The Discontinuation of the 'Blue Label' Kraft
For many years, health-conscious consumers in Canada relied on Kraft's peanut butter with the blue label and lid, a product advertised as 'Unsweetened & Unsalted'. However, production of this specific product line ceased, leading to its disappearance from store shelves and widespread confusion. In response to a direct customer query on social media in April 2023, the official KRAFT Peanut Butter page confirmed that the product was discontinued due to a lack of consumer demand to support its production. This confirmation addressed many online discussions, including those on platforms like Reddit, where users lamented the product's disappearance.
Why was it so popular yet discontinued?
Despite Kraft's official statement citing low demand, many dedicated buyers of the product expressed dismay and insisted there was a loyal customer base. This discrepancy highlights a common challenge in the food industry: balancing niche product offerings with large-scale production economics. The product's popularity among specific groups, such as those with dietary restrictions or a preference for natural flavors, may not have translated to the high-volume sales necessary for continued production. Past social media updates from Kraft also mentioned temporary supply chain outages affecting certain varieties, which further added to the consumer confusion and speculation about discontinuation long before it was officially confirmed.
The New Kraft Natural Option: 'Only Peanuts All Natural'
To meet the demand for simple, low-ingredient spreads, Kraft now offers its 'Only Peanuts All Natural' peanut butter line in Canada. This is a distinct product from the previously discontinued 'Unsweetened & Unsalted' version, though it serves a very similar purpose for consumers avoiding added sugar and salt. The key features of this replacement product are:
- Ingredients: Made with only one ingredient—100% select roasted peanuts.
- Flavor: Offers a rich, nutty flavor, showcasing the quality of the dry-roasted peanuts.
- Texture: Available in both creamy and crunchy varieties.
- Sourcing: Proudly prepared in Canada.
This "Only Peanuts" line is the go-to Kraft option for those seeking a pure peanut butter experience without any additives. It's important for consumers, especially those in the U.S. where Kraft peanut butter branding can differ, to read labels carefully.
Alternatives to Kraft's Sugar-Free Peanut Butter
For those who can't find the 'Only Peanuts All Natural' variety or simply wish to explore other options, the market is full of excellent alternatives. Here are some categories to consider:
- Other All-Natural Brands: Look for brands that specifically market their products as "100% peanuts" or with "no added sugar or salt." Many grocery store chains also have their own private-label versions that fit this profile, such as PC Blue Menu in Canada.
- Powdered Peanut Butter: Products like PBfit and PB&Me offer powdered peanut butter with no added sugar, which is an excellent option for smoothies, sauces, and baking. It's lower in fat and calories but requires rehydration.
- Homemade Peanut Butter: For complete control over ingredients, making peanut butter at home is a simple process. It requires only roasted peanuts and a food processor. This ensures no added sugar, salt, or oil, giving you the purest possible product.
Comparing Peanut Butter Options
Below is a comparison table outlining the key differences between the old, new, and classic Kraft peanut butter, as well as a popular alternative.
| Feature | Original Discontinued 'Unsweetened & Unsalted' | Current 'Only Peanuts All Natural' | Classic 'Smooth' Peanut Butter | Generic 'No Added Sugar/Salt' Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Discontinued (as of April 2023) | Canada primarily, at major retailers | Wide availability (Canada, US) | Varies by brand and retailer |
| Key Ingredients | Roasted peanuts, soybean oil, hydrogenated oil, mono- & diglycerides | 100% Select roasted peanuts | Roasted peanuts, sugar, oil, salt | Varies, typically 100% peanuts |
| Added Sugar | No | No | Yes | No |
| Added Salt | No | No | Yes | No |
| Requires Stirring | Some, due to natural separation | Yes, oil separation is normal | No, stabilized with added ingredients | Often requires stirring |
| Key Benefit | Familiar Kraft texture without additives | Pure peanut taste, single ingredient | Consistent, creamy texture, no stirring | Pure ingredients, potential for local sourcing |
Frequently Asked Questions about Kraft's Peanut Butter
In light of the product changes, many questions have surfaced. Here are the answers to some of the most common queries.
The Final Word: Has Kraft stopped making sugar-free peanut butter?
No. While they discontinued a specific product that was previously unsweetened, they have replaced it with a newer, even more natural product line. The "Only Peanuts All Natural" line contains only roasted peanuts, meaning it is entirely free of added sugar or salt. It's crucial for consumers to look for this specific label when shopping.
Conclusion
The confusion surrounding Kraft's sugar-free peanut butter stems from the discontinuation of its legacy 'Unsweetened & Unsalted' product. However, Kraft now offers a replacement with its 'Only Peanuts All Natural' line, a simple, one-ingredient peanut butter available in Canada that contains no added sugar or salt. Consumers searching for this product should look for the specific "Only Peanuts" label. For those unable to find it or seeking variety, numerous alternatives exist, from other natural brands to powdered options and even homemade recipes. By understanding the distinction between the old and new product lines, shoppers can confidently find a pure, sugar-free peanut butter that meets their needs.
