Where Can I Get Xylitol Free Peanut Butter?

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the ASPCA, xylitol can cause a rapid and dangerous drop in a dog's blood sugar, making it toxic and potentially fatal for canines. This is a critical concern for many pet owners, leading to the common question: where can I get xylitol free peanut butter for my dog or for my own consumption? Most major manufacturers do not use this sweetener, but a careful check is always necessary for safety.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of major brands that offer xylitol-free peanut butter, detailing brands to watch for and how to identify safe products. It also covers the risks associated with xylitol, offers a simple homemade recipe, and includes a comparison of natural and conventional options for informed purchasing.

Key Points

Check Labels: Always read the ingredient list for xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, as product formulations can change without notice.
Trust Natural Brands: Look for peanut butter with the shortest ingredient list, ideally just peanuts and salt, from brands like Adams, Crazy Richard's, or Teddie.
Major Brands are Mostly Safe: Brands like Jif and Skippy typically don't use xylitol in their classic formulas, but exercise caution with flavored or low-sugar varieties.
Avoid Certain Brands: Be aware that some protein-enhanced peanut butters, such as Nuts 'N More and Go Nuts Co., have been known to contain xylitol.
Consider Homemade: Making your own peanut butter is the safest and easiest way to ensure it contains no xylitol and allows full control over ingredients.
Recognize Xylitol's Other Names: Xylitol may also appear on labels as birch sugar, sugar alcohols, or by the European code E967.
Choose 'Natural' with Care: 'Natural' labeled products are often safer, but always verify, especially regarding other additives like sugar and hydrogenated oils.
Prioritize Pet Health: For dogs, even small amounts of xylitol can be dangerous, so selecting a truly minimalist peanut butter is essential.

Brands You Can Trust for Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter

For many health-conscious consumers and, especially, for pet owners, finding peanut butter without xylitol is a top priority. While xylitol is a common artificial sweetener, it is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar. Fortunately, many popular brands do not contain this harmful ingredient, but it's always essential to double-check the label as formulations can change. The simplest rule of thumb is to look for brands with minimal ingredients—ideally just peanuts and salt.

Here are some of the most reliable options for purchasing xylitol free peanut butter:

Adams 100% Natural Peanut Butter: This brand prides itself on having only two ingredients: peanuts and a dash of salt. It's a consistently safe choice for both humans and dogs.
Crazy Richard's Peanut Butter: This is another excellent option with a simple, pure formula. Their products contain only peanuts, with no added sweeteners, salt, or fillers. Crazy Richard's also offers a peanut butter powder that is explicitly safe for pets.
Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter: According to the company, their natural peanut butter products do not contain xylitol. The 'natural' line is a solid choice, though you should verify for other additives.
Teddie Peanut Butter: Teddie has been a trusted name for years, offering both creamy and chunky natural peanut butter that is xylitol-free.
Trader Joe's Organic Peanut Butter: The organic version is celebrated for its simple ingredient list, often consisting of just peanuts and salt.
Jif and Skippy (Original Varieties): Major brands like Jif and Skippy do not use xylitol in their original formulas. However, some of their "natural" or "reduced-sugar" versions may contain other additives, so a quick label check is always smart.

Important Warning: Brands with Xylitol to Avoid

While most common brands are safe, a few are known to include xylitol, often in protein-enhanced or diet-friendly formulas. Brands to avoid that have been known to use xylitol include:

Go Nuts Co.
Krush Nutrition
Nuts 'N More
P28 Foods

Making Your Own Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter

Creating your own peanut butter at home is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to guarantee it is completely free of xylitol. All you need is a powerful food processor or high-speed blender and a few simple ingredients. This process allows you full control over the sweetness, salt content, and consistency.

Simple DIY Peanut Butter Recipe

Ingredients:
- 3 cups of roasted, unsalted peanuts.
- (Optional) A pinch of salt to taste.
- (Optional) A tablespoon of peanut oil if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Instructions:
1. Place the roasted peanuts into a food processor. Start processing and watch as they go through several stages: chopped, a coarse powder, a chunky ball, and finally a smooth, creamy paste.
2. Pause periodically to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl to ensure everything is evenly blended.
3. Continue processing for about 2-5 minutes total until you reach your desired consistency. Add salt or oil if you wish and blend for another 30 seconds.
4. Transfer the finished peanut butter into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to several weeks.

