Peanut butter is a pantry must-have in most American kitchens, often found in school lunches, snacks, and even smoothies. But not all brands are as healthy as they might seem. Many are full of added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and artificial preservatives.
What’s even worse is that some peanut butters contain ingredients that are linked to troubling health outcomes. You might think that all peanut butter is the same, but that’s not true. Let’s take a look at five brands of peanut butter you should never buy, and four that are actually worth the spoon.
1. Peter Pan – Sweet Nostalgia, Sour Ingredients
Peter Pan has been around for a long time, and you might recognize it from your childhood. However, it is not as innocent as it looks. Many varieties are full of high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils, which have both been linked to long-term health concerns.
While it is marketed as family-friendly, it has more in common with dessert spreads rather than health-conscious proteins. If you’re looking for something healthier to snack on, you might want to avoid this brand.
2. Great Value Peanut Butter – Low Price, Questionable Quality
While Walmart’s house-brand peanut butter is cheap, it comes at a cost. Great Value peanut butter is often full of palm oil, salt, and added sugar, meaning that you’re receiving less peanut and more filler.
What’s worse is that some batches have even tested for higher levels of aflatoxins, a possible carcinogen found in improperly stored nuts. It’s important to note that while contamination is possible, it is not intrinsic to the brand, and consumers should always check for recall alerts regardless of peanut butter brand
3. Skippy – Beloved Brand, But Packed with Problems
At this point, Skippy is a household name. However, behind its friendly label is a trio of sweeteners and heavily processed oils. While this peanut butter promises “creamy” or “super chunk,” what you’re really spreading may be closer to chemically engineered snack food than a natural nut butter.
This peanut butter is less of a source of protein and more of a sugar-laden spread. If you’re trying to be healthier, avoid it.
4. Jif – Invented to Last, Not to Nourish
According to the Jif Peanut Butter website, Jif has been around for decades and was created in the 1950s. At this time, shelf-stability was prized above nutrition. This shows in its formula, which includes added molasses, processed sugars, and fully hydrogenated oils.
This peanut butter stays soft for months, but this comes at the expense of your health and the natural peanut flavor.
5. Reese’s – A Candy Spread Masquerading as Peanut Butter
Reese’s might be one of the best brands in the candy aisle, but its peanut butter does not deserve a spot next to your jelly. This spread has more sugar than protein, barely 60% peanut content, and multiple additives, meaning that it’s closer to dessert than food.
If you’re trying to eat clean, this indulgent spread will not fool anyone. But now, let’s take a look at some of the better options.
1. Smucker’s Natural – Just Peanuts and Salt. That’s It.
Smucker’s Natural is super simple and widely available. It skips the junk and keeps it classic with two ingredients, and nothing more.
This peanut butter is perfect for people who are looking to transition away from processed brands while sticking to a tight budget. Though it might require a stir every now and then, that is a sign of natural oils, not artificial stabilizers doing the job.
2. Crazy Richard’s – One Ingredient, No Middle Ground
When it comes to Crazy Richard’s, you either hate it or love it. It contains only one ingredient, which is dry roasted peanuts. This peanut butter contains no salt, oil, or sugar.
It is as pure as peanut butter gets and is great for smoothies, spreads, or baking. A lot of people complain about oil separation, but that’s natural when you keep things this clean.
3. Spread The Love – The Brand You’ve Probably Never Tried
Small-batch, woman-owned, and refreshingly simple, Spread The Love is the hidden gem you didn’t know you were missing. Made without any added sugar, oils, or preservatives, this creamy peanut butter balances bold flavor with clean ingredients.
Reviewers love its smooth texture and fresh, roasted taste. You should definitely give it a try.
4. Big Spoon Roasters – Peanut Butter, Reimagined
This isn’t your typical peanut butter. Big Spoon’s handcrafted nut butters are made with care, blending ingredients like coconut oil, sea salt, and wildflower honey for a rich, gourmet flavor.
The higher price reflects that craftsmanship. For those who see peanut butter as more than just a basic snack, this jar offers a full-on tasting experience.