If you’re looking for the best peanut butter for losing weight, I must say this article doesn’t really apply to you! But for the rest of you, keep reading. Since starting the keto diet, peanut butter, in moderation, has been an important part of my nutrition routine. I tend to put a tablespoon of peanut butter in my coffee or eat it on celery in the afternoon when I’m really hungry. The following are three kinds of peanut butter that are great for losing weight. Here we go…
The 20 Healthiest Peanut Butters—Ranked!
From Skippy and Jif to Justin’s and Teddie’s, registered dietitians help us rate the healthiest and unhealthiest peanut butters of all time.
Peanut butter is a pantry essential. Packed with protein, fiber, and monounsaturated fats, this “nut” butter (peanuts are technically a legume, not a nut) is an inexpensive plant-based protein source that is incredibly versatile and nutritious.
How to make a peanut butter freakshake
To reap its benefits, healthy peanut butter should have just two ingredients: peanuts (duh) and sometimes a pinch of salt. But today’s manufacturers—even the “all-natural” brands advertising themselves as healthy—pack their PBs with additives you simply don’t need.
To help you avoid the less stellar jars and find the best peanut butter, we reached out to registered dietitians to find out which brands are worth buying. Here’s our definitive list of the healthiest peanut butters.
What are some benefits of peanut butter?
There are many benefits of peanut butter beyond it being the perfect spread for the easiest sandwich: PB&J.
“Peanut butter is a convenient and affordable source of healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc,” says registered dietitian Elle Penner, MPH, RD, of Modern Minimalism.
“In addition to being satiating, peanut butter with no added sugar is a relatively low-carbohydrate food and does not have a significant impact on blood sugar. Studies show that people who regularly include nuts, including peanut butter, in their diets are less likely to develop heart disease or type 2 diabetes than those who rarely eat nuts.”
“Peanut butter also provides some unique nutrients, like selenium and choline, and is a great source of biotin: the vitamin famous for supporting gorgeous hair and healthy nails,” adds Manaker.
The specific types of fat in peanut butter can support your health beyond just helping you stay full: “Peanut butter is a great source of monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids play multiple critical roles in the body, including cellular growth, cellular maintenance (specifically of skin and hair), immune response, and reproduction,” says Rachel Fine MS, RD, CSSD, CDN, a registered dietitian, and owner of To The Pointe Nutrition.
How to choose the best peanut butter
When you’re shopping for peanut butter, there are a few things you should look out for when you check out the label.
Nutritionists shared the following nutritional criteria they look for when selecting healthy peanut butter brands:
- Short ingredient list: “As a dietitian, I choose peanut butters that contain the fewest ingredients possible. If I can select a peanut butter that contains only peanuts and a touch of salt, that is the best choice in my book,” says Manaker.
- Zero or low levels of added oils: “Oils, especially fully- or partially-hydrogenated oils, should not be in your PB. These are often added to extend shelf-life and prevent separation but can have negative impacts on blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase the risk of heart disease,” says Penner.
- Zero or low added sugar: Peanut butter naturally contains sugar, so you’ll often see 1-2 grams of sugar on labels even if it isn’t listed in the ingredients. It’s the added sugar you want to look out for. “Avoid added sugars like molasses, maltodextrin, corn syrup, etc. as these add empty calories,” says Penner. While it’s best to minimize your added sugar intake, a little bit in your PB is okay, according to Mikka Knapp, RDN, CLT, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Bright BodyNutrition: “Many brands include added sugar for sweetness. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but I do look for the lowest added sugar brand. I keep it under 2 grams of added sugar per serving. We get more than enough sugar from jelly.”
- No emulsifiers: “Emulsifiers are often added to prevent separation and give nut butters body and texture. Some research suggests emulsifiers may cause low-grade inflammation in the gut and have a negative impact on the microbiome,” says Penner.
- Skip the low-fat or reduced-fat versions: “Some lower-fat versions of peanut butter contain higher sugar amounts to make up for the missing flavor when fat is removed. Too much sugar is not the best choice either, and the fat found in peanut butter is a healthy addition to one’s diet. I do not choose reduced-fat peanut butter,” says Manaker.
The 15 best healthy peanut butter brands you can buy.
