Which peanut butter is aflatoxin free?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Cancer Institute, the FDA tests foods like peanuts to minimize the risk of aflatoxin exposure in commercial products. This oversight is crucial for consumers asking which peanut butter is aflatoxin free, as strict regulations and quality control measures are key to mitigating mycotoxin contamination.

Quick Summary

Aflatoxins are fungal toxins found on some crops, including peanuts. Reputable peanut butter brands use multiple processes like sorting, testing, and proper storage to minimize levels. Consumers can further reduce risk by selecting major brands, inspecting nuts, and storing products correctly.

Key Points

Sourcing Matters: Brands often source peanuts from drier climates, like Argentina, to naturally reduce the risk of mold and aflatoxin formation.
Extensive Testing is Key: Leading brands test their peanuts multiple times, from harvest through processing, to ensure aflatoxin levels are minimized.
Regulations Provide a Safety Net: The FDA and other regulatory bodies set strict limits on aflatoxin levels, meaning most commercial peanut butter is safe for consumption.
Choose Reputable Brands: Major, well-known commercial brands have robust quality control. Specialized brands like Big Spoon Roasters and Once Again are known for extra testing and transparency.
Avoid Grind-Your-Own: The potential for mold buildup in in-store grinding equipment can increase the risk of contamination.
Proper Storage is a Factor: Storing peanut butter in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator helps prevent any potential mold growth.
Processing Helps: Roasting and sorting processes used by manufacturers are effective at removing contaminated nuts and reducing overall aflatoxin levels.

Understanding Aflatoxins and Their Risk

Aflatoxins are a group of toxins produced by certain molds, primarily Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi thrive in warm, humid conditions and can contaminate crops like peanuts, corn, and tree nuts in the field, during harvest, and in storage. Exposure to high levels of aflatoxins is a known health risk, particularly for liver health. Therefore, manufacturers and regulatory bodies worldwide, including the FDA, have established strict limits on acceptable aflatoxin levels in food products. For consumers, minimizing exposure starts with understanding how the industry controls this risk and making informed purchasing decisions.

How Peanut Butter Manufacturers Minimize Aflatoxin Risk

Reputable peanut butter producers are proactive about minimizing aflatoxin contamination from farm to jar. Their strategies involve a multi-pronged approach:

Sourcing: Brands often source peanuts from regions with arid climates, such as certain areas of Argentina, where the dry conditions naturally inhibit mold growth.
Rigorous Testing: Peanuts are tested multiple times for aflatoxin levels, often at harvest and again after shelling. Some companies perform third-party lab testing to confirm purity.
Processing Techniques: Advanced processing methods, such as electronic color sorting and blanching, are highly effective at removing contaminated or defective nuts. Roasting also helps reduce aflatoxin concentrations by a significant margin.
Storage Control: Ensuring raw peanuts are stored in cool, dry, and well-ventilated facilities prevents fungal growth after harvest.

Leading Brands and Their Aflatoxin Practices

While no peanut butter can be certified "100% aflatoxin-free" due to the natural origin of the mycotoxin, many brands achieve consistently low levels through superior sourcing and testing. This commitment to quality gives consumers peace of mind. Some brands known for their proactive measures include:

Big Spoon Roasters: This brand sources High Oleic Runner Variety peanuts from Argentina, which naturally have a lower risk of mold due to the dry climate. Their peanuts are tested to a high standard, often with less than 1 part per billion (ppb) of aflatoxins.
Once Again Nut Butter: This company explicitly states that they ensure all their peanuts are tested for aflatoxin before purchase, demonstrating a commitment to safety from the start.
Plant Prana: This company offers a "bio-activated" peanut butter that is third-party tested to be aflatoxin-free. Their process involves cleansing and sprouting the peanuts to remove impurities.
Pics Peanut Butter: This brand rigorously tests its peanuts, most of which test under 4 ppb, well below the FDA's limit. Their additional roasting process further reduces any remaining aflatoxin.
WellEasy: Some reviewers have specifically noted purchasing WellEasy peanut butter due to its mycotoxin testing.

