10 Peanut Butter Brands You Should Stop Buying & 10 To Stock Up On
Peanut butter isn’t just a spread, it’s the true champion of your pantry, yet not every jar earns the spotlight.
Some keep it simple while others hide extra sugars and oils that miss the mark. Smooth protein hits and crunchy eco-friendly creds prove what’s inside that jar can change everything.
Time to uncover the truth about which peanut butters really stick with you and which are better left on the shelf!
20. SKIP: Peter Pan Peanut Butter
Loaded with hydrogenated oils that increase harmful trans fats in your body, Peter Pan’s creamy spread isn’t doing your heart any favors.
Sugar appears way too high on the ingredient list, making this childhood favorite more dessert than nutritious protein source. Numerous recalls over contamination concerns should make you question its place in your shopping cart.
19. AVOID: Jif Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
Whoever thought removing the healthy fats from peanut butter was smart? Jif compensates by adding corn syrup solids and extra sugar.
What appears healthier actually contains more carbs and less nutrition than regular versions. Remember this marketing trick: when fat goes out, sugar comes rushing in to maintain flavor, creating a less nutritious option.
18. PASS ON: Skippy Natural Peanut Butter with Honey
Don’t let the “natural” label fool you! Skippy’s honey-infused version packs unnecessary added sugars that mask the natural peanut flavor you should be enjoying.
Palm oil, a controversial ingredient linked to deforestation, lurks in the mix too. Your taste buds and the environment deserve better than this misleadingly labeled option.
17. DITCH: Great Value Peanut Butter
Walmart’s budget option might save pennies but costs you nutritionally. Full of stabilizers and preservatives, this spread barely resembles what peanut butter should be.
Many consumers report an artificial aftertaste that lingers unpleasantly. Would you really want to build your PB&J sandwich foundation on something manufactured primarily for shelf life rather than nutrition?
16. STEER CLEAR: Reese’s Peanut Butter
Candy masquerading as a spread! Reese’s version contains ridiculous amounts of added sugar, more than 4 grams per serving, plus artificial flavors.
Children especially shouldn’t develop taste preferences from such heavily processed options. While it might taste like your favorite candy, spreading this on toast every morning is essentially serving dessert for breakfast.
15. RECONSIDER: Goober Grape PB&J Stripes
Convenience comes at a nutritional cost with this pre-mixed peanut butter and jelly concoction. Have you seen the ingredient list? It’s a chemistry experiment!
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives abound in this nostalgic but nutritionally bankrupt option. Teaching kids to make their own sandwich with quality ingredients builds better habits than relying on this processed shortcut.
14. REJECT: Peanut Butter & Co. White Chocolate Wonderful
Sweet tooth alert! This dessert-like spread contains confectioner’s sugar and white chocolate chips that transform a protein-rich food into candy.
Nutritionally speaking, you’re getting more empty calories than benefits. Many nutritionists warn against flavored nut butters like this that prioritize indulgence over nutrition while marketing themselves as everyday spreads.
13. LEAVE BEHIND: Smart Balance Peanut Butter
Despite health-conscious branding, Smart Balance contains molasses and palm oil that compromise its nutritional integrity. The omega fatty acid profile they advertise doesn’t compensate for these additions.
Flaxseed oil sounds healthy but often goes rancid quickly once opened. Your supposedly “smart” choice might actually be a nutritional compromise wrapped in clever marketing.
12. SAY NO TO: Planters Peanut Butter
Mr. Peanut should stick to roasted nuts! His peanut butter contains fully hydrogenated vegetable oils that extend shelf life at the expense of your cardiovascular health.
The texture often feels oddly synthetic compared to more natural options. Considering Planters’ expertise with whole nuts, their processed butter disappointingly falls short of what peanut lovers deserve.
11. FORGET: Nuts ‘N More Protein Peanut Butter
Protein-enhanced sounds impressive until you read the label. Packed with whey protein isolate and xylitol, this isn’t peanut butter – it’s a processed protein supplement.