With those criteria in mind, dietitians gave us their personal recommendations for the best peanut butter you can buy.
One thing to note before you head to the grocery store: You shouldn’t be afraid of the oil on top of your peanut butter—that’s the natural separation that occurs when brands don’t add any emulsifiers or extra oils to make peanut butter spreadable. “You can always mix the oils in when you get home and keep your peanut butter in the refrigerator to prevent natural separation,” recommends Shira Sussi, MS, RD, CDN of Shira Sussi Nutrition, and a registered dietitian at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
1
Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter Creamy
PER 2 TBSP: 190 calories, 16 g fat (3 g saturated), 110 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 8 g protein
Ingredients: Peanuts, salt
Smucker’s Natural Peanut butter came up the most when we asked dietitians for the best peanut butter, including Fine and Gregg, particularly because it’s economical and it meets the dietitians’ requirements of being made of just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. This is the best mainstream brand of peanut butter on the market. Spread some on your morning toast, and don’t miss these best breakfast foods for weight loss!
2
Crazy Richard’s Creamy Peanut Butter
PER 2 TBSP: 180 calories, 16 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 8 g protein
Ingredients: Peanuts
According to Crazy Richard’s, they sneak in 540 peanuts into each jar of peanut butter—and nothing else! “My favorite peanut butter brand only has one ingredient: peanuts,” says registered dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club and owner of www.NutritionStarringYOU.com. “Crazy Richard’s peanut butter has no added oil, salt or sugar for those looking for the purest product. You can always add a touch of salt if you wish but for people limiting sodium and sugar due to medical conditions or dietary preferences, Crazy Richard’s is a fabulous choice. “
$4.28 AT CRAZY RICHARD’S
3
MaraNatha Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
PER 2 TBSP: 190 calories, 16 g fat (2 g saturated), 80 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (3 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 8 g protein
Ingredients: Organic Dry Roasted Peanuts, Sea Salt
Although we like this brand because of its low sodium count, we like it more because it has the smoothest texture (thanks to a unique double-grind process) without needing any added oils.
AT MARANATHA
4
Once Again Organic Creamy No Salt Peanut Butter
PER 2 TBSP: 190 calories, 14 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (2 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 8 g protein
Ingredients: Organic Peanuts
Don’t be mislead by the two grams of sugar in this jar — any sugar in Once Again’s peanut butter is natural, nothing added, hence why it’s one of Sussi’s favorites. In fact, there’s literally nothing added to this jar. Not even salt. So it’s a good low-sodium peanut butter option for those looking to watch their salt intake or those who like to cook with peanut butter and season dishes themselves. If you do like salt, One Again also makes a salted version and a lightly sweetened version.
$7.65 AT ONCE AGAIN
5
Wild Friends Classic Creamy Peanut Butter
PER 2 TBSP: 190 calories, 16 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 95 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 8 g protein
Ingredients: Roasted Peanuts, Sea Salt.
Fine recommends Wild Friends because of its simple ingredient list and solid fiber and protein count.
$6.99 AT WILD FRIENDS FOODS
6
Teddie Smooth All Natural Smooth Peanut Butter
PER 2 TBSP: 190 calories, 16 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 125 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugars), 8 g protein
Ingredients: Dry roasted peanuts, Salt
Penner lists Teddie among her lists of favorite peanut butters, alongside Costco’s store brand Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter.
$37.00 FOR PACK OF 4 AT AMAZON
7
Thrive Market Organic Peanut Butter, Creamy
PER 2 TBSP: 180 calories, 16 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 5 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 8 g protein
Ingredients: Organic Peanuts
Few ingredient lists are as simple as Thrive Market’s peanut butter. What makes this option really stand out is the fact that it only has one ingredient (peanuts), it’s organic, and it comes in at an affordable $3.49. You can thank the low cost to Thrive Market’s mission to bring healthier foods to more homes at more affordable prices. All you have to do is sign up for a yearly membership to unlock their discounted prices. An added bonus: this PB comes in a handy squeezable pouch—no need to dirty up a knife!
$3.49 AT THRIVE MARKET
8
Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter
PER 2 TBSP: 210 calories, 18 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 25 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (1 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 7 g protein
Ingredients: Dry roasted peanuts, Palm oil
Justin Gold took his PB from farmers’ markets to bodegas everywhere, and it’s caught on for good reason: It’s creamy and addictive, but with a super-low sodium count.
