Which Peanut Butter Does Not Use Palm Oil?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Wildlife Fund, an area the size of 300 football fields of rainforest is cleared every hour for palm oil production. For those seeking an environmentally and health-conscious option, knowing which peanut butter does not use palm oil is essential. This guide will help you navigate the grocery aisles to find the best brands for your needs.

Quick Summary

This article lists numerous peanut butter brands that do not contain palm oil, detailing alternatives and explaining why many consumers choose to avoid this ingredient. It offers tips for reading labels and selecting healthier, more sustainable products.

Key Points

Check the ingredient list: Look for a short list with only peanuts, and possibly salt, to ensure no palm oil is present.
Embrace oil separation: Palm oil-free peanut butter will naturally separate. Stirring is required but indicates a more natural product.
Popular brands to try: Brands like Crazy Richard's, Smucker's Natural, Teddie, and Spread The Love are widely known for their palm oil-free products.
Choose organic for cleaner options: For an option free from synthetic pesticides, consider organic brands like Whole Earth or Once Again.
Prioritize environmental responsibility: Some brands actively support environmental conservation efforts, which is a major reason for choosing palm oil-free products.
Be wary of 'no-stir' claims: The term 'no-stir' usually indicates the presence of added stabilizers like palm oil.
Refrigerate after opening: Storing natural peanut butter in the fridge after the initial stir can help prevent further oil separation.

Why Avoid Palm Oil in Peanut Butter?

Palm oil is added to many peanut butter products to act as a stabilizer, preventing the natural peanut oil from separating and creating a "no-stir" consistency. However, many consumers choose to avoid it for health and environmental reasons.

Environmental Impact

The production of palm oil is a significant driver of deforestation, particularly in Southeast Asia. The expansion of palm oil plantations has led to the destruction of rainforests, threatening biodiversity and pushing endangered species, such as orangutans, to the brink of extinction. By choosing a peanut butter that does not use palm oil, you can support brands committed to more sustainable practices.

Health Considerations

Palm oil is high in saturated fat, and while it's not a trans fat, some studies suggest that high consumption of saturated fats can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. For those monitoring their saturated fat intake, a palm oil-free option often has a simpler, more natural nutritional profile. Many companies that add palm oil also include other additives like added sugars to enhance flavor and texture. Choosing natural peanut butter with just peanuts and salt, or only peanuts, ensures a cleaner product.

Brands That Do Not Use Palm Oil

Many brands are proud to offer peanut butter free from palm oil. These products are generally considered "natural" peanut butters and will require stirring, as the oil from the peanuts naturally separates. Here are some of the most popular options:

Crazy Richard's: Famous for its simple ingredient list: 100% peanuts.
Teddie All Natural: Uses only dry roasted peanuts and, for some varieties, salt.
Smucker's Natural: Offers creamy and crunchy varieties made with just peanuts and a little salt.
Spread The Love: Features an organic, one-ingredient peanut butter made from dry-roasted organic peanuts.
Adams Natural Peanut Butter: Made from peanuts and a dash of salt.
Whole Earth: A brand that actively promotes its palm oil-free commitment and is a proud supporter of the Sumatran Orangutan Society.
Once Again: Offers both creamy and crunchy organic, unsweetened peanut butter with minimal ingredients.
MaraNatha Organic: Provides a creamy, organic peanut butter without palm oil.
Pip & Nut: A UK-based company that explicitly states its peanut butter is absolutely palm oil-free.
Meridian: Another UK-based brand that guarantees no palm oil in its nut butters.
365 Organic (Whole Foods Brand): Offers unsweetened and no-salt versions made without palm oil.
Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Salted/Unsalted Valencia: Made from Valencia peanuts, often considered to have a naturally sweeter flavor.

How to Choose the Right Palm Oil-Free Peanut Butter

Selecting the right jar depends on your priorities, but there are a few key things to look for when you're shopping.

