Does Nutter Butter Use Real Peanut Butter? The Truth Behind the Iconic Cookie

First introduced by Nabisco in 1969, the Nutter Butter has been a beloved snack for generations. While the packaging touts it as being "made with real peanut butter," a closer look at the full ingredient list reveals a more complex story behind its distinct flavor and texture.

Quick Summary

Nutter Butter cookies contain a filling made from roasted peanuts, though this 'peanut butter' is a stabilized mixture. It also includes corn syrup solids, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and artificial flavor. The final product is a processed snack with a distinct profile, different from natural peanut butter.

Key Points

• Peanuts Are Present: The ingredient list confirms that roasted peanuts are used in the Nutter Butter cookie filling.

• Stabilized Formula: The filling contains corn syrup solids, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and salt, which create a stable, creamy texture unlike natural peanut butter.

• Enhanced Flavor: Artificial flavor, specifically vanillin, is added alongside the peanuts and sugars to create the distinctive Nutter Butter taste.

• Multiple Added Sugars: The recipe includes various forms of sugar, such as corn syrup solids, high fructose corn syrup, and sugar.

• Highly Processed Snack: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) classifies Nutter Butter as an unhealthy ultra-processed food due to its formulation.

• Parent Company: Nutter Butter is a Nabisco product, owned by Mondelez International.

• Distinct from Natural Butter: The filling is a processed, shelf-stable product, fundamentally different from natural peanut butter made solely from peanuts.

The Filling's Composition: Real Peanuts, Processed Formulation

The Nutter Butter cookie filling does contain roasted peanuts, but it is combined with other ingredients to create its signature taste and texture. This blend of peanuts with additives differentiates it from natural peanut butter.

The Role of Stabilizers and Sweeteners

Hydrogenated vegetable oils are added to the filling to prevent oil separation and maintain a smooth consistency, unlike natural peanut butter which requires stirring. Corn syrup solids and high fructose corn syrup contribute to the sweetness and also act as preservatives. These components are essential for the unique Nutter Butter consistency and flavor.

The Complete Nutter Butter Cookie Ingredient Profile

The Nutter Butter cookie is made up of the peanut butter filling and a wafer. The complete list includes processed ingredients that contribute to the final product. This composition reveals that Nutter Butter is a processed snack with various sugars, oils, and artificial flavors.

Natural Peanut Butter vs. Nutter Butter Filling

A comparison highlights the differences between Nutter Butter filling and natural peanut butter.

Feature	All-Natural Peanut Butter	Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Filling
Core Ingredient	100% Peanuts (sometimes with salt)	Roasted Peanuts
Added Oils	None, or just peanut oil	Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils, Palm Oil, Soybean/Canola Oil
Sweeteners	None, or natural sweeteners	Corn Syrup Solids, High Fructose Corn Syrup
Stabilizers	No stabilizers; requires stirring	Hydrogenated oils for a no-stir consistency
Additives	None	Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor (Vanillin)
Processing Level	Minimal (roasting, grinding)	High (blending, stabilizing, flavoring)
Nutritional Profile	Higher in healthy fats, fiber	Lower health-wise due to added sugars and oils

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

In conclusion, Nutter Butter does use real peanut butter, but it is within a processed formula that includes stabilizers, sweeteners, and artificial flavors. This blend creates the familiar Nutter Butter taste, distinguishing it from natural peanut butter. The decision to enjoy this snack depends on individual preference for processed versus minimally processed foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the peanut butter in Nutter Butter cookies considered natural?

No, the peanut butter filling is not natural. While it does contain real roasted peanuts, it also includes added sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavors, which make it a highly processed product unlike natural peanut butter.

What are the main ingredients in Nutter Butter's peanut butter filling?

The filling contains roasted peanuts, corn syrup solids, hydrogenated vegetable oil, salt, and peanut oil. For the full list of ingredients, see {Link: Mondelēz International Foodservice https://www.mondelezinternationalfoodservice.com/Product/ProductDetails/ProductId=10044000050884/index.html} and {Link: Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Nutter-Butter-Full-Size-Sandwich-Cookies/dp/B000F9Z2C2}.

Why does the Nutter Butter filling have a specific, non-separating texture?

The stable, non-separating texture is achieved by using hydrogenated vegetable oils. These oils prevent the natural peanut oil from separating, which is why a jar of natural peanut butter needs to be stirred.

Are there any artificial ingredients in Nutter Butter cookies?

Yes, Nutter Butter cookies contain artificial flavor, specifically vanillin, in addition to the highly processed ingredients in the filling and wafers.

How does the nutritional value of Nutter Butter compare to natural peanut butter?

Nutter Butter cookies are significantly higher in added sugars and processed oils compared to natural peanut butter, which is known for its protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. The EWG has classified the cookie as an unhealthy ultra-processed food.

Who makes Nutter Butter cookies?

Nutter Butter is a brand owned by Nabisco, which is a subsidiary of the global food company Mondelez International.

What is the key takeaway for consumers regarding Nutter Butter ingredients?

The key takeaway is that Nutter Butters do contain real peanuts, but they are part of a complex, processed formula designed for taste and stability. Consumers should be aware of the high sugar and processed oil content, especially when comparing it to less processed alternatives.

Is the artificial flavor in Nutter Butter harmful?

While approved for consumption by regulatory bodies like the FDA, artificial flavors such as vanillin are a key component of the overall processed nature of the cookie and are an ingredient to be aware of if seeking a more natural snack.