$6.47 AT AMAZON
9
NuttZo Peanut Pro Smooth
PER 2 TBSP: 190 calories, 16 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 40 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 7 g protein
Ingredients: Peanuts, Cashews, Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Flax Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Hazelnuts, Celtic sea salt
Increasing the diversity in your diet will help to provide your body with more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to function at its best. One of the easiest ways to do that is by opting for this nut butter from NuttZo, which includes a blend of seven nuts and seeds, including selenium-rich Brazil nuts and fiber-rich flaxseeds.
$4.87 AT THRIVE MARKET
10
Santa Cruz Organic Creamy Peanut Butter, Dark Roasted
PER 2 TBSP: 180 calories, 16 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 55 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (3 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 8 g protein
Ingredients: Organic Roasted Peanuts, Salt
For a heartier, richer, roasty flavor with your peanut butter, opt for a jar from Santa Cruz, which is made from dark roasted Spanish peanuts.
The Best Natural Peanut Butters That a Dietitian Recommends
The MARANATHA Organic Creamy Peanut Butter is dietitian-approved
Many people love natural peanut butter because it’s delicious, filling, and has great nutritional value. However, “natural” doesn’t always guarantee that it’s free of artificial ingredients and extra additives. According to the American Society for Nutrition, natural peanut butter can contain natural flavors, sweeteners, or other plant-derived ingredients, including potentially harmful high fructose corn syrup.1 The best natural peanut butters have a minimal ingredient list and are backed by trustworthy certifications to ensure you’re getting the highest quality.
Reviewed & Approved
The MARANATHA Organic No Sugar or Salt Added Creamy Peanut Butter is our top pick because it has a minimal ingredient list and trustworthy certifications and can be eaten right from the jar. We also love Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter because it has a creamy, no-stir texture.
Choosing a natural peanut butter that is USDA organic or non-GMO and organic ensures that you’re getting the highest quality nut butter since these terms are regulated by law. The packaging is also a factor you should consider since you’ll want to find an amount that works with your preferences. For example, if you just like to snack on crunchy peanut butter, you may not necessarily need a large jar. To help you find the right one, we researched a variety of options with these features in mind.
Best Overall: MARANATHA Organic No Sugar or Salt Added Creamy Peanut Butter
4.7
Who else recommends it? Today also picked MARANATHA Organic No Sugar or Salt Added Creamy Peanut Butter.2
What do buyers say? 90% of 90+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
MARANATHA’s USDA Organic peanut butter is our top pick because it’s made with quality organic ingredients and without added salt or sugar. It contains only two ingredients: dry roasted peanuts and organic palm oil. The convenient no-stir creamy peanut butter is all-natural, gluten-free, kosher, and is delicious spooned straight out of the jar or spread onto toasty whole-grain bread.
MaraNatha, one of America’s largest producers of natural and organic nut butters, uses only the purest ingredients with no hydrogenated oils or preservatives to create wholesome products. The company is also environmentally-friendly: they source nuts only from environmentally sensitive growers and use recyclable glass jars. If you’re passionate about peanut butter, MaraNatha ensures that each jar contains superior taste and ultimate freshness.
Best Organic: Santa Cruz ORGANIC Creamy Light Roasted Peanut Butter
If you’re looking for a great, well-rounded natural peanut butter, try the Santa Cruz Organic Light Roasted Creamy Peanut Butter. This organic peanut butter has a smooth, fresh flavor and offers a unique, pure peanut taste. Each 16-ounce container is well worth the price for the appealing texture and robust taste Santa Cruz products are known for.
Made from USDA Organic Spanish peanuts and a bit of salt, the Non-GMO Project Verified product is a top pick in terms of quality, taste, and price. The product is free of hydrogenated oils, added sugar, and artificial ingredients. If you prefer a more vibrant, deeper, and smokier flavor, Santa Cruz also makes a creamy dark roast. If you’re a fan of crunchy peanut butter, Santa Cruz has you covered with dark and light roasts.
