These 15 Peanut Butter Brands Skip The Additives And Keep It Delicious
I’ve always been a peanut butter fanatic, but when I started reading labels, I was shocked at the ingredient lists.
Many popular brands pack their jars with hydrogenated oils, excess sugar, and preservatives that just aren’t necessary.
The good news? There are plenty of brands making pure, delicious peanut butter with minimal ingredients.
Here are 15 brands that prove you don’t need additives to create a mouthwatering spread that’s perfect on everything from toast to apple slices.
1. Crazy Richard’s 100% Peanuts
My first encounter with Crazy Richard’s happened after a late-night grocery run when I was desperate for something pure and simple. The ingredient list floored me: just peanuts. Nothing else!
The creamy texture develops naturally as you stir, creating a silky-smooth spread that tastes intensely of fresh-roasted peanuts. I love how the natural oils blend perfectly after a good mix.
This brand has become my pantry staple for everything from morning toast to homemade satay sauce. While you’ll need to refrigerate after opening and give it a stir before using, the pure peanut flavor makes these minor inconveniences worthwhile. No sugar crashes, no weird aftertastes – just peanutty perfection.
2. Smucker’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
Remember those childhood PB&J sandwiches? Smucker’s Natural brings back those memories but without the junky ingredients. When I first twisted open a jar, that familiar roasted aroma hit me like a warm hug from the past.
Unlike many natural options, Smucker’s maintains a perfect balance between too runny and too stiff. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: peanuts and a touch of salt. That’s it!
After switching to this brand, my morning toast routine got an instant upgrade. The flavor is rich and robust without being overwhelming. You’ll need to stir it initially, but the effort pays off with a consistently creamy texture that spreads beautifully. Perfect for baking peanut butter cookies that taste like grandma used to make.
3. Once Again Unsweetened Creamy Peanut Butter
That adorable raccoon on the Once Again label caught my eye years ago, but it’s the extraordinary peanut butter inside that kept me coming back. Their unsweetened creamy variety has a distinctive roasted flavor profile that’s deeper than most competitors.
Made in small batches, this organic spread has a texture that’s slightly coarser than ultra-processed brands, giving it a homemade quality I adore. The peanuts are dry roasted before grinding, intensifying their natural sweetness without adding sugar.
My favorite midnight snack involves this peanut butter spread on apple slices with a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon. The company’s ethical sourcing practices make me feel good about my choice, too. They support sustainable farming and fair trade relationships with their peanut suppliers.
4. Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Peanut Butter
Last Tuesday, I ran out of my regular peanut butter and grabbed this TJ’s gem on a whim. What a happy accident! The glass jar reveals a beautiful caramel-colored spread that looks homemade in all the right ways.
Trader Joe’s nails the salt level – just enough to enhance the peanut flavor without overwhelming it. Opening the jar releases an aroma that’s intensely nutty and fresh. I’ve found it pairs magnificently with banana and a drizzle of honey for an afternoon pick-me-up.
The price point deserves special mention – it’s significantly more affordable than many comparable natural brands. While oil separation occurs naturally, a quick stir incorporates everything nicely. My kids don’t even realize they’re eating the “healthy” version when I use this for their lunch sandwiches.
5. Crazy Richard’s Natural No-Stir Peanut Butter
Confession time: I’m sometimes too lazy to stir my natural peanut butter. That’s why I nearly jumped for joy when I discovered Crazy Richard’s No-Stir version! It maintains their commitment to clean ingredients while eliminating the arm workout.
The genius lies in their processing method that prevents separation without adding palm oil or hydrogenated nasties. The smooth, spreadable texture stays consistent from first scoop to last. My morning routine got significantly easier without sacrificing nutrition.
The flavor delivers that classic roasted peanut taste with a subtle natural sweetness. I’ve started using it in my post-workout smoothies for clean protein. For busy parents or anyone who values convenience alongside purity, this jar offers the best of both worlds – no stirring required, no guilt included.
6. Smucker’s Natural Chunky Peanut Butter
Texture fanatics, rejoice! Smucker’s Natural Chunky version changed my mind about chunky peanut butter forever. After years as a smooth-only person, one taste of these perfectly-sized peanut pieces had me switching teams.
The chunks aren’t too large or numerous – they provide just enough textural contrast to make each bite interesting. What impresses me most is how fresh the peanut pieces taste, almost as if they were just chopped. I’ve started using this as my secret weapon in homemade peanut butter cookies.
Beyond toast and sandwiches, this chunky delight adds wonderful texture to Thai-inspired noodle dishes. The oil separation is minimal compared to some natural brands, making it easier to mix. For anyone who appreciates a bit of crunch in their spread, this jar delivers peanutty perfection without unnecessary additives.
