The best peanut butters are those without added sweeteners and crafted from only one or two ingredients. They should also taste great. Below are the picks our dietitians and editors chose as the healthiest options.
A quick look at the best healthy peanut butters
There are a huge number of peanut butter choices on supermarket shelves nowadays, but they vary considerably in nutritional quality.
Some varieties are high in unsaturated fats, protein, and fiber with few additives, while others contain extra sugar and ingredients that aren’t as nourishing.
You might be wondering which peanut butters are the healthiest options.
This piece explains how to identify a healthy peanut butter and highlights five choices our dietitians and editors regularly buy.
How we chose
We weighed multiple criteria when deciding which products to include, such as:
- Ingredients: We favored peanut butters with minimal ingredient lists and no additives, preservatives, added sugars, or other sweeteners.
- Nutritional content: We picked varieties with no added sugar, low sodium, and a good amount of protein and heart-healthy fats.
- Taste: Our dietitians and editors personally tasted each peanut butter included here. We selected brands for their flavor and texture.
- Price: We included options at various price points to suit different budgets.
- Availability: We chose products that are commonly found at many grocery stores or through online retailers.
- Customer reviews: We selected peanut butters that have strong ratings from shoppers online.
- Vetting: All items on this list were reviewed to ensure they meet HealthEH’s brand integrity criteria and wellness standards. You can read more about our vetting approach.
A note on price
Price ranges below are shown with dollar signs ($ to $$$).
We based the cost indicators on the approximate price for a 16-ounce (480-gram) jar of peanut butter.
- $ = under $3 per jar
- $$ = $3 to $7 per jar
- $$$ = over $7 per jar
Prices can vary by region and retailer. Some brands also sell larger jars, which may reduce the cost per ounce.
HealthEH’s picks for the healthiest peanut butters
Best overall healthy peanut butter
Crazy Richard’s 100% Peanuts! Natural Peanut Butter
- Availability: Amazon, Walmart, Kroger-owned grocery stores
- Price: $$$
HealthEH’s review
Choosing a single best healthy peanut butter wasn’t simple, but Crazy Richard’s came out on top because it ticks all the boxes: it contains one straightforward ingredient — peanuts — has a great taste, and is easy to find at major retailers and online.
HealthEH writer and registered dietitian Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, endorsed Crazy Richard’s, saying, “This peanut butter is one of my favorites, thanks to its deep, nutty flavor and short ingredient list.”
The brand comes in both creamy and crunchy textures, so you can select what you prefer. It’s also gluten-free and made without added sugars or palm oil.
That said, pantry fans should note, according to Ajmera, “It can thin out if left at room temperature, so I recommend refrigerating it if you like a thicker, more spreadable consistency.”
Pros & cons
- made from only peanuts
- no added sugar
- comes in crunchy and creamy styles
- gluten-free
- widely sold
- robust peanut flavor
- can cost more than some alternatives
- may become runny if not chilled
- often needs stirring before use
Product details
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 180, Total fat: 16 g, Saturated fat: 2 g, Protein: 8 g, Total carbs: 5 g, Fiber: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g
Women-Founded
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 180, Total fat: 16 g, Saturated fat: 2 g, Protein: 8 g, Total carbs: 5 g, Fiber: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g
Women-Founded
Best affordable peanut butter
Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Peanut Butter
- Availability: Trader Joe’s
- Price: $
HealthEH’s review
This peanut butter is not only one of the cheapest choices available but also one of the healthier picks.
It contains just dry-roasted peanuts and salt; the peanuts are roasted and ground with their skins on, which the company says enhances flavor — a point confirmed by HealthEH editor Chelsea Logan.
Logan shared, “I love this peanut butter! I’ve tried many types, but I always return to this one. It only has two ingredients and costs just a couple of dollars.
“The salt level is perfect — not overpowering, nor bland. It has a strong peanut flavor.”
Like other natural options, because it contains no palm oil or hydrogenated oils, the oil can separate and simply must be stirred back in.
Pros & cons
- made with only two ingredients
- peanuts roasted and ground with skins for more flavor
- no added sugar
- budget-friendly
- sold exclusively at Trader Joe’s
- may need stirring before use
Product details
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 190, Total fat: 16 g, Saturated Fat: 2.5 g, Protein: 8 g, Total carbs: 7 g, Fiber: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 190, Total fat: 16 g, Saturated Fat: 2.5 g, Protein: 8 g, Total carbs: 7 g, Fiber: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g
Best creamy peanut butter
Smucker’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
- Availability: Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Kroger-owned grocery stores
- Price: $$
HealthEH’s review
Fans of peanut butter and jelly will appreciate this peanut butter.
Ajmera noted, “This option is incredibly spreadable, making it ideal for sandwiches, snacks, and desserts.” It’s also free from sweeteners and other additives.
It contains just two basic ingredients: freshly roasted peanuts and a small amount of salt.
It’s gluten-free, kosher, and sold in both creamy and crunchy forms.
While Teddie All Natural Smooth Peanut Butter isn’t as broadly available, it was a strong runner-up. HealthEH nutrition editor and registered dietitian Kelli McGrane, MS, said Teddie is her favorite because of its silky texture and intense peanut taste.
