Which name brand peanut butter is the healthiest?

According to nutrition experts, many popular peanut butter brands contain unnecessary added sugars and hydrogenated oils. To find out which name brand peanut butter is the healthiest, you must look beyond slick marketing and scrutinize the ingredient list for the simplest formula.

Quick Summary

Comparing popular peanut butter brands reveals the healthiest choices feature minimal ingredients, often just peanuts and salt, by avoiding added sugars and processed oils. The best brands prioritize simplicity and quality.

Key Points

• Read the Label: The healthiest peanut butters have minimal ingredients, often just peanuts and salt.

• Avoid Added Sugars: Opt for brands with 0g of added sugar to reduce unnecessary calorie intake.

• Skip Hydrogenated Oils: These stabilizers are unnecessary and found in more processed, conventional brands.

• Choose Natural or Organic: Brands like Crazy Richard's, Once Again, and Smucker's Natural are dietitian-recommended for their simple, clean ingredient lists.

• Consider Powdered PB for Lower Calories: If you need to cut fat and calories, powdered peanut butter like PB2 is a practical alternative.

• Stir Natural PB: Expect natural peanut butter to separate, just stir it back together or refrigerate after opening to prevent it from separating again.

Peanut butter is a beloved staple for many, celebrated for its versatility and flavor. However, not all peanut butters are created equal. Walking down the grocery store aisle can be confusing, with labels boasting everything from 'natural' to 'no-stir' and 'low-fat.' But when you're asking, "Which name brand peanut butter is the healthiest?", the answer is almost always the one with the fewest, and most recognizable, ingredients.

Understanding the Basics: Natural vs. Conventional

To determine the healthiest choice, you must first understand the fundamental difference between conventional and natural peanut butter.

• Conventional Peanut Butter: These widely-available brands often contain added ingredients to improve texture, extend shelf life, and enhance flavor. Stabilizers, like fully hydrogenated oils (which contain no trans fat), prevent oil separation, while extra sugar and salt are added for taste. Brands like Jif and Skippy fall into this category. While they are a familiar taste, the added ingredients can detract from the natural health benefits of peanuts.
• Natural Peanut Butter: The label 'natural' generally signifies a simpler ingredient list, often just peanuts and salt. The key characteristic is the absence of stabilizers, which means the peanut oil will separate and rise to the top. This requires a good stir before use but is a clear indicator of a less-processed product. Brands such as Crazy Richard's and Smucker's Natural are good examples. For those seeking a cleaner diet, this is the superior option.

What to Look for on the Ingredient Label

Making a healthy choice starts with a simple habit: reading the ingredient label. The fewer ingredients, the better. Here are the key things to check:

• Added Sugars: Many conventional and even some 'natural' peanut butters contain added sweeteners like corn syrup, molasses, or cane sugar. These add unnecessary calories and can increase overall sugar intake. Aim for brands with 0g of added sugar or very minimal amounts.
• Hydrogenated Oils: These are used as stabilizers to prevent oil separation. While fully hydrogenated oils no longer contain trans fats like their partially hydrogenated predecessors, they are still a form of processed fat that is not necessary in your peanut butter.
• Sodium: A little salt can enhance flavor, but some brands have excessive amounts. Health-conscious individuals, especially those monitoring blood pressure, should look for options with less than 100mg of sodium per serving or unsalted varieties.

The Healthiest Name Brand Peanut Butters

Based on expert reviews and ingredient transparency, several name brands stand out for their commitment to simplicity and health.

• Crazy Richard's 100 Percent Peanuts: Often cited by dietitians, this brand contains a single ingredient: peanuts. It's sodium-free and has no added sugar or oil, making it one of the cleanest options available.
• Once Again Unsweetened: This organic option features a very short ingredient list, using only dry-roasted peanuts. It's a great choice for those seeking a purist, unsweetened spread.
• Santa Cruz Organic Dark Roasted: This brand uses organic dark-roasted peanuts and a touch of salt. It is free from added sugar and oils, offering a richer, deeper flavor profile.
• Teddie All Natural: A long-standing brand that offers a simple formula of just peanuts and a pinch of salt. It is available in both salted and unsalted versions, giving consumers more control over their sodium intake.
• Kirkland Organic Creamy: Costco's store brand is a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a healthy, organic option. It is made purely with peanuts and a touch of salt.

