What brands of peanut butter are gluten-free? A comprehensive guide

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, a strictly gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment for celiac disease. For individuals navigating this diet, identifying safe products is crucial. So, what brands of peanut butter are gluten-free? While pure peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt is naturally gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing makes checking labels a necessity for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a breakdown of major, natural, and specialty brands that offer gluten-free peanut butter options. It clarifies the difference between 'certified gluten-free' and a gluten-free label, and explains why vigilance in checking product packaging is essential.

Key Points

• Check Labels: Always look for an explicit "gluten-free" label on the packaging, even for seemingly simple foods like peanut butter.

• Certified vs. Labeled: Understand the difference between products labeled 'gluten-free' (under 20 ppm) and those 'certified gluten-free' (often under 10 ppm), which offer a higher degree of safety for sensitive individuals.

• Major Brands: Many popular commercial brands, including Jif, Skippy, and Peter Pan, offer gluten-free varieties.

• Natural Options: Brands like Crazy Richard's and Smucker's Natural often feature simpler ingredients and are also gluten-free.

• Beware of Cross-Contamination: Even if the core ingredients are gluten-free, manufacturing processes can introduce cross-contamination, which is why a label check is vital.

• Product Lines Can Vary: Some brands, like Peanut Butter & Co., may have some products that are certified gluten-free and others that are not, so check the specific flavor.

Peanut butter is a beloved pantry staple, rich in protein and healthy fats. For those on a gluten-free diet, it can be a source of confusion due to potential cross-contamination in manufacturing facilities. While peanuts themselves do not contain gluten, shared equipment or ingredients with gluten-containing products can introduce the risk of trace amounts. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of popular and specialty brands to help you make informed choices.

The Difference: Certified vs. Labeled Gluten-Free

Navigating food labels is key for anyone on a strict gluten-free diet. There is a distinction between a product labeled "gluten-free" and one that is "certified gluten-free."

• Labeled "Gluten-Free": The FDA in the U.S. sets a standard for this label, requiring the product to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. While this is a very low amount, it doesn't guarantee the manufacturing facility is dedicated solely to gluten-free production, meaning there is still a small, but usually acceptable, risk of cross-contamination.
• Certified Gluten-Free: Certification from an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) often requires a stricter standard, such as less than 10 ppm of gluten, and requires dedicated manufacturing procedures to prevent cross-contact. For individuals with a high sensitivity to gluten or celiac disease, certified products offer a higher degree of assurance.

Major Commercial Brands with Gluten-Free Peanut Butter

Many widely available commercial brands offer gluten-free peanut butter, making it accessible to a large consumer base. Always look for the "gluten-free" claim on the label, as formulations can sometimes change.

• Jif: A popular, mainstream choice, the vast majority of Jif's peanut butters are certified gluten-free. The company advises checking the back label of the jar for the most accurate information.
• Skippy: Similar to Jif, Skippy offers a wide variety of gluten-free options. According to their FAQ, all varieties of their peanut butter are gluten-free.
• Peter Pan: Post Consumer Brands, the parent company, confirms that all varieties of Peter Pan peanut butter are made without added gluten-containing ingredients. The packaging also features the gluten-free claim.

Natural and Organic Brands

For those seeking simpler ingredients, several natural and organic brands specialize in minimally processed peanut butter that is also safe for a gluten-free diet. Many of these contain only peanuts and salt.

• Crazy Richard's: This brand is known for its simple, one-ingredient (peanuts) product. The company's products are certified gluten-free.
• Smucker's Natural: While not all Smucker's products meet their criteria for a gluten-free claim, their Natural and Organic Natural peanut butters are labeled gluten-free. They are typically made with just peanuts and salt.
• Justin's: Justin's nut butters are certified gluten-free by the GFCO. This includes their classic peanut butter spreads.
• Teddie: According to the company's quality statement, all Teddie peanut butter is gluten-free.
• Santa Cruz Organic: All varieties of Santa Cruz peanut butter, made with just peanuts and salt, are certified gluten-free.

Specialty and Powdered Peanut Butters

Beyond traditional jarred peanut butter, there are other gluten-free options available.

