Which almond butter does not contain palm oil?

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Wildlife Fund, an area equivalent to 300 football fields of rainforest is cleared every hour for palm oil production. This statistic drives many consumers to seek sustainable alternatives and understand which almond butter does not contain palm oil.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide to palm oil-free almond butter brands. It covers why consumers avoid palm oil, identifies key brands, and offers tips for reading labels to find cleaner options.

Key Points

Check the Label: Always read the ingredient list for simplicity; the best almond butters contain only almonds and salt.
Avoid 'No-Stir' Varieties: A 'no-stir' label almost always indicates the presence of a stabilizer like palm oil.
Embrace Natural Separation: A layer of oil on top is a normal sign of a natural, high-quality nut butter. Just stir it in.
Opt for Minimal Processing: Many palm oil-free brands, like Artisana Organics, use raw or lightly roasted almonds, preserving more nutrients.
Consider the DIY Approach: For ultimate control and freshness, making your own almond butter is an easy and rewarding option.
Support Sustainable Brands: By choosing palm oil-free companies, you contribute to better environmental practices and discourage deforestation.

Why Choose Palm Oil-Free?

While palm oil is used by manufacturers as a cheap and shelf-stable emulsifier to prevent oil separation in 'no-stir' nut butters, its production comes at a steep environmental and health cost. The expansion of palm oil plantations is a major driver of deforestation in tropical regions, leading to the destruction of critical habitats for endangered species like orangutans, tigers, and rhinos. Furthermore, large-scale land clearing for these plantations contributes significantly to climate change by releasing immense quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. For human health, the processed palm oil used in nut butters offers little to no nutritional value and is high in saturated fat, which has been linked to increased LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risks. Opting for palm oil-free versions, which embrace natural oil separation, supports both healthier dietary choices and environmentally responsible production practices.

How to Identify Palm Oil-Free Almond Butter

Finding a palm oil-free almond butter is easier than you might think, and it primarily involves one simple practice: reading the ingredient list. By making label-reading a habit, you can confidently choose products aligned with your values.

Look for Minimal Ingredients: The cleanest almond butters contain only one or two ingredients: almonds, and possibly salt. A simple ingredient list is a reliable indicator that no unnecessary fillers or oils have been added.
Avoid 'No-Stir' Labels: Any nut butter promising a 'no-stir' experience likely contains a stabilizer like palm oil or hydrogenated oils to prevent natural oil separation. Embracing the need for a quick stir is a sign of a truly natural, high-quality product.
Look for Natural Oil Separation: A layer of oil on top of the almond butter is a hallmark of a product made without emulsifiers. Simply stir it back in to achieve a creamy consistency.
Check Certifications: While 'sustainable' palm oil certifications like RSPO exist, they remain a subject of debate among environmentalists who advocate for removing palm oil from non-essential products entirely. For guaranteed palm oil-free products, rely on the ingredient list rather than sustainability claims regarding palm oil itself.

Recommended Palm Oil-Free Almond Butter Brands

Several brands are committed to producing almond butter without using palm oil. These companies often prioritize simple, clean ingredients, resulting in a healthier and more natural product.

Artisana Organics: This brand is known for its purity, offering raw almond butter made from 100% organic almonds with no additives, including no palm oil.
Once Again Nut Butter (Natural Variety): While some of their products contain palm oil for a 'no-stir' option, their natural and unsweetened varieties are made with only almonds. Be sure to check the label for the 'Natural' designation and minimal ingredients.
Big Spoon Roasters: This company explicitly advocates for avoiding palm oil in nut butters and produces theirs with minimal, high-quality ingredients, resulting in rich flavor and clean texture.
Meridian Foods: A UK-based company that proudly states it will 'never use palm oil.' Their 100% almond butter is made simply from roasted almonds.
Spread The Love: A brand whose products are naturally pure, requiring a simple stir, as they contain no added oils.

Comparison Table: Palm Oil-Free Almond Butters


Brand	Ingredients	Texture	Certifications	Key Features
Artisana Organics	100% Organic Raw Almonds	Creamy, requires stirring	Organic, Vegan, Non-GMO	Raw, minimal processing
Once Again Nut Butter (Natural)	100% Almonds (roasted)	Creamy/crunchy, requires stirring	Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free	Offers multiple texture options without stabilizers
Big Spoon Roasters	Almonds, Honey, Sea Salt (flavor dependent)	Rustic, spreadable, requires stirring	N/A	Small-batch, freshly made, simple recipes
Meridian Foods	100% Roasted Almonds	Smooth, requires stirring	Vegan, Gluten-Free, Palm Oil Free Certified	Explicitly palm oil free
Spread The Love	100% Almonds (roasted)	Creamy, requires stirring	Vegan, Non-GMO	Simple, pure ingredients

The DIY Option: Making Your Own Almond Butter

For complete control over ingredients, making your own almond butter at home is a straightforward and rewarding process. All you need are almonds and a high-speed blender or food processor. Simply blend the roasted almonds until their natural oils are released, and the mixture transforms from a powder to a smooth butter. This method guarantees a fresh, additive-free product tailored to your preferred texture.

Conclusion

Choosing which almond butter does not contain palm oil is a proactive step towards supporting both your health and a more sustainable global food system. While palm oil provides a no-stir convenience, its environmental and health costs are significant. Fortunately, a growing number of brands, including Artisana Organics, Once Again Nut Butter (natural varieties), Big Spoon Roasters, Meridian Foods, and Spread The Love, offer delicious, high-quality alternatives with simple, transparent ingredient lists. By reading labels and embracing the natural oil separation that signifies a cleaner product, you can make a mindful and healthier choice with every spoonful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm oil is used as a stabilizer and emulsifier to prevent the natural oil separation that occurs in nut butters, creating a creamy, 'no-stir' consistency that many consumers prefer.

Not always. While 'natural' often implies simpler ingredients, some brands add palm oil even to products marketed as natural. Always check the ingredient list for specific oils like palm oil or rapeseed oil.

Palm oil production is linked to extensive deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss, especially affecting endangered species like orangutans. It also contributes significantly to climate change due to land clearing and burning.

Yes, processed palm oil is high in saturated fat and offers minimal nutritional value compared to the natural fats in almonds. High consumption of saturated fats is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Natural oil separation is normal and expected. To minimize it, you can stir the butter well after opening and then store it in the refrigerator. This will solidify the oils and keep the butter more consistent.

The effectiveness of 'sustainable' palm oil (e.g., RSPO certified) is debated among environmental advocates. While it's a step up from unsustainable sources, avoiding palm oil altogether in non-essential products like almond butter is the most direct way to minimize negative impacts.

Yes, when you make your own almond butter at home using just almonds and a food processor, you have complete control over the ingredients. It will be 100% pure and free of any additives, including palm oil.