimally processed peanut butter, giving it a consistently creamy texture and extending its shelf life. While fully hydrogenated oils do not contain trans fats, they still contribute to the overall saturated fat content.
Emulsifiers and Stabilizers: Ingredients like mono- and diglycerides or stabilizers (like E471) serve to keep the oil and solids from separating and improve spreadability.

Nutritional Comparison: A Tale of Two Butters

The processing level directly impacts the nutritional profile of peanut butter. While both types are sources of healthy fats and protein, their overall nutritional value differs significantly.


Feature	Natural Peanut Butter (Minimally Processed)	Conventional Peanut Butter (Ultra-Processed)
Ingredients	Peanuts, sometimes salt	Peanuts, added sugar, hydrogenated oils, emulsifiers, stabilizers
Added Sugar	None or trace amounts	Often 3-6 grams or more per serving
Fats	Rich in heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats	Contains higher saturated fats from added oils
Texture	Thinner consistency, requires stirring to mix oil	Smooth and consistent, no stirring needed
Protein & Fiber	High protein and dietary fiber content	Slightly lower protein and fiber due to added ingredients

The Broader Health Context: Why Processing Matters

Research has linked a high intake of ultra-processed foods to numerous adverse health outcomes, including an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. This is often due to the low nutritional density and high levels of added sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats found in these products. By choosing a minimally processed peanut butter, consumers can reap the health benefits of peanuts—a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals—without the detrimental additives associated with ultra-processed versions.

How to Choose a Healthier Peanut Butter

Making a healthier choice at the grocery store is simple if you know what to look for.

Here is a list of steps to help you find the best option:

Read the Ingredients Label: Prioritize brands with the shortest ingredient list, ideally just "peanuts" and "salt".
Look for Oil Separation: A layer of oil on top of the peanut butter is a positive sign, indicating no stabilizing agents were used. Just give it a good stir.
Check the Added Sugar: Compare the grams of added sugar per serving. Healthier options have zero or very low amounts.
Avoid Hydrogenated Oils: Look for products that explicitly state "no hydrogenated oils" or avoid brands that don't need stirring.

Making Your Own: The Ultimate Minimally Processed Peanut Butter

For complete control over ingredients and processing, consider making your own peanut butter at home. It’s remarkably simple and requires only a food processor and roasted peanuts. You can customize the flavor with optional salt or a natural sweetener like honey, but even with just peanuts, the result is a fresh, minimally processed spread far superior to any ultra-processed alternative.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Ultimately, whether peanut butter is considered ultra-processed is determined by its specific formulation, not the name on the jar. Natural, minimally processed peanut butter, made with only peanuts and salt, remains a nutritious food. However, conventional brands loaded with added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and stabilizers fall squarely into the ultra-processed category, with potential negative health consequences. The power lies with the consumer to read labels carefully and choose varieties that align with a healthy, minimally processed diet. The simple act of choosing a product with fewer ingredients can make a significant difference to your nutrition and overall well-being.

One authoritative outbound link: To learn more about the NOVA food classification system and its categories, visit the Nupens website: https://www.fsp.usp.br/nupens/en/food-classification-nova/.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in the ingredients and processing. Natural peanut butter typically contains only peanuts and salt, while conventional versions often include added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and emulsifiers to create a smoother, more stable texture.

Check the ingredients list. If it contains hydrogenated oils, excessive added sugars, emulsifiers, or preservatives, it is likely considered ultra-processed under the NOVA classification system.

Ultra-processed peanut butter often contains higher levels of added sugar and unhealthy saturated fats from hydrogenated oils. A diet high in ultra-processed foods is linked to increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health issues.

Yes, natural peanut butter is generally considered healthier because it lacks the added sugars and unhealthy hydrogenated fats found in many conventional brands. It provides the full nutritional benefits of peanuts with minimal processing.

Oil separation is a natural process in minimally processed peanut butter. It occurs because there are no added stabilizers or emulsifiers to keep the oil and solid parts of the peanuts mixed together.

When buying peanut butter, look for a short ingredient list. The healthiest options will list only 'peanuts' and 'salt'. Also, check the nutritional information for low or zero grams of added sugar.

Yes, you can easily make your own peanut butter at home using a food processor and roasted peanuts. This allows you to have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring it is minimally processed.

A small amount of added salt does not typically classify peanut butter as ultra-processed. According to the NOVA system, products with minimal ingredients like salt and fat are generally considered 'processed foods' (Group 3), not ultra-processed (Group 4), which requires more extensive industrial formulations and additives.