• Peanut Butter & Co.: This brand offers many certified gluten-free varieties, though some flavored spreads may not be. Always double-check the specific product label.
• PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter: This powdered peanut butter product is certified gluten-free and vegan. Powdered forms can be a good option for a lower-fat, gluten-free addition to smoothies or recipes.

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Brands Comparison

This table provides a quick reference for some of the most popular gluten-free peanut butter choices, comparing their certification status and ingredients.

Brand	Certification Status	Common Ingredients	Key Considerations
Jif	Certified Gluten-Free	Peanuts, sugar, oil, molasses, salt	Widely available, classic taste, often higher in sugar than natural brands
Skippy	Gluten-Free Label	Peanuts, sugar, oil, salt	Familiar taste, widely distributed, all varieties are labeled gluten-free
Justin's	Certified Gluten-Free (GFCO)	Peanuts, oil, salt	High assurance of gluten-free status, often higher price point, more varieties
Crazy Richard's	Certified Gluten-Free	Peanuts	Only one ingredient, no added sugar or salt, requires stirring
Peter Pan	Gluten-Free Label	Peanuts, sugar, oil, salt	Classic flavor, no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Smucker's Natural	Gluten-Free Label	Peanuts, salt	Simple ingredients, no added sugar, requires stirring

How to Choose the Right Gluten-Free Peanut Butter

When selecting a gluten-free peanut butter, consider your personal dietary needs and preferences:

• For Celiac Disease or High Sensitivity: If you have a severe reaction to gluten, opt for brands with clear "Certified Gluten-Free" labels, such as Justin's or Crazy Richard's. This offers the highest confidence in a product's safety.
• For General Gluten Avoidance: If you avoid gluten as a personal preference and don't have a medical condition, a "Gluten-Free" labeled product should be sufficient. Brands like Jif, Skippy, and Peter Pan fall into this category.
• For Natural or Simple Ingredients: Choose brands with minimal ingredients, such as Crazy Richard's or Smucker's Natural, if you prefer less added sugar or oil. Be aware that these typically require stirring.
• For Convenience: For convenience and a no-stir option, many commercial brands labeled gluten-free, like Jif or Skippy, are a great choice.

Checking the Label: Your Final Safety Check

No matter the brand, it's always best practice to review the ingredients list and any allergen statements on the packaging before purchasing. Product formulas can change, and being aware of potential cross-contact warnings is essential for those with serious gluten sensitivities. Always make sure the label explicitly states "gluten-free" to be safe. For an additional check, consulting third-party websites or apps like the Celiac.com forums can provide up-to-date user experiences and brand information.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of gluten-free foods, including popular items like peanut butter, requires careful label reading and a basic understanding of certification. The good news is that many brands, from national mainstays like Jif and Skippy to natural favorites like Justin's and Crazy Richard's, offer safe options. By prioritizing certified gluten-free products for stricter diets or simply checking the label for all others, you can confidently enjoy this versatile and nutritious spread without worry.

Further reading on gluten-free safety can be found on the Celiac.com website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all peanut butter gluten-free by default?

No, not all peanut butter is guaranteed to be gluten-free. While the core ingredients—peanuts and salt—do not contain gluten, cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing, especially in facilities that also process gluten-containing products.

Is Jif peanut butter gluten-free?

Yes, according to the manufacturer, the vast majority of Jif's peanut butters are certified gluten-free. It is always recommended to check the specific jar's label to confirm.

Is Skippy peanut butter gluten-free?

Yes, according to Skippy's FAQ, all varieties of their peanut butter are gluten-free.

What is the safest peanut butter for someone with celiac disease?

For individuals with celiac disease, the safest option is to choose a brand that is certified gluten-free, as this guarantees stricter standards for preventing cross-contamination. Brands like Justin's and Crazy Richard's offer certified products.

Are natural peanut butter brands automatically gluten-free?

Not necessarily. While many natural brands have simple ingredients, always look for the gluten-free label. The risk of cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility still exists.

Does Peter Pan peanut butter contain gluten?

No, Peter Pan peanut butter is made without adding any gluten-containing ingredients. The product labels confirm its gluten-free status.

Can powdered peanut butter be gluten-free?

Yes, some brands of powdered peanut butter, like PB2, are certified gluten-free. You should always check the label for any added ingredients or processing information.