Comparing Aflatoxin Control Methods


Brand/Practice	Sourcing Location	Key Aflatoxin Control Method(s)	Testing Standards	Consumer Risk Mitigation
Big Spoon Roasters	Argentina	Dry climate, strict EU-level processing standards	< 1 ppb total aflatoxins	Lower initial risk due to source and high-level testing.
Once Again Nut Butter	Global (tested)	Pre-purchase testing, controlled processing	Explicitly tested for aflatoxin	Assurance through upfront ingredient testing.
Plant Prana	Uzbekistan	"Bio-activation" (cleansing, soaking, sprouting, roasting)	Third-party tested to be aflatoxin-free	Advanced processing methods to ensure purity.
Pics Peanut Butter	Brazil, Argentina, Australia	Sourcing, post-harvest storage, roasting	Most batches < 4 ppb	Multiple testing points and roasting for added safety.
Major Commercial Brands	Varies	Sourcing, FDA-level testing, sorting	Below FDA limit (generally 15-20 ppb)	FDA oversight and large-scale processing minimizes risk.
"Grind-Your-Own"	Varies	Potentially inconsistent sourcing and hygiene	None (unregulated)	Highest potential risk due to lack of control and possible equipment mold.

Tips for Reducing Aflatoxin Exposure

Beyond choosing high-quality brands, consumers can take several steps to further minimize their exposure to aflatoxins:

Inspect Before Buying: Visually check nuts for any signs of mold, discoloration, or shriveled appearance.
Choose Major Brands: Sticking to well-known commercial brands ensures that the product has gone through regulated testing and quality control procedures mandated by bodies like the FDA.
Prioritize Refrigeration: Store peanut butter in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator, especially after opening. Cooler temperatures can inhibit mold growth.
Avoid Grinding Your Own: "Grind-your-own" peanut butter stations carry a higher risk. The equipment may not be cleaned daily, allowing mold to build up and contaminate the nuts.
Consider Alternatives: While not completely risk-free, nut butters from other sources like almonds or sunflower seeds, and particularly those from reputable brands, may offer different risk profiles.

Conclusion

Concerns about aflatoxin in peanut butter are valid, but consumer risk can be significantly managed through informed choices. While a truly "aflatoxin-free" label is not possible due to the nature of mycotoxins, many brands go to great lengths to ensure their products meet or exceed safety standards. By selecting major commercial brands or those with transparent testing practices, like Big Spoon Roasters or Once Again, and following proper storage methods, you can confidently enjoy peanut butter as a safe and healthy part of your diet. Ultimately, a combination of manufacturer diligence and consumer awareness provides the strongest defense against this food safety issue. For more information on aflatoxins and food safety, you can visit the National Cancer Institute's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aflatoxins are a family of toxic compounds produced by certain fungi, specifically the Aspergillus species, that can grow on agricultural crops like peanuts when stored improperly in warm, humid conditions.

While all peanuts have some risk, major commercial brands employ rigorous sourcing, testing, and processing methods that significantly reduce the risk and keep levels well below safety limits set by the FDA.

Roasting can significantly reduce aflatoxin levels in peanuts, with studies showing reductions of 50% or more at temperatures over 150°C. However, it does not completely eliminate the toxins, especially if initial contamination is high.

Using "grind-your-own" machines is generally not recommended by experts, as the equipment can harbor mold if not cleaned properly. This increases the risk of contamination that is otherwise controlled in large-scale manufacturing.

Not necessarily. While organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides, some research suggests organic peanuts, if not properly controlled, may have higher aflatoxin levels due to the lack of fungicides. The brand's sourcing and testing protocols are more important than the organic label for aflatoxin control.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set an 'actionable limit' of 20 parts per billion (ppb) for total aflatoxins in food products like peanut butter. In practice, many brands aim for stricter self-imposed limits.

Brands like Big Spoon Roasters, Once Again, Pics Peanut Butter, and Plant Prana are known for their rigorous testing and transparent sourcing practices aimed at minimizing aflatoxin levels.

The best way is to buy from major, reputable brands and store your peanut butter in a cool, dry place. Always inspect peanuts or nut butters for any signs of mold, discoloration, or shriveling before consuming.