What About Powdered Peanut Butter?

For those looking to reduce calorie and fat intake, powdered peanut butter, like PB2, is a popular alternative. It is made by pressing most of the oil from roasted peanuts. You simply mix the powder with water to create a peanut butter-like spread.

• Pros: Significantly lower in calories and fat compared to traditional peanut butter. It is also easy to mix into smoothies, oatmeal, and sauces.
• Cons: While a good option for calorie control, it is a more processed product. For some, the texture and flavor may not be as satisfying as whole peanut butter.

Healthy vs. Conventional Peanut Butter Comparison Table

Feature	Crazy Richard's (Healthy)	Jif Creamy (Conventional)
Ingredients	Peanuts	Roasted Peanuts, Sugar, Molasses, Fully Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (Rapeseed, Soybean), Mono and Diglycerides, Salt
Added Sugar	0g per serving	~3g per serving
Sodium	0mg per serving	~140mg per serving
Stabilizers	None (requires stirring)	Fully Hydrogenated Oils
Processing	Minimal	Processed

Conclusion: Making Your Healthy Choice

Ultimately, the healthiest peanut butter is the one that aligns best with your dietary goals and preferences, but the guiding principle is simplicity. By focusing on products with the fewest ingredients—primarily just peanuts and a dash of salt—you can avoid unnecessary additives like sugar and processed oils. Brands like Crazy Richard's, Once Again, and Teddie offer excellent, minimally processed options for those seeking the purest form of peanut butter.

For those watching calories, powdered peanut butter offers a viable, lower-fat alternative. No matter your preference, always read the label to ensure you're getting the best possible product for your health. Choosing a healthy peanut butter is a simple step towards cleaner eating.

For more detailed nutritional information on many food products, you can consult databases like the USDA FoodData Central.

Making Your Choice: Practical Tips

• Stir and Refrigerate: If you choose a natural peanut butter, simply stir the oil back in upon opening and store it in the refrigerator to prevent it from separating again.
• Don't Fear the Fats: While peanut butter is high in fat, the majority are healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.
• Measure Portions: Peanut butter is calorie-dense, so stick to the recommended 2-tablespoon serving size to keep your calorie intake in check.

By following these simple guidelines, you can confidently navigate the peanut butter aisle and select a product that's both delicious and truly healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is natural peanut butter healthier than regular peanut butter?

Yes, in most cases, natural peanut butter is healthier because it contains minimal ingredients, typically just peanuts and salt, and avoids added sugars and processed hydrogenated oils found in conventional varieties.

Why does natural peanut butter have oil on top?

The oil separation is a natural process that occurs because natural peanut butters do not contain stabilizers or emulsifiers. This is a sign of a less processed, cleaner product and requires a good stir before use.

Is Jif or Skippy healthier?

Both Jif and Skippy are conventional brands that typically contain added sugar, salt, and hydrogenated oils. Neither is significantly healthier than the other; for a truly healthy option, look for natural alternatives with minimal ingredients.

What is the benefit of powdered peanut butter?

Powdered peanut butter, such as PB2, has had most of the oil pressed out, resulting in a product with significantly fewer calories and less fat than traditional peanut butter. It is a good choice for calorie control.

Should I choose organic peanut butter?

Organic peanut butter is made from peanuts grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which may be a priority for some consumers. The key health factor, however, remains the simplicity of the ingredients, so always check the label.

Are 'no-stir' natural peanut butters still healthy?

Some 'no-stir' natural peanut butters use palm oil as a stabilizer to prevent separation. While better than trans-fat-containing partially hydrogenated oils, some consumers prefer to avoid palm oil due to health and environmental concerns. The simplest, healthiest option is usually the stir variety.

How much peanut butter should I eat per day?

Due to its calorie density, moderation is key. A standard serving size is two tablespoons. This provides a good balance of healthy fats, protein, and nutrients without overdoing the calories.