7. Once Again Crunchy Peanut Butter
Raccoon mascot cuteness aside, Once Again’s crunchy variety delivers an impressive peanut-to-crunch ratio that’s unmatched in the natural peanut butter world. My first spoonful (yes, straight from the jar – don’t judge) revealed generous chunks that provide a satisfying texture experience.
The organic peanuts are dry-roasted to perfection, creating a deep flavor foundation. Unlike some crunchy versions that feel like smooth peanut butter with random chunks thrown in, this spread integrates the pieces throughout for consistent texture in every bite.
I’ve started keeping this jar hidden at the back of my pantry because it disappears too quickly when visible! It makes an incredible base for homemade peanut sauces where the chunks add textural interest. The peanuts are sourced from sustainable farms, making this a choice that’s good for both taste buds and conscience.
8. Wild Friends Foods Classic Creamy
Two college friends started Wild Friends in their apartment kitchen, and that homemade quality still shines through in every jar. My pantry hasn’t been without their Classic Creamy since I discovered it at a farmers market three years ago.
The texture hits a sweet spot between too runny and too firm, spreading effortlessly even on soft bread. Their small-batch approach results in a freshness you can taste – the peanut flavor is vibrant and clean. I particularly appreciate the hint of sea salt that enhances without dominating.
Beyond its delicious taste, I love supporting a women-owned company committed to quality ingredients. The minimalist packaging with playful design elements makes me smile every morning. For anyone tired of commercial peanut butters but wanting something approachable and universally appealing, Wild Friends delivers pure peanut perfection without a single unnecessary ingredient.
9. Santa Cruz Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
Santa Cruz Organic came into my life during a health kick, but stayed for its remarkable flavor. Their dark roast process creates a uniquely rich peanut butter experience that’s deeper and more complex than most competitors.
The distinctive glass jar with its wooden lid gives a premium feel that matches the quality inside. I love watching the natural oils swirl as I stir it – a mesmerizing reminder of its purity. The texture strikes a perfect balance: substantial enough to hold its shape but spreadable enough for delicate toast.
This has become my go-to for elevating simple snacks into something special. Try it drizzled over vanilla ice cream for a surprisingly sophisticated dessert! While slightly pricier than some options, the certified organic peanuts and sustainable practices justify the extra cost. The dark roast variety offers a flavor dimension that peanut butter enthusiasts shouldn’t miss.
10. Spread the Love Naked Organic Peanut Butter
“Naked” perfectly describes this gloriously minimalist peanut butter that changed my snacking game last summer. Handcrafted in small batches in California, each jar tastes like it was made just for you.
The texture is uniquely silky – almost velvety – without any additives achieving that consistency. Their grinding process must be magical! Opening the jar releases an aroma that’s intensely nutty and fresh, making standard brands seem stale by comparison.
I’ve converted several friends to this brand with just one taste test. While it requires refrigeration after opening, the flavor payoff is worth the fridge space. The company’s commitment to organic farming practices shines through in the clean, pure taste. For special occasions, try their variety with espresso – it’s a mind-blowing combination that makes an incredible topping for brownies!
11. Smucker’s Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
Smucker’s organic offering surprised me with its noticeably fresher flavor compared to their conventional line. During a blind taste test with friends (yes, I host peanut butter tastings – doesn’t everyone?), this jar consistently ranked top three for its balanced flavor profile.
The organic peanuts create a spread with a cleaner finish and no lingering aftertaste. I appreciate how the oil incorporation stays relatively stable after the initial mixing. For parents transitioning kids to natural peanut butter, this makes an excellent gateway option.
My favorite application? Using it in homemade peanut butter cup filling where the pure flavor really shines. The price point sits comfortably between budget and premium options, making it accessible for everyday use. While not as distinctive as some artisanal brands, its reliability and widespread availability make it a pantry hero for natural peanut butter lovers.
12. Crazy Richard’s Crunchy Peanut Butter
Peanut chunks shouldn’t be an afterthought – they should be the star of the show! Crazy Richard’s Crunchy variety understands this fundamental truth. The first time I opened a jar, I was delighted by the generous distribution of perfectly-sized peanut pieces.
Unlike some brands that seem to randomly toss a few chunks into smooth butter, this spread maintains an ideal ratio throughout. Each bite delivers that satisfying textural contrast between creamy base and crunchy bits. The flavor is intensely peanutty without any bitterness or burnt notes.
My weekend pancakes reached new heights when topped with this crunchy delight and a drizzle of honey. The clean ingredient list – just peanuts, nothing else – means you’re getting pure nutrition alongside pure flavor. For texture enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on ingredient quality, this jar hits every mark.
13. Laura Scudder’s Natural Smooth Peanut Butter
