Summary of 8 Unhealthiest Peanut Butters, According to Dietitians:
This article discusses the importance of checking the nutrition labels when buying peanut butter. While peanut butter can be healthy, not all store-bought brands have the same nutritional value. The article provides a list of the unhealthiest peanut butters to avoid when shopping, which often contain added sugars and preservatives. It also includes advice on what to look for on the nutrition label, such as avoiding ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated vegetable oil, and choosing peanut butter with no more than two ingredients: peanuts and salt. The article recommends checking the Smucker’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter and offers other healthy eating tips.
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The Unhealthiest Peanut Butters You Should Avoid
Peanut butter is a beloved food that can be used in countless recipes, but not all peanut butter brands are created equal. While peanut butter is a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and calcium, some of the less healthy store-bought brands can be loaded with added sugars and preservatives. This article will identify some of the unhealthiest peanut butters available on the market and provide tips on what to look for when shopping for peanut butter.
What to Look for When Shopping for Peanut Butter
When shopping for peanut butter, it’s essential to check the nutrition label. First, examine the ingredients list for preservatives or unwanted ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated vegetable oil. The ideal peanut butter should consist of only two ingredients: peanuts and salt. Secondly, take note of the amount of sugar and added sugar. While even natural peanut butter will have some natural sugars, it’s best to avoid brands with added sugars, usually over a few grams. With many options available, we’ve done the hard part and identified the unhealthiest peanut butter brands you need to avoid.
Avoid These Peanut Butter Brands
1. Smucker’s Goober Grape
This peanut butter spread, with both peanut butter and jelly in one, contains 21 grams of added sugar, including high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup. These are processed ingredients and should be avoided. It’s best to buy peanut butters that contain no added sugar.
2. Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread
This peanut butter spread, advertised as reduced-fat, contains maltodextrin, often used as a sugar substitute. The Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread contains low-fat soy protein concentrate instead of peanut butter protein, making it an unhealthy choice.
3. Peanut Butter & Co. White Chocolate Wonderful Peanut Butter
This peanut butter brand has a minimal amount of protein, only 6 grams. It contains seven grams of sugar, six grams of which are “added” sugar—equivalent to 12% of the daily recommended limit for the nutrient.
4. Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter Spread
Skippy’s regular peanut butter spread is higher in calories and sugar than most brands, containing hydrogenated vegetable oils, a highly processed fat that creates trans fats.
5. Jif Peanut Butter Spread
Jif claims to contain 60% peanuts, but 14 other ingredients, such as corn syrup solids and fully hydrogenated vegetable oils, make up the other 40%. Jif supplements its peanut butter with pea protein to increase its protein content to seven grams, although this might not be suitable for people with pea protein sensitivity.
6. Reese’s Spreads Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread
If you’re craving the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, this peanut butter spread may seem appealing. But the hydrogenated vegetable oils in the ingredients list render this spread unhealthy. Plus, some fans argue that it does not taste like the candy at all.
Conclusion
Not all peanut butter is created equal, and the unhealthiest brands contain added sugars and unwanted ingredients that can negate any potential health benefits. When shopping for peanut butter, read the labels carefully to avoid added sugars, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oils, or other unwanted ingredients. The ideal peanut butter should contain only peanuts and salt. Try opting for natural peanut butters without added sugars or preservatives for a healthier and tastier option.