Best No-Stir: Justin’s Nut Butter Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter
One complaint we often hear about natural peanut butter is the need to stir it each time you enjoy it because of the oil separation. The solution is easy: Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter. This natural peanut butter uses palm oil to give the product a creamy, no-stir texture, without any oil separation. It’s delicious and thick, but spreads easily onto whole-grain toast, blends into smoothies, and mixes well into oatmeal or your favorite baking recipe.
It’s Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, and uses sustainably-sourced palm oil. If you’re looking for sweeter peanut butter, Justin’s also makes Honey Peanut Butter, which combines honey, organic cane sugar, peanut oil, palm oil, and a touch of sea salt with dry roasted peanuts to create a sweet and salty spread.
Best Crunchy: Crazy Richard’s Crunchy Peanut Butter
If you’re a crunchy peanut butter fan, you’ll love Crazy Richard’s natural crunchy peanut butter. This all-natural peanut butter is made with 100 percent peanuts—unlike other popular brands containing only 90 percent peanuts—and has that crunchy texture you love.
Crazy Richard’s states that the ingredient list is easy to decipher: there are 540 peanuts blended into one jar with no salt, added sugar, or palm oil. Plus, the brand uses non-GMO, 100% US-grown peanuts. Without stabilizers or preservatives, the peanut butter is runny, so you will need to stir it before enjoying it.
A fun hack: store the jar upside down until the oils work their way to the jar’s bottom. Give it a shake to mix, then enjoy. It can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer a thicker texture.
Best Powdered: PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter
If you’re looking to add a peanut flavor and boost of protein to a smoothie or oatmeal, powdered peanut butter such as PB2 is an excellent option. Peanut butter powder is a great alternative that adds the protein of peanuts, along with the flavor, but contains fewer calories and fat. Simply mix two tablespoons of the non-GMO powder with one tablespoon of water to create a spread, or blend it into smoothies or baked goods to satisfy your peanut butter cravings.
Made with roasted peanuts, sugar, and salt, PB2 contains 90 percent less fat and approximately 70 percent fewer calories than traditional peanut butter. Freshly roasted peanuts are pressed to remove most of the oil, then a small amount of salt and sugar are added for flavor. The result is a low carb, keto-friendly product that is certified gluten-free.
Best Budget: Smucker’s Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
Nut butters can be expensive, but instead of buying a less expensive, potentially sugar-filled peanut butter spread, look to your favorite brand for a higher quality, natural or organic product. Known for their dependable, family-favorite products, Smucker’s Organic Natural Peanut Butter tastes great but is also budget-friendly. The vegan, gluten-free product is creamy and smooth right from the jar, with no mixing needed.
Unlike typical low-priced peanut butter spreads filled with questionable ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, sugar, and salt, Smucker’s Organic Creamy Peanut Butter is made using only organic roasted peanuts and a bit of salt. The product is also kosher, USDA Organic, and Non-GMO Certified by NSF.
Best Single-Serve Packet: Justin’s Nut Butter Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs
It can be hard to enjoy peanut butter when you’re on the go. Jars are hard to pack and are typically messy; however, single-serve packets are an easy way to enjoy your favorite peanut butter anytime and anywhere. Justin’s single-serve squeeze packs offer the brand’s nutritious Classic Peanut Butter in a convenient, portable package. Simply rip the side slit and squeeze the nut butter onto your favorite fruit or cracker, or directly into your mouth.
Each 1.15-ounce packet holds Justin’s delicious gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO Project Verified nut butter. If you’re a fan of a sweeter nut butter, Justin’s also makes squeeze packs with six other flavors including Honey Peanut Butter and Maple Almond Butter.
Best Unsweetened & Salt-Free: Once Again Unsweetened Salt-Free Creamy Peanut Butter
When choosing a natural peanut butter, it’s always important to look at the sugar and salt levels on the nutrition facts label. Many brands add these ingredients to peanut butter to add flavor and extend shelf life; however, for people who watch their sugar and salt intake, an unsweetened, salt-free peanut butter is the best choice.
Once Again’s Unsweetened Salt-Free Creamy Peanut Butter is incredibly simple. The delicious spread contains only organic peanuts. The top-quality nut butter is USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten-Free Certified, Vegan, and kosher. Because there are no preservatives—such as salt—each jar has a shelf life of three months once opened.