7 Peanut Butter Brands To Avoid And 7 That Are Worth Every Spoonful

Peanut butter is a pantry staple beloved for its creamy, nutty goodness, but not all jars are created equal.
Some brands leave a sticky mess of disappointment with strange textures or too much added junk, while others are smooth, rich, and downright addictive.
Whether you’re spreading it on toast or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar, knowing which peanut butters bring pure joy and which ones to skip can make all the difference in your snack game.
1. Kroger Peanut Butter: The Budget-Friendly Disappointment

Behind that cheerful blue label lurks a peanut butter filled with unnecessary additives. The store-brand staple contains hydrogenated oils that keep it shelf-stable but introduce unwanted trans fats into your PB&J.
The texture feels oddly slick on the tongue—almost like eating sweetened peanut-flavored oil rather than actual nuts. Your wallet might thank you, but your body deserves better than this ultra-processed spread.
2. Great Value Natural: Walmart’s Not-So-Great Option

Walmart’s attempt at “natural” peanut butter falls flatter than a failed soufflé.
Despite the wholesome-sounding name, this budget option often separates into an oily mess that requires Olympic-level stirring just to make it spreadable.
Many customers report inconsistent quality between jars and a strangely bitter aftertaste. For just a dollar or two more, you could enjoy something that actually tastes like peanuts instead of this pale imitation.
3. Peter Pan Creamy: Childhood Nostalgia With Adult Concerns

Remember that iconic green lid from your childhood lunchbox? Unfortunately, nostalgia can’t mask the reality of what’s inside.
Peter Pan’s formula relies heavily on added sugars and hydrogenated oils to achieve that creamy consistency you might remember.
The ingredient list reads more like a chemistry experiment than a natural food. While it might trigger fond memories, this fairy tale peanut butter won’t lead to a happily-ever-after for your health goals.
4. Jif: America’s Sweetheart With a Secret Sugar Problem

“Choosy moms choose Jif” claimed the commercials, but perhaps they weren’t choosing based on nutritional value.
America’s beloved peanut butter hides approximately 2 grams of added sugar in each serving—turning your “protein-packed” snack into a subtle dessert.
The ultra-smooth consistency comes from fully hydrogenated oils that keep it from separating. Convenient? Yes. Natural? About as natural as those perfectly shaped peanut butter cups in candy commercials.
5. Skippy Creamy: The Childhood Classic That Hasn’t Grown Up

Velvety smooth and eerily resistant to separation, Skippy achieves its perfect consistency through less-than-perfect ingredients.
The familiar blue-lidded jar contains hydrogenated vegetable oils that help it spread like a dream but introduce unwanted fats.
Sugar appears early in the ingredient list—a telltale sign there’s more than a spoonful of sweetness added.
For those seeking actual peanut flavor rather than a sugary spread, this playground favorite fails to make the honor roll.
6. Kroger Natural Peanut Butter: Half-Hearted Health Attempt

Marketing teams love slapping “natural” on labels, but Kroger’s version misses the mark by a country mile.
While it contains fewer ingredients than its conventional counterpart, it still includes palm oil—an environmentally questionable addition that many conscious consumers avoid.
The flavor profile lacks depth, offering a flat, one-dimensional peanut taste. The texture often feels grainy and dry, making you reach for a glass of water with every bite. Nature deserves a better representative than this jar.
7. MaraNatha: Pretty Packaging, Problematic Performance

MaraNatha’s elegant glass jar and premium price tag suggest top-tier quality, but many jars tell a different story.
Customers frequently report extreme oil separation that requires arm-numbing stirring, only to find a dry, crumbly mess at the bottom.
The inconsistent quality control has led to complaints about rancid batches and off-flavors.
When you’re paying premium prices, you deserve premium quality—not just premium packaging and marketing that promises organic purity but delivers frustration.
8. Once Again Peanut Butter: The Raccoon-Approved Delight

Sporting an adorable raccoon mascot named Rocky, Once Again delivers peanut butter that’s as honest as it is delicious.
This employee-owned company creates small batches of perfectly roasted, minimally processed spreads without hydrogenated oils or unnecessary additives.
The rich, robust flavor tastes like actual peanuts—imagine that! While you’ll need to stir it initially, the depth of flavor makes the small effort worthwhile.
Their ethical sourcing practices and commitment to sustainability make each spoonful taste even sweeter.
9. Skippy Natural Peanut Butter: The Reformed Classic

Unlike its conventional sibling, Skippy Natural skips the hydrogenated oils while maintaining an impressively spreadable texture.
The familiar taste gets a grown-up makeover with significantly less sugar and no artificial preservatives. Perfect for families transitioning to healthier options without traumatizing picky eaters!
The minimal oil separation strikes an ideal balance between convenience and ingredient integrity.
Sometimes the best surprises come from brands you thought you knew—Skippy Natural proves old dogs can learn new, healthier tricks.
10. Adams Peanut Butter: The Old-School Champion

Grandparents know best—which explains why Adams has maintained its loyal following since 1922. This no-nonsense peanut butter contains exactly what you’d expect: peanuts and salt. That’s it.
The distinctive metal lid and glass jar house a spread with pronounced roasted flavor that puts plastic-jarred competitors to shame.
Yes, you’ll need to stir it and store it in the fridge. But that’s the small price for peanut butter that respects both your intelligence and your taste buds.
11. Teddie Super Chunky All Natural: Texture Lover’s Paradise

Chunk enthusiasts, rejoice! Teddie’s Super Chunky version delivers a peanut party where every bite contains perfectly roasted pieces that add genuine nutty character.
This New England favorite has maintained its simple ingredient list since 1925—just peanuts and salt. The robust texture offers a satisfying chew that makes smooth varieties seem boring by comparison.
While not nationally famous, this regional treasure deserves its cult following. Spread it thick on hearty bread for a protein-packed experience that reminds you what real food tastes like.
12. Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter: The Squeeze Packet Revolution

From humble farmers market beginnings to supermarket stardom, Justin’s changed the peanut butter game with convenient squeeze packets perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Their jarred version maintains that same quality commitment with honey instead of refined sugar for a naturally balanced sweetness.
The slightly drier texture creates less mess—a godsend for parents of toddlers! While pricier than conventional brands, the ethical sourcing and palm oil-free recipe justify the premium.
Sometimes innovation comes in simple packages—Justin proved that peanut butter could evolve without losing its soul.
13. Smucker’s Organic Creamy Peanut Butter: The Jam Company’s Redemption

Famous for their fruity spreads, Smucker’s surprisingly nails the peanut butter game with their organic offering.
The perfect balance of salt enhances the natural peanut flavor without overwhelming it—a rare feat in the nut butter world. The texture strikes that elusive middle ground: substantial without being gritty, spreadable without being oily.
While you’ll need to stir initially, it maintains consistency better than most natural options. For a company known for sweetness, their restraint with their peanut butter proves they understand balance.
14. 365 by Whole Foods Market Peanut Butter: Affordable Luxury

Whole Foods might nickname your wallet “Whole Paycheck,” but their house brand peanut butter offers genuine quality at surprisingly reasonable prices.
The unsalted version lets the natural peanut flavor shine through—perfect for those monitoring sodium intake.
The store’s quality control means consistent batches without the rancidity issues that plague some natural brands.
Their commitment to non-GMO ingredients and ethical sourcing makes this an option you can feel good about.