The Best Peanut Butter Brands You Can Buy

Peanut butter is a beloved pantry staple, offering a perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you're spreading it on toast, blending it into smoothies, or using it as a base for savory sauces, the right peanut butter can elevate any meal. With so many brands on the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth your time—and your taste buds. This article examines six of the best peanut butter brands available on supermarket shelves, focusing on flavor, nutritional content, and overall quality.

1. Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter

Why It’s a Top Choice: Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter is a favorite among those who prefer a pure and straightforward peanut butter. Made with just two ingredients—peanuts and salt—it offers an authentic peanut flavor without any added sugars, oils, or preservatives. This makes it an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers who want to avoid unnecessary additives.

Nutritional Profile: A two-tablespoon serving of Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter contains 190 calories, 16 grams of fat (mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated fats), 7 grams of protein, and just 1 gram of sugar. It also provides a good source of niacin, vitamin E, and magnesium.

Taste and Texture: Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter has a rich, roasted peanut flavor with a slightly grainy texture, typical of natural peanut butters that haven’t been heavily processed. The oil separation is a sign of its natural composition, and while it requires stirring, the effort is worth the authentic taste.

Best Uses: Ideal for spreading on toast, mixing into oatmeal, or incorporating into homemade peanut sauces. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the extra sugar.

2. Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter

Why It’s a Top Choice: Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Made from high-quality, dry-roasted peanuts, this peanut butter is non-GMO and free from palm oil, making it an eco-friendly choice. Justin’s also offers a range of other nut butters, but their peanut butter remains a standout for its rich flavor and ethical sourcing.

Nutritional Profile: Each two-tablespoon serving of Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter provides 190 calories, 16 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and 2 grams of sugar. It is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and dietary fiber, supporting overall health and wellness.

Taste and Texture: Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter is smooth and creamy, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that comes from the natural sugars in peanuts. Its texture is consistent, making it easy to spread and use in various recipes.

Best Uses: This peanut butter is versatile and works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Try it in smoothies, on apple slices, or as a dip for pretzels. It’s also great for baking peanut butter cookies or making energy bars.

3. Maranatha Organic Peanut Butter

Why It’s a Top Choice: Maranatha Organic Peanut Butter is a premium option for those who prioritize organic and sustainably sourced products. Made from USDA-certified organic peanuts, this peanut butter is free from synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and artificial additives, making it a healthier choice for both you and the environment.

Nutritional Profile: A two-tablespoon serving contains 180 calories, 15 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of sugar. It’s also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium.

Taste and Texture: Maranatha Organic Peanut Butter has a smooth, creamy texture with a deep, roasted peanut flavor. Its natural sweetness and rich consistency make it a favorite among those who prefer organic products. Like many natural peanut butters, it may require stirring to reincorporate the oil that separates during storage.

Best Uses: Perfect for spreading on whole-grain bread, blending into smoothies, or using as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. Its organic certification also makes it a great choice for those following a clean eating regimen.

4. Teddie All Natural Peanut Butter

Why It’s a Top Choice: Teddie All Natural Peanut Butter is a beloved brand, especially in the northeastern United States, where it has a loyal following. This peanut butter is made with just peanuts and salt, offering a simple, natural product that prioritizes quality over added ingredients.

Nutritional Profile: Teddie’s All Natural Peanut Butter provides 200 calories per two-tablespoon serving, along with 16 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and 1 gram of sugar. It’s free from hydrogenated oils, added sugars, and preservatives, making it a heart-healthy option.

Taste and Texture: Teddie’s peanut butter has a robust, roasted peanut flavor with a smooth yet slightly chunky texture. The natural oils rise to the top, so it requires stirring before use, but this is a small price to pay for a pure, wholesome product.

Best Uses: Ideal for classic peanut butter recipes like sandwiches, cookies, and satay sauces. It also pairs well with bananas and makes a great topping for pancakes or waffles.

5. 365 Everyday Value Organic Peanut Butter

Why It’s a Top Choice: 365 Everyday Value, a Whole Foods Market brand, offers high-quality organic products at an affordable price, and their organic peanut butter is no exception. Made with just organic peanuts and salt, this peanut butter delivers excellent value without compromising on quality.

Nutritional Profile: A serving of 365 Everyday Value Organic Peanut Butter contains 190 calories, 16 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of sugar. It’s a rich source of healthy fats and protein, essential for maintaining energy levels and muscle mass.

Taste and Texture: This peanut butter has a deep, nutty flavor with a smooth, creamy texture that spreads easily. The oil separation is a sign of its natural composition, but it stirs easily and stays well-mixed after refrigeration.

Best Uses: This peanut butter is versatile enough for everyday use. Spread it on toast, mix it into sauces, or use it in baking recipes. It’s also a great addition to smoothies for a protein and flavor boost.

6. Crazy Richard’s 100% Peanuts Peanut Butter

Why It’s a Top Choice: Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter is a minimalist’s dream, made with only one ingredient: peanuts. There are no added oils, sugars, or salt, making it one of the purest peanut butters available on the market. It’s a great choice for those who want to control their sodium and sugar intake.

Nutritional Profile: With 180 calories per serving, 16 grams of fat, and 8 grams of protein, Crazy Richard’s offers a nutrient-dense product that supports heart health and muscle maintenance. The absence of added ingredients means you’re getting all the benefits of peanuts without any fillers.

Taste and Texture: Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter has a rich, natural peanut flavor with a thick, creamy texture. The absence of salt and sugar allows the true flavor of the peanuts to shine through. Like other natural peanut butters, it requires stirring to mix in the natural oils.

Best Uses: This peanut butter is perfect for those who like to keep things simple. It’s great on its own, whether spread on toast or used as a dip for fresh fruit. It also works well in recipes where you can control the sweetness and seasoning, such as homemade peanut butter cups or savory peanut sauces.

Conclusion

Choosing the best peanut butter can depend on your taste preferences, dietary needs, and values, such as a preference for organic or non-GMO products. The six brands highlighted here offer a range of options that cater to different tastes while delivering on quality and nutrition. Whether you prefer your peanut butter smooth and creamy or chunky and rich, these brands provide delicious and healthful options that you can feel good about including in your diet.