Which peanut butter is gluten-free? A comprehensive guide for safe shopping

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Peanut Board, the average American consumes over six pounds of peanuts and peanut products each year. In its purest form, peanut butter is naturally gluten-free, containing only peanuts and salt. However, additives, flavorings, and manufacturing processes can introduce gluten, making it essential to know which peanut butter is gluten-free for a safe diet.

Quick Summary

Pure peanut butter is naturally gluten-free, but manufactured brands require careful label reading to ensure safety due to potential additives or cross-contamination from shared equipment. This guide provides an overview of how to identify safe options, lists trustworthy brands, and explains crucial food safety protocols for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Key Points

Natural Purity: Pure peanut butter made only from peanuts and salt is inherently gluten-free.
Additives Risk: Flavorings, sweeteners, and stabilizers in commercial brands can contain hidden gluten or be processed on shared equipment.
Cross-Contact Concern: A significant danger for sensitive individuals is cross-contact during manufacturing or from shared utensils at home.
Certified Labeling: The most reliable way to find safe peanut butter is to look for the "Certified Gluten-Free" label, which guarantees low gluten levels.
Read All Labels: Always check ingredient lists and allergen warnings for potential gluten sources and manufacturing disclaimers.
Safe Brands Available: Major brands like Jif, Skippy, and Justin's offer clearly labeled gluten-free options.

What Makes Some Peanut Butter Not Gluten-Free?

Peanuts are legumes, not grains, and are naturally free of gluten. So, how does gluten end up in a jar of peanut butter? The main culprits are additives, flavoring, and cross-contact during manufacturing.

Additives and Flavors

Many commercial peanut butter brands include extra ingredients to enhance flavor, texture, or shelf life. While most of these are gluten-free, some can contain hidden gluten or are derived from gluten-containing grains. Be wary of flavorings, stabilizers, and certain added starches that could contain gluten. Specialty products, like certain peanut butter spreads with mix-ins such as cookies, are also likely to contain gluten unless certified otherwise.

Cross-Contact

The most significant risk for people with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity is cross-contact, which occurs when a gluten-containing ingredient accidentally comes into contact with a gluten-free product during processing. Many manufacturers produce both gluten-containing and gluten-free products on the same equipment. Even if the equipment is cleaned between batches, trace amounts of gluten can remain. Look for peanut butter that is certified gluten-free or explicitly states it is made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

Reading the Label: What to Look For

To ensure your peanut butter is safe, follow these label-reading tips:

Look for 'Certified Gluten-Free': This is the gold standard. Products with this label meet strict standards (often less than 10-20 ppm of gluten) verified by an external organization.
Read the Ingredients List: Check for ingredients that contain gluten or raise red flags. Be cautious of vague terms like "natural flavors" and always check the allergen information. The allergen warning is legally required to list major allergens like wheat, which is a source of gluten.
Check for Cross-Contact Statements: Many labels include warnings such as "Manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat." For those with high sensitivity or celiac disease, this is a clear sign to avoid the product.

Trusted Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Brands

Here is a list of popular brands that offer gluten-free peanut butter options, based on company statements and labeling:


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Key Details
Jif	Most varieties are certified gluten-free.	The majority of their classic and natural lines are safe, but always check the back label.
Skippy	All varieties are made without gluten-containing ingredients.	A reliable choice across their classic creamy and natural options.
Justin's	Certified gluten-free by the GFCO.	Popular for their high standards and flavored options, but stick to the certified products.
Crazy Richard's	Certified gluten-free, made with just peanuts.	A single-ingredient, no-frills option that is very safe for sensitive individuals.
Peanut Butter & Co.	Most jars are certified gluten-free.	A wide range of flavors are available, with most carrying the GFCO certification.
Smucker's Natural	Typically gluten-free, check for label.	Simple ingredients (peanuts and salt) are usually safe, but check for the label on all varieties.
Peter Pan	All varieties are made without gluten-containing ingredients.	Conagra, the parent company, confirms their products contain no added gluten.

Tips for Safe Peanut Butter Consumption

Beyond selecting a safe brand, you can take steps to prevent cross-contact at home.

Dedicated Jars: If you live with gluten-eaters, consider having a separate, clearly labeled jar of peanut butter designated for the gluten-free person. This prevents a knife used on regular bread from contaminating the whole jar.
Dedicated Utensils: Use a different set of knives or spoons for the gluten-free peanut butter to avoid contact with gluten-containing crackers or bread.
Check Recipes: When using peanut butter in recipes, ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This includes checking spices, sauces, and baking items.

Conclusion

While pure peanut butter is naturally gluten-free, the manufacturing process, flavorings, and risk of cross-contact can introduce gluten. For individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, selecting a brand that is certified gluten-free is the safest option. For those with less severe sensitivity, a product explicitly labeled "gluten-free" or made with minimal, transparent ingredients is likely safe. Always read the label carefully and take precautions to prevent cross-contact at home. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy this delicious and versatile pantry staple. For more information, visit resources like Beyond Celiac and check product websites for specific certification details.

Optional Outbound Link

For more in-depth information about cross-contact and how to prevent it in your kitchen, visit BeyondCeliac.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Jif peanut butter products are certified gluten-free, but it's essential to check the label on the back of each individual jar for the official claim to be certain.

Yes, according to the manufacturer, all varieties of Skippy peanut butter are made without gluten-containing ingredients.

The biggest risk comes from cross-contact during manufacturing, where gluten-free products are made on shared equipment with gluten-containing foods.

Not necessarily. While many natural and organic brands use minimal ingredients (often just peanuts and salt), they are not guaranteed to be gluten-free unless they bear the certified label. Always check for cross-contact warnings.

Look out for vague terms like "natural flavors" and check the allergen information for any mention of wheat. Specialty flavors with mix-ins are also higher risk unless certified.

To prevent cross-contact, use a dedicated, clearly labeled jar of peanut butter for gluten-free family members and use separate utensils to prevent contamination from gluten-containing foods like toast.

Yes, the FDA standard for gluten-free is less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, while the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) has stricter standards of less than 10 ppm. Highly sensitive individuals may prefer GFCO-certified products.