Healthy Peanut Butter Options

Have you heard the marketing slogan, “Choosy moms choose Jif?” 

Peanut butter ought to be a healthy food choice, packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats and plenty of fat-burning folates. But most peanut butter brands are spiked with hydrogenated oils and unnecessary fillers and have more sugar than they do fiber. As a result, they cause fat storage—not fat burning.

A good peanut butter choice should have just two ingredients: peanuts and maybe a pinch of salt. 

Check out the ingredients in one of the Jif products you may have been tempted to buy: 

Peanuts, Corn Syrup Solids, Sugar, Pea Protein, Contains 2% or less of: Salt, Fully Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (soybean and rapeseed), Mono and Diglycerides, Molasses, Magnesium Oxide, Niacinamide, Ferric Orthophosphate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Jif Reduced Fat

Studies have found that the monounsaturated fats found in nuts are protective of brain health and function. Peanuts are naturally filled with oils so all these added ingredients compete for space in what should simply be a jar of nuts, blended. The only benefit for these extra ingredients is for the company’s pocketbook.  

Choosy moms, please check your ingredients! 

Although making your own peanut butter is ideal, we know it’s not always possible. So, here are some of our favorite brands. #littlechoicesmatter

Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter Creamy

Ingredients: Peanuts, contains 1% or less of: salt

I know, we were surprised too – way to go Smuckers! Another benefit is you can most likely find Smuckers your local supermarket.

Buy on Amazon

MaraNatha Organic No Sugar or Salt Added Peanut Butter, Creamy or Crunchy

Ingredients: Organic Dry Roasted Peanuts, Organic Palm Oil

One of our favorites. Great ingredients and you don’t have to stir this brand.

Buy on Amazon

Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter

Ingredients: Dry roasted peanuts, Palm oil

It’s creamy and has a super-low sodium count. The addition of palm oil in its recipe only adds to the benefits.

Buy on Amazon

Teddie Super Chunky All Natural Peanut Butter

Ingredients: Dry roasted peanuts, Salt

They have a smooth version as well but this crunchy one has 20 percent less sodium than the smooth option and just as much protein.

Great deal on Amazon

Spread it on apples, celery, or try these delicious No-Bake Peanut Butter cookies