What Peanut Butter Does Not Use Palm Oil?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a study published by the journal 'Food Science and Technology', consumers are increasingly seeking out food products with simpler, more transparent ingredient lists. This shift is driving interest in natural spreads, leading many to ask: what peanut butter does not use palm oil?

Quick Summary

This guide covers why palm oil is used in peanut butter and its potential health and environmental impacts. It provides a list of specific brands and tips for identifying palm oil-free varieties, including ingredient label scrutiny and understanding the 'no-stir' claim.

Key Points

Ingredient Transparency: The easiest way to find peanut butter without palm oil is to check for a simple ingredient list, ideally just peanuts and salt.
Expect Separation: Natural peanut butter, free of stabilizers like palm oil, will naturally separate, with the oil rising to the top. This is a sign of purity.
Check Labels Carefully: While 'natural' and 'organic' can indicate a palm oil-free product, they are not a guarantee. Some varieties may still include it, so always read the ingredient list.
Health Benefits: Palm oil-free peanut butter generally has a lower saturated fat content and a more natural nutritional profile.
Environmental Impact: Avoiding palm oil is a proactive step against the deforestation and habitat destruction associated with its unsustainable production.
Reputable Brands: Look for specific brands known for their single-ingredient or simple formulas, such as Crazy Richard's, Teddie, and Adams.

Why Is Palm Oil Added to Peanut Butter?

Many conventional peanut butter brands use palm oil as an emulsifier to prevent natural oil separation. This results in a thicker, 'no-stir' texture that many consumers find convenient. However, palm oil's popularity comes with significant drawbacks, both for personal health and the environment. Concerns range from high saturated fat content to the well-documented environmental impact of unsustainable palm oil farming, which is linked to deforestation and habitat loss.

The Health and Environmental Case Against Palm Oil

While palm oil is sometimes lauded for its stability, it's also high in saturated fats, which, when consumed in excess, can negatively impact cholesterol levels. For those prioritizing heart health, reducing saturated fat intake is a common dietary goal. Environmentally, the rapid expansion of palm oil plantations has led to the destruction of critical ecosystems and endangered species habitats. This has prompted many eco-conscious consumers to seek out alternatives.

Brands That Do Not Use Palm Oil

Finding a peanut butter that doesn't use palm oil is simple once you know what to look for. The key is to check the ingredient list for just two items: peanuts and salt. Many natural and organic brands have embraced this simple formula. Here are some of the most popular options:

Crazy Richard's: Famous for its commitment to a single-ingredient product. The only thing you'll find in their jars is 100% peanuts.
Teddie All Natural: This brand offers a smooth and delicious peanut butter with no added oils or sugars, just peanuts and a little bit of salt.
Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter: Read the label carefully, as Smucker's offers both a 'Natural' version (which is palm oil-free) and other varieties. The Natural version contains only peanuts and salt.
Adams Natural Peanut Butter: A staple for many, Adams is known for its simple recipe of just peanuts and salt.
Once Again: This brand provides organic, ethically-sourced peanut butter in both crunchy and creamy varieties, with a minimal ingredient list.
Wild Friends: This company produces various clean-label peanut butters that avoid palm oil, artificial ingredients, and excessive sugar.

How to Identify Palm Oil-Free Peanut Butter

When navigating the grocery store aisles, follow these tips to ensure you are selecting a peanut butter that does not contain palm oil:

Read the ingredient list: The most reliable method is to check the ingredients. If you see 'palm oil,' 'vegetable oil,' or 'hydrogenated oil,' put it back on the shelf. The best choices will simply list 'peanuts' and maybe 'salt.'
Look for 'Natural' or 'Organic' labels: While not a guarantee, many products labeled 'natural' or 'organic' adhere to simpler recipes without added oils or sugars. Always verify by checking the ingredients, as some 'natural' varieties can still include palm oil.
Expect separation: A natural consequence of a simple, no-additive recipe is that the peanut oil will separate from the solids and rise to the top. This is a sign of a palm oil-free product and requires a good stir before use. The lack of a 'no-stir' claim is often a good indicator.

Making Your Own Peanut Butter at Home

For ultimate control over your ingredients and to guarantee a palm oil-free spread, making your own peanut butter is a simple and rewarding process. All you need is a food processor and some peanuts.

Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe (No Added Oil)

Ingredients: 16 ounces of dry-roasted peanuts (unsalted is best), salt to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place peanuts in a food processor.
2. Process for about 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. The mixture will progress from a crumbly texture to a thick paste and finally, to a smooth and creamy liquid as the natural peanut oils are released.
4. Add salt to taste and process for another 30 seconds.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Comparison Table: No Palm Oil vs. Conventional Peanut Butter


Feature	No Palm Oil Peanut Butter	Conventional Peanut Butter
Ingredients	Typically just peanuts and salt.	Peanuts, sugar, hydrogenated vegetable oils (including palm oil), salt.
Texture	Oil separation is natural; requires stirring.	'No-stir' texture, smooth consistency.
Saturated Fat	Lower saturated fat content.	Higher saturated fat content due to palm oil.
Environmental Impact	Generally more sustainable, avoiding deforestation-linked palm oil.	Often associated with unsustainable palm oil production.
Flavor	Rich, pure roasted peanut flavor.	Often sweeter with a slightly different flavor profile due to additives.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Peanut Butter for Your Needs

Choosing a peanut butter that does not use palm oil is a simple yet impactful way to make a healthier, more sustainable choice. By focusing on minimal ingredient lists, expecting natural oil separation, and recognizing the brands that prioritize simple recipes, you can easily find a spread that aligns with your health goals and environmental values. Whether you opt for a quality store-bought brand or make your own, the decision to go palm oil-free supports cleaner eating and better-informed consumerism.

Wild Friends Peanut Butter

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm oil is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in many peanut butter brands. It prevents the natural peanut oil from separating and creates a thicker, smoother, 'no-stir' texture.

No, not all natural peanut butter is palm oil-free. Some brands use palm oil while still labeling their product 'natural.' It is crucial to always read the ingredient list to be sure.

Natural peanut butter, which is made from just peanuts and salt, separates because it does not contain emulsifiers like palm oil. The natural peanut oil simply rises to the top over time, requiring a stir before serving.

Peanut butter without palm oil is often considered healthier as it typically has a lower saturated fat content and a simpler ingredient list, free from unnecessary additives and sugars.

Several brands offer palm oil-free options, including Crazy Richard's, Teddie All Natural, Adams Natural, Once Again, and Wild Friends. Remember to check the labels to confirm.

Yes, making your own peanut butter is a great way to ensure it's palm oil-free. All you need are dry-roasted peanuts and a food processor. It takes only a few minutes to make a creamy, natural spread.

The most effective way is to read the ingredient label. Look for terms like 'palm oil,' 'vegetable oil,' or 'hydrogenated oil.' If the list is short and only includes peanuts (and possibly salt), it is likely palm oil-free.