What is the healthiest PB brand? An In-Depth Ingredient Guide

According to registered dietitians, the healthiest peanut butter contains just one or two ingredients: peanuts and a pinch of salt. This guide dives into how to read labels and reveals the top brands that meet the highest health standards.

Quick Summary

Learn to identify the healthiest peanut butter by checking ingredient lists for minimal additives, sugar, and hydrogenated oils. Compare top natural and organic brands recommended by dietitians.

Key Points

• Ingredient Simplicity is Key: The healthiest peanut butter has the fewest ingredients, ideally just peanuts and a pinch of salt.

• Avoid Additives: Steer clear of brands containing added sugars (like molasses or corn syrup) and hydrogenated oils, which are used as stabilizers and can contain trans fats.

• Natural is Best: Natural peanut butters that require stirring are healthier because the oil separation is a sign of minimal processing and no unhealthy stabilizers.

• Top Brands to Consider: Crazy Richard's, Once Again, Teddie All Natural, and 365 by Whole Foods are frequently recommended for their simple, clean ingredient lists.

• Powdered Options Exist: For those concerned with calories or fat intake, powdered peanut butter offers a significantly lower-fat alternative by removing much of the oil.

• Check for Low Sodium: For those monitoring sodium, look for unsalted versions or brands with less than 100mg of sodium per serving.

• Moderation is Important: Even the healthiest peanut butter is high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What Defines a Truly Healthy Peanut Butter?

When navigating the grocery store aisles, the term "healthy" can be misleading. Many popular peanut butter brands contain unnecessary additives that detract from the natural nutritional benefits of peanuts. To make the best choice, it's essential to look past marketing claims and scrutinize the ingredients list. The golden rule, widely supported by dietitians, is simplicity: the fewer the ingredients, the better. The healthiest peanut butters contain only peanuts, and sometimes a small amount of salt for flavor. Anything beyond that, especially added sugar and hydrogenated oils, should be a red flag for health-conscious shoppers.

The Health Hazards of Common Additives

Many commercial peanut butters use stabilizers and sweeteners to improve texture and extend shelf life. These additions, however, come at a nutritional cost. Hydrogenated oils, such as palm oil, are often added to prevent the natural separation of oil from the peanut solids. Partially hydrogenated oils can contain trans fats, which are known to negatively impact blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. While fully hydrogenated oils are different, health experts still advise against them. Additionally, many brands include added sugars like molasses, corn syrup, or cane sugar to appeal to a sweeter palate. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake, as excessive amounts can lead to obesity and other chronic health issues. Low-fat varieties are also deceptive, as manufacturers often replace the natural, healthy fats with extra sugar and salt, resulting in a less filling and ultimately less healthy product.

Top Brands for a Healthy PB Choice

Several brands stand out for their commitment to simple, clean ingredients, making them the healthiest options on the market. These brands prioritize the natural goodness of peanuts without the need for artificial additives.

Crazy Richard's 100% Peanuts! Natural Peanut Butter

This brand is a top recommendation from health experts like Healthline because its ingredient list is as simple as it gets: just peanuts. With no added salt, sugar, or palm oil, Crazy Richard's is a pure and straightforward choice. The creamy and crunchy versions offer excellent flavor and are widely available, though the oil separation requires a good stir before use, and some may prefer refrigeration for a thicker consistency.

Once Again Nut Butter

Once Again offers a range of organic, unsweetened, and salt-free peanut butters. The ingredients are minimal, often just organic peanuts, appealing to those who prefer their products organic and as close to their natural state as possible. Their unsweetened crunchy variety has a low sodium count and no added sugar, making it a stellar choice for a clean diet.

Teddie All Natural Peanut Butter

Teddie All Natural is another brand frequently cited for its quality and simple ingredient list. Its creamy and chunky varieties are made with only dry roasted peanuts and salt. It has a rich, nutty flavor that many find superior to more processed brands, and while it requires stirring, its classic taste makes it a pantry favorite.

365 by Whole Foods Market Unsweetened Creamy Peanut Butter

Praised for its decadent flavor, this organic peanut butter contains a single ingredient: organic dry-roasted peanuts. It's a great option for those who want an organic, pure product without any added sugar or salt, offering a complex, nutty taste.

Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter

This widely available natural option includes just peanuts and salt. As with other natural varieties, it separates and requires stirring. While some taste tests find its flavor slightly less vibrant than other top contenders, its simple ingredient list makes it a solid, accessible choice for many households.

Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter

Offering both light and dark roasted options, Santa Cruz Organic is another strong choice with minimal ingredients (organic peanuts and salt). It's a great organic, lower-sodium alternative for those who enjoy a fresher, sweeter peanut flavor.

Comparison of Healthy vs. Conventional Peanut Butter

Choosing between a simple, healthy peanut butter and a conventional, processed one comes down to a few key differences in their formulation. The following table highlights the contrast.

Feature	Healthiest PB Brands (e.g., Crazy Richard's, Once Again)	Conventional PB Brands (e.g., Jif, Skippy)
Primary Ingredients	Peanuts, sometimes salt	Roasted peanuts, sugar, molasses, oils
Added Sugar	None or trace amounts	Contains several grams per serving
Added Oils/Stabilizers	None (natural oil separation)	Hydrogenated vegetable oils to prevent separation
Texture	Runny/oily on top, requires stirring	Uniformly creamy, no stirring needed
Sodium Content	Low to minimal, especially unsalted options	Often higher due to processing
Satiety	Higher satiety from healthy fats and protein	Less satiating due to added sugars and lower healthy fat content

The Case for Powdered Peanut Butter

For those watching their calorie or fat intake, powdered peanut butter offers a unique alternative. Brands like PB2 or PB Fit are made by pressing peanuts to remove most of the oil, then grinding the remaining solids into a powder. When mixed with water, it rehydrates into a lighter version of peanut butter, with significantly fewer calories and fat per serving. It's a great choice for smoothies, sauces, or baking, though it lacks the rich, full-bodied texture of natural nut butter.

Conclusion: Your Healthiest Choice

Ultimately, the healthiest PB brand for you will be one that aligns with your dietary needs and taste preferences, but the nutritional evidence is clear. The best choice is a product with the simplest ingredient list possible: just peanuts and, if desired, a touch of salt. Avoiding unnecessary additives like hydrogenated oils and added sugars ensures you get the maximum heart-healthy benefits, protein, and fiber that peanuts naturally provide. While brands like Crazy Richard's and Once Again are excellent pure options, many accessible "natural" lines from companies like Smucker's and Trader Joe's also meet these criteria. Don't be afraid of the separated oil in these natural versions; it's a sign of a cleaner, healthier product. A quick stir and refrigeration is all it takes to enjoy the most nutritious peanut butter possible. Read more about the benefits of natural peanut butter at Today.com.

References

• Healthline. (2024, May 30). The 5 Healthiest Peanut Butters to Buy
• Everyday Health. (2025, June 30). 8 Healthy Peanut Butter Brands
• Minimalist Baker. Store-Bought Peanut Butter Review!
• TODAY.com. (2024, April 17). Which Peanut Butter Is Healthiest? Dietitians Share How To Choose
• BarBend. (2025, January 3). The 4 Best Powdered Peanut Butters (2025 Update)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single healthiest peanut butter ingredient?

The single healthiest ingredient is simply peanuts. Some brands add a small amount of salt, which is also acceptable for flavor.

Why do some peanut butters have oil on top?

Oil separation is a natural process for peanut butters that contain only peanuts and maybe salt. Manufacturers add hydrogenated oils to prevent this separation in other brands, but the oil on top is a sign of a healthier, less processed product.

Should I avoid peanut butter with hydrogenated oil?

Yes, it is generally recommended to avoid peanut butter with hydrogenated oils. These additives can negatively impact your cholesterol levels and are unnecessary for a good peanut butter product.

Is organic peanut butter automatically healthier?

Organic peanut butter is made with peanuts grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which can be beneficial. However, some organic brands may still add sugar or palm oil, so it is crucial to read the ingredient list, not just the 'organic' label.

Is powdered peanut butter a healthy alternative?

Powdered peanut butter is a healthy alternative, especially for those looking to reduce their fat and calorie intake. It's made by pressing out most of the oil from roasted peanuts and can be rehydrated with water.

How much added sugar is acceptable in peanut butter?

For optimal health, the best choice is a peanut butter with zero added sugar. If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, aim for a brand with less than 5 grams of added sugar per serving.

What are some of the healthiest peanut butter brands according to dietitians?

Dietitians frequently recommend brands that prioritize simple, minimal ingredients, such as Crazy Richard's 100% Peanuts, Once Again Nut Butter, and Teddie All Natural.

Can I eat peanut butter every day?

Yes, you can eat a serving (around 2 tablespoons) of healthy peanut butter daily as part of a balanced diet. Its combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats can promote satiety and heart health, but moderation is key due to its calorie density.