Peanut butter is loved for its creamy texture and delicious flavor, yet not all brands are created equal.
When it comes to healthy eating, it’s essential to scrutinize your choices. You might think you’re making a healthy decision by picking up a jar of peanut butter, but several brands contain hidden sugars and unhealthy additives. With 13 Of The Unhealthiest Peanut Butter Brands You Can Buy At The Grocery Store, we help you navigate the aisles for a better selection.
Jif Peanut Butter and Chocolate Flavored Spread
Since 1958, Jif has been a household name, often considered a go-to option. However, their Peanut Butter and Chocolate Flavored Spread raises significant concerns. While it claims to have 50% less sugar than competing hazelnut spreads, it still contains a whopping 10 grams of sugar per serving. At 200 calories for just two tablespoons, this spread could lead to unhealthy snack habits, especially for kids. It’s wise to treat this as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple.
Planters Smooth Peanut Butter
The charming image of Planters doesn’t save its Smooth Peanut Butter from scrutiny. Each tablespoon serves up 7 grams of fat and sugar. The addition of hydrogenated vegetable oils compromises its nutritional integrity—ingredients that can promote inflammation and harm heart health over time. Choosing natural peanut butter with only peanuts and salt is a far better option.
Justin's Honey Peanut Butter
Justin's Honey Peanut Butter advertises itself as healthy with its organic label. However, with 3.5 grams of saturated fat and 210 calories per serving, it poses risks, especially for heart health. The ingredients list, while relatively simple, shows that palm oil is included, which adds unhealthy fats to the mix. Just because it’s organic doesn’t mean it’s a good choice for those monitoring heart health.
Smucker's Goober Strawberry
Convenience often comes at a cost, and Smucker's Goober Strawberry is proof. This product combines peanut butter and jelly, which might be appealing to kids but comes packed with 22 grams of sugar per serving. Most of this sugar is added, derived from high fructose corn syrup, making it a less-than-ideal choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
Beloved for its versatility, Jif Creamy Peanut Butter boasts 7 grams of protein per serving. However, it also harbors 16 grams of fat and 2 grams of added sugar at 190 calories. When snacking, it’s easy to misjudge portions, leading many to consume more sugar and fat than intended. A more wholesome option would be pure peanut butter with no added ingredients.
B. Happy Go Lucky Peanut Butter
Crafted for snacking, B. Happy's Go Lucky Peanut Butter mixes in chocolate and toffee. Unfortunately, this means it carries 13 grams of fat (including 4 grams of saturated fat) and a considerable 9 grams of sugar per serving. With such additives, this peanut butter leans more towards dessert than a nutritious choice.
Great Value Creamy Peanut Butter
Though budget-friendly, Great Value’s Creamy Peanut Butter adds icing sugar to its recipe—raising eyebrows about its health claims. At 8 grams of fat and only 1 gram of sugar per tablespoon, it’s not the worst offender, but the added sugars and palm oil aren’t ideal. Be cautious of ingredient labels, as they can reveal more about a product than its flashy packaging.
Skippy's Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread
Marketed as a healthier option, Skippy's Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread compensates for lower fat content with various additives, including 4 grams of added sugar per serving. This is misleading to health-conscious consumers who may believe they’re making a nutritious choice when they are, in fact, consuming excess sugar and unhealthy ingredients.
Peanut Butter & Company White Chocolate Wonderful
Full of sweet indulgence, Peanut Butter & Company's White Chocolate Wonderful contains 6 grams of added sugar and 13 grams of fat per serving. While it may be a delightful treat, consuming it regularly will not support health goals. It has 6 grams of protein, but higher-quality alternatives exist with better nutritional profiles.
Reese's Creamy Peanut Butter
A classic tied to the beloved candy, Reese's Creamy Peanut Butter isn’t the healthiest option. Each serving packs 16 grams of fat and 3 grams of sugar, alongside unhealthy additives like hydrogenated oils. This combination makes it more suitable for dessert rather than a midday snack. Stick to peanut butter with fewer processed ingredients for better health outcomes.
Peanut Butter & Company Dark Chocolatey Dreams
Another indulgent option, Dark Chocolatey Dreams by Peanut Butter & Company, contains 7 grams of sugar per serving (with 6 grams of added sugar). If weight management is a priority, this peanut butter is better reserved for treats rather than everyday use. It’s crucial to keep in mind that excess sugar can lead to serious health issues.
B. Happy Joy to the World Peanut Butter
This unique blend from B. Happy includes white and dark chocolate, yet the nutritional values are staggering. With 10 grams of sugar, including 9 grams from added sugars, a small serving overshoots your sugar intake for the day. While the mixture may tempt your sweet tooth, it falls short on the nutritional front.
Each of these peanut butter brands presents a case study in what to watch out for when shopping. While peanut butter can be a nutritious and satisfying food, sticking with brands that focus on minimal ingredients (like just peanuts and salt) can ultimately provide better health benefits.
Next time you’re shopping for this staple, it’s worth checking labels carefully. Your body will thank you for making informed choices!