The Healthiest Peanut Butters You Can Buy, According to Dietitians
When it comes to peanut butter, the simpler, the better.
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Peanut butter has been around since the late 1800s, and we’ve been obsessed with it ever since. What was once (and sometimes still is) a paste made from ground-up cooked or raw peanuts has taken on several new identities over the 100-plus years since its creation. The addition of flavorings, oils, sweeteners and even vitamins has evolved the spread. Textures have morphed to include creamy, crunchy, super chunky and all consistencies in between.
If you’re like me, peanut butter is important stuff. Since I eat it in some way multiple days a week, I want to be sure I’m choosing the healthiest brand. I have my personal favorite (which is included on this list), but there are several stellar brands on the market. We asked some peanut butter loving nutritionists about what makes the healthiest peanut butter and not surprisingly, they all seem to gravitate towards brands with simple ingredients and a hint of salt.
And don’t be surprised to see some added oil in “no stir” styles of peanut butter; it’s needed to prevent separating. If you choose a brand that does require some work, a sturdy knife or spoon will do the trick.
Whether it’s slathered on a sandwich or straight from the jar by the spoonful, peanut butter can be enjoyed with minimal effort. If you’re looking for recipes with a little more complexity, add peanut butter to smoothies, protein shakes or energy bites. For a sweet yet satisfying way to crush a sugar craving, try stuffing it in pitted dates. Peanut butter can also be used in dips, sauces and dressings combined with ingredients like coconut milk, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and rice vinegar.
No matter which way you like it, here are five expert-recommended peanut butters you can buy with your health in mind.
Comprised of a blend of dry roasted peanuts and sustainably sourced palm oil to prevent separation, Justin’s is available in creamy, crunchy and honey flavored varieties. Delectable flavor and the dreamiest consistency, this brand has also earned a “pollinator friendly” badge for taking steps to protect pollinator species like bees and birds. “I love Justin’s Classic Crunchy Peanut Butter which was newly launched in March 2025. It reminds me of the crunchy peanut butters I enjoyed during my youth but with mindfully-sourced ingredients,” says Toby Amidor, MS, RD, nutrition expert, Food Network contributor and cookbook author. “I have been using it in my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and for dipping apples, pears, carrots and celery,” Amidor adds.
Crazy’s Richard’s peanut butter is a one-ingredient wonder, according to Mandy Enright, the FOOD + MOVEMENT Dietitian, worksite wellness specialist and author. “I’m a fan that it’s 100-percent peanuts only in the jar and nothing else. In fact, they even tell you it’s exactly 720 in the jar. The texture is smooth and creamy, it’s easy to stir, and of course tastes great.”
As a sports dietitian I am constantly recommending peanut butter to my athletes – it’s such an easy and affordable way to add some healthy calories to your day and let’s face it – most people love it! Maranatha is a favorite of mine – this brand features both stir, and no stir varieties made with dry roasted peanuts. The no-stir version is made with a touch of added palm oil and evaporated cane juice for a boost of sweetness. Whichever style you choose, this brand has incredible flavor with just the right amount of salt making it a great choice for peanut butter crackers or spread on slices of crunchy apple.
“I like a lot of crunch in peanut butter and nothing else but salt. Peanuts. Salt. And crunch,” confesses Chris Mohr PhD, RD and Co-Owner, Mohr Results, Inc. In addition to crunch, the hunger-fighting macros in peanut butter are an easy way to make your recipes more satisfying. “Peanut butter offers a nice protein and healthy fat complement to any meal or snack,” adds Mohr.
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Honorable Mention: Store Brands
You can also check out your local grocery store chain for its peanut butter options. At Whole Foods Markets, for example, you can grind your own peanuts. “I like to do the grind your own option at Whole Foods because there’s something about warm, freshly ground peanut butter that has a great smell, taste and texture,” says Enright. “I like knowing the only ingredient is peanuts and there’s no separation of oil from the nuts, making it easier to work with,” she adds.
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