Pros & cons
- widely accessible
- no added sugar
- comes in crunchy and creamy textures
- smooth version spreads easily on bread
- may need stirring before use
Product details
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 190, Total fat: 16 g, Saturated fat: 3 g, Protein: 8 g, Total carbs: 7 g, Fiber: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 190, Total fat: 16 g, Saturated fat: 3 g, Protein: 8 g, Total carbs: 7 g, Fiber: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g
Best crunchy peanut butter
Adam’s Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter
- Availability: Walmart, Target, and Albertsons
- Price: $$
HealthEH’s review
Described by editor Crystal Hoshaw as “the everyday person’s peanut butter,” Adam’s clinched our choice for the best crunchy peanut butter.
Hoshaw said, “Adam’s is my affordable go-to with no extras. No sugar, preservatives, stabilizers — none of that. I use it for dipping apple slices, adding to smoothies, and stuffing dates for a sweet-and-salty treat.”
It’s sold in several sizes and comes in a recyclable glass jar.
Pros & cons
- comes in multiple sizes
- no added sugar
- packaged in an eco-friendly glass jar
- kosher and gluten-free
- made with only two ingredients
- may require stirring before use
Product details
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 190, Total fat: 16 g, Saturated fat: 3 g, Protein: 8 g, Total carbs: 7 g, Fiber: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 190, Total fat: 16 g, Saturated fat: 3 g, Protein: 8 g, Total carbs: 7 g, Fiber: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g
Best organic peanut butter
Spread The Love Naked Organic Peanut Butter
- Availability: Amazon, several chain retailers and local grocers
- Price: $$$
HealthEH’s review
This Spread the Love peanut butter is certified organic and made from organic peanuts, and it’s free of sugar and other additives.
It contains just one ingredient — peanuts — and is also offered without gluten or salt.
Although it’s pricier, Ajmera noted the peanut butter’s “deep flavor and creamy texture” justify the expense.
“I like drizzling it over fresh fruit or using it in recipes because it’s easier to scoop and measure than many other brands,” she said.
Like many natural peanut butters, it can be somewhat runny, so stir the oil back in before serving.
Pros & cons
- certified organic
- made from a single ingredient
- no added sugar
- gluten-free
- can be runny
- more expensive than some alternatives
- may need stirring before use
Product details
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 180, Total fat: 15 g, Saturated fat: 2.5 g, Protein: 7 g, Total carbs: 6 g, Fiber: 2 g, Added sugar: 0 g
- Serving size : 2 tbsp (32 g)
- Nutrition stats per serving : Calories: 180, Total fat: 15 g, Saturated fat: 2.5 g, Protein: 7 g, Total carbs: 6 g, Fiber: 2 g, Added sugar: 0 g
Product comparison table
Here’s a closer look at how our top natural peanut butter picks stack up:
What are the benefits of peanut butter?
Peanut butter is a strong source of several nutrients, including:
- heart-supporting fats
- fiber
- protein
- B vitamins
- magnesium
- vitamin E
- manganese
Beyond its nutrients, peanut butter is easy to find, stores well, and has economical options.
For these reasons, peanut butter is a handy pantry item to pair with fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, toast, and apples to build a balanced snack or meal.
What makes a healthy peanut butter?
Palm oil
Some peanut butters — even those with otherwise short ingredient lists — include palm oil.
Palm oil has a neutral taste and is mainly used to stop the natural oil separation in jars. While it isn’t a hydrogenated trans fat, there are other considerations related to its use and intake.
For instance, palm oil is relatively high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol, a factor linked to heart disease.
There are also environmental and public health implications of palm oil production. Clearing forests for palm oil plantations contributes to air pollution that increases cases of skin, eye, and respiratory illnesses in nearby communities.
It also emits greenhouse gases and destroys habitats for threatened species.
While brands containing palm oil can still fit into a healthy diet, they come with additional health and environmental trade-offs to consider when deciding which peanut butter to buy.
Quick tip
Natural oils in many peanut butters often separate and rise to the top, so a quick stir with a spoon or knife is usually needed before spreading.
Try storing your jar upside down and giving it a shake before opening. This helps the oil distribute more evenly. Mix the oil back into the peanut butter when you’re ready to eat.
Frequently asked questions
Is natural peanut butter actually healthier?
Natural peanut butter is generally more nutritious because it usually contains just peanuts and sometimes salt. It’s often free from ingredients you might want to limit, such as added sugars or palm oil.
Is Jif or Skippy peanut butter healthy?
Jif and Skippy can be part of a balanced eating pattern. Like other brands, they provide protein, fat, and fiber. Still, when you can, choose varieties with shorter ingredient lists and no added sugar.
The bottom line
Not all peanut butters are created equal nutritionally.
Look for peanut butter with minimal ingredients — ideally just peanuts and maybe salt — and consider avoiding products with added sugars or hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Whichever peanut butter you pick, enjoy it in moderation as part of an overall nutritious diet rich in whole foods. If you’re tracking low-carb choices, also see our guide on peanut butter keto for tips on how peanut butter fits into keto-style eating.
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