Read the Ingredient List

This is the most critical step. Truly natural peanut butter will have a short ingredient list, often just "peanuts" and sometimes "salt". If you see "palm oil," "palm fruit oil," or "hydrogenated vegetable oil" listed, that product is not a natural, stir-required peanut butter.

Expect Oil Separation

When no stabilizers like palm oil are used, the natural peanut oil will separate and rise to the top of the jar. This is a normal, natural process. Simply stir it well when you first open it to restore a creamy consistency. Storing the jar upside down can also help distribute the oil. After the first stir, you can refrigerate it to prevent further separation.

Consider Organic vs. Conventional

Organic peanut butter ensures that the peanuts were grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Brands like Spread The Love, Whole Earth, and Once Again offer organic options. Some people also prefer peanut butter made from Valencia peanuts, which are often cited for lower aflatoxin levels, though organic standards also have measures to address this.

Check Brand Commitments

Some brands, like Whole Earth and Pip & Nut, go beyond simply omitting palm oil by supporting environmental initiatives, such as protecting the rainforest. If environmentalism is a significant factor in your decision, look for brands that actively communicate their sustainability efforts.

Comparison of Palm Oil-Free Peanut Butter Brands


Brand	Ingredients	Texture	Certifications	Key Feature
Crazy Richard's	100% Peanuts	Creamy/Runny	Non-GMO	Very simple, pure taste
Teddie	Peanuts, Salt (optional)	Classic "Stir" Texture	Non-GMO	Consistent quality
Spread The Love	Organic Peanuts	Creamy/Runny	USDA Organic, Vegan	Single-ingredient focus
Smucker's Natural	Peanuts, Salt	Creamy/Crunchy, Stir	Non-GMO Project Verified	Widely available
Whole Earth	Organic Peanuts	Creamy/Crunchy, Stir	USDA Organic, Vegan	Environmental commitment
Once Again	Organic Peanuts	Creamy/Crunchy, Stir	USDA Organic, Vegan	Unsweetened option
Adams Natural	Peanuts, Salt	Creamy/Crunchy, Stir	Certified Kosher, Non-GMO	Trusted, classic option

Conclusion

For consumers looking for a healthy and environmentally friendly peanut butter option, avoiding brands that use palm oil is a straightforward choice. By reading the ingredient label, you can easily find high-quality, delicious alternatives that are made with just peanuts and salt. Whether you prefer a thick, stirred texture or a runnier consistency for smoothies, many brands like Crazy Richard's, Smucker's Natural, and Spread The Love offer excellent palm oil-free options. Making the switch not only benefits your health with a cleaner ingredient profile but also supports global conservation efforts. The taste of pure peanut goodness is worth the minimal effort of a good stir.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm oil is added as a stabilizer to prevent the natural peanut oil from separating and rising to the top. This creates a creamy, no-stir consistency that some consumers prefer.

Generally, yes. The need to stir is a sign that no stabilizers, such as palm oil, have been added. The oil separation is a natural process for pure peanut butter.

Palm oil-free peanut butters often contain fewer ingredients and have a more natural nutritional profile. Avoiding palm oil can reduce saturated fat intake, and these products typically contain no added sugars.

Yes. The mass production of palm oil is a major contributor to deforestation and habitat destruction, particularly in tropical regions. By choosing palm oil-free products, you can help reduce the demand for conventionally sourced palm oil.

The term "natural" is not regulated, so it's crucial to read the ingredient list. While many natural brands are palm oil-free, some may still include it. Always check the ingredients to be certain.

Before first use, stir the peanut butter thoroughly to mix in the separated oil. Afterward, storing it in the refrigerator can prevent the oil from separating again and help maintain a firm, spreadable texture.

While the stir is necessary for truly natural products, it becomes easier with time. Many find the superior, purer taste of palm oil-free peanut butter is well worth the minor inconvenience. Some people also refrigerate their jar upside down to make the initial stir easier.

Many countries offer palm oil-free peanut butter. Brands like Whole Earth and Meridian are available in the UK, while brands like Crazy Richard's and Smucker's are common in the US. The availability varies by region, but a check of the ingredient label is a universal rule.