Natural vs. Conventional Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter

When searching for a safe product, you will encounter both 'natural' and conventional options. The key differences lie in their ingredients and processing, which are important to understand for both health and taste.


Feature	Natural Peanut Butter	Conventional Peanut Butter
Ingredients	Typically just peanuts and salt. No added sugars, hydrogenated oils, or emulsifiers.	Often contains added sugars (like corn syrup), hydrogenated oils, and other additives for stability.
Xylitol	Almost always xylitol-free, as xylitol is an artificial sweetener.	Most major brands are xylitol-free in their standard formulas, but always check.
Oil Separation	Natural oil separation is normal. Requires stirring before use.	Homogenized to prevent oil separation. Provides a consistent, no-stir texture.
Dog Safety	Generally the safest choice for dogs due to minimal ingredients.	While xylitol-free, some additives like sugar and corn syrup are unhealthy for dogs in large quantities.
Nutritional Profile	Healthiest option. Higher in healthy fats and fewer unnecessary calories from added sugar.	Often contains more added sugar and potentially unhealthy trans fats from hydrogenated oils.

How to Always Find a Safe Jar

Even when buying from a trusted brand, it is a smart practice to get into the habit of reading the ingredient label every single time you purchase. This is especially crucial for pet owners. Manufacturers can and do change their formulas without significant fanfare. Checking for xylitol, which may also be listed as "birch sugar" or other generic names, is the only way to be 100% certain. Focus on products with the shortest possible ingredient list for the safest bet.

Conclusion

Finding xylitol free peanut butter is straightforward, provided you know which ingredients to avoid and which brands to trust. While most classic and natural peanut butter options are safe, the responsibility falls on the consumer to check labels. For those who want absolute control, making your own at home is a simple and rewarding process. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safer snack for both yourself and your furry friends.

For more information on pet safety and common food toxins, visit the official website of the ASPCA [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].

Frequently Asked Questions

Most major, classic peanut butter brands such as Jif and Skippy do not contain xylitol. For the safest options, consider all-natural brands like Crazy Richard's, Adams, and Teddie, which typically only contain peanuts and salt. Always check the ingredient label before purchasing to be sure.

Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, which can lead to liver failure or death. For human consumption, some people avoid it for dietary reasons, but the main reason for checking is to protect pets, as they can ingest it from shared food or leftover jars.

While a xylitol-free peanut butter is the most important factor, pet owners should still be mindful of other ingredients. Many conventional peanut butters contain high amounts of added sugar, salt, and unhealthy trans fats from hydrogenated oils. It's best to stick with natural varieties containing only peanuts and a tiny bit of salt, given in moderation.

Xylitol is most often found in specialty or protein-enhanced peanut butter formulas aimed at the health food market. Some brands known to use xylitol include Nuts 'N More, Go Nuts Co., and Krush Nutrition. It's crucial to read the ingredients list carefully, especially for products advertised as 'sugar-free' or 'low-sugar'.

Yes, making your own peanut butter at home is one of the safest and most reliable methods. Using a food processor with roasted, unsalted peanuts and optionally adding a little salt or peanut oil gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring no hidden sweeteners.

Always read the ingredient list on the product's packaging. Xylitol will be listed explicitly if it is present. Other names to watch for include 'birch sugar', 'sugar alcohol', or the code 'E967' on European products. If you are unsure, choose a product with minimal ingredients.

If you're unsure about peanut butter or want to offer a different treat, there are other safe options. Some good alternatives include almond butter (in moderation), sunflower seed butter, or plain Greek yogurt. Always ensure any nut or seed butter you use is also free of xylitol and other harmful additives.

While 'natural' peanut butters are less likely to contain xylitol, the term is not regulated, so it does not guarantee its absence. Most natural brands use only peanuts and salt, but it is still important to read the ingredients list to be completely certain, especially with new or unfamiliar brands.