1 min read
Peanut butter is more than just a condiment—it can be used as an ingredient in everything from smoothies to baked goods to salad dressings (or eaten on its own by the spoonful—no judgment). Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also packed full of essential nutrients.
Peanut butter delivers protein, fiber, and healthy fats in every spoonful, which is why tons of people start their mornings with it in one form or another. However, peanut butters aren’t always made with just the essentials. Some brands sneak in extra sugar or unnecessary additives that knock them down quite a few notches on the health scale.
With endless jars on store shelves, it can be hard to know which ones deserve a coveted spot in your cart (and on your toast). We turned to a handful of trusty nutritionists to seek their wisdom on their go-to healthy (and tasty) peanut butters to help make your next grocery store run a whole lot easier.
“My go-to peanut butter brand is PB2,” shares Kiran Campbell, R.D.N. The brand’s PB2 Pure is as close as it gets to eating peanuts straight, with no added salt, sugar, or fat. “I love how easy it is to blend into smoothies, stir into oatmeal, or use in baking. You get all the peanut butter flavor with a fraction of the fat—about 90% less than traditional peanut butter,” she explains.
Jessica Clancy-Strawn, M.A., R.D.N., swears by H-E-B’s peanut butter since it’s made solely with peanuts. If you’re not near an H-E-B store, her second pick is Smucker’s Organic Creamy Peanut Butter. “I especially enjoy the slightly crunchy mouthfeel,” she says.
Add Delish as a preferred source in your Google search results.
Use your Google account to add this to your settings.
Add to Google settings
Lauren Manaker, M.S., R.D.N., is firmly “team crunchy” and loves Justin’s for its “one-of-a-kind grind with pieces of peanuts.” She notes that there are no added sugars or salt, plus the brand is non-GMO. “I love the simplicity of this peanut butter because it lets the natural flavor of the peanuts shine through with an extra nutty crunch, with no questionable or unnecessary ingredients,” she says.
“With nine grams of protein, [Santa Cruz Organic] is a great source to support muscle repair and strength,” says Dani Dominguez, M.S., R.D.N. “When I am on the search for peanut butter, I look for brands that only include peanuts and/or salt,” she continues. “I try to steer clear of ones that have added sugars in them as those could contribute to several health outcomes like inflammation, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases.”
Diane Han, M.P.H., R.D., says, “I love the simplicity of this creamy peanut butter because it’s made purely with peanuts and just a touch of salt.” Even with the added salt, it’s still low in sodium. Han uses it as a garnish, topping, or sauce for yogurt parfaits and sandwiches. Dominguez also recommends it to budget-conscious clients.
Jamie Baham, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., loves Trader Joe’s creamy peanut butter. “I love it when the peanut butter that I’m consuming has simple ingredients and contains a reduced amount of saturated fat and added sugars,” she says, adding that some brands include palm oil or hydrogenated oils to increase shelf stability (which she avoids).
What To Look For In Healthy Peanut Butter
These top picks have a lot in common: minimal ingredients! If possible, look for peanut butter without added sugar, sodium, vegetable oils, and emulsifiers. Baham cautions consumers to keep in mind that anything high in fat—like peanut butter—also has a high calorie count, so stick to the recommended serving size and consume it in moderation.
More Nutritionist-Recommended Products