Many consumers report digestive discomfort from these added ingredients. Natural peanut butter already offers plenty of protein without scientific intervention, making this enhanced version unnecessarily complicated.
10. STOCK UP: Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter
Simplicity shines with just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. No oils, no sugar, no nonsense – just pure peanut goodness that lets the natural flavor take center stage.
Yes, you’ll need to stir it initially, but that’s a small price for authenticity. The robust, genuine peanut flavor makes this a pantry essential for health-conscious households seeking minimally processed foods.
9. GRAB: Santa Cruz Organic Dark Roasted Peanut Butter
Dark roasting transforms ordinary peanuts into something extraordinary! Santa Cruz achieves deeper flavor without additives, creating a sophisticated spread that elevates everything from toast to recipes.
Organic certification ensures no pesticides made their way into your breakfast. The glass jar packaging reflects their commitment to quality and environmental responsibility that conscious consumers appreciate.
8. BUY: Adams 100% Natural Peanut Butter
Generations of families have trusted Adams’ no-nonsense approach to peanut butter. Without stabilizers, the natural oils separate – a sign you’re getting the real deal!
Many professional bakers swear by its clean taste in recipes. Store this jar upside down in your pantry to help natural oils distribute evenly, making that first spoonful just as delicious as the last.
7. CHOOSE: Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter
Nothing but peanuts! Crazy Richard’s commitment to single-ingredient purity makes it a nutritionist’s dream recommendation for both adults and children.
The creamy texture develops naturally from proper grinding rather than added oils. Many peanut allergy specialists actually recommend this brand for introducing peanuts to children because of its lack of additives and potential allergens.
6. COLLECT: Once Again Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
Adorned with a friendly raccoon mascot, this ethical choice supports sustainable farming practices while delivering exceptional taste. The seed-to-table transparency sets a gold standard for food production.
Employee-owned company practices shine through in quality control. Many consumers with sensitive digestion report this brand causes fewer issues than conventional options, possibly due to its minimal processing approach.
5. ACQUIRE: 365 Organic Peanut Butter
Whole Foods’ house brand delivers organic quality without the premium price tag many natural brands command. Budget-conscious health enthusiasts rejoice!
Consistent texture batch after batch makes this a reliable kitchen staple. The unsalted version offers a blank canvas for both sweet and savory culinary creations, giving home cooks maximum flexibility.
4. INVEST IN: Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter
Founded by a mountain climber seeking portable nutrition, Justin’s revolutionized nut butters with their unique dry roasting process that enhances natural flavors. Their sustainable palm oil is responsibly sourced.
Convenient squeeze packets make this a favorite for hikers and busy parents. The slightly coarse texture provides a satisfying mouthfeel that many smooth butter enthusiasts convert to after trying.
3. HOARD: Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Peanut Butter
Trader Joe’s strikes the perfect balance between price and quality with their Valencia peanut offering. Valencia peanuts have a naturally sweeter profile without added sugar.
Cult following alert: fans stock up because it occasionally sells out! Unlike many budget options, this spread maintains integrity in baking without separating or becoming oily, making it versatile for both eating and cooking.
2. TREASURE: MaraNatha Organic Peanut Butter
Small-batch roasting creates unparalleled depth of flavor in MaraNatha’s premium offering. Their unique double-grinding process achieves silky smoothness without additives.
Certified organic and non-GMO verification provide peace of mind for ingredient-conscious shoppers. Many professional chefs choose this brand for its consistent quality and rich flavor profile that enhances both sweet and savory recipes.
1. STOCKPILE: Teddie All Natural Peanut Butter
New England’s beloved Teddie has maintained the same simple recipe since 1925, proving quality never goes out of style. Family-owned dedication shines through in consistent quality control.
The distinctive red lid has become a marker of authenticity for peanut butter purists. Many nutritionists praise its ideal balance of protein, healthy fats, and minimal sodium that supports heart health without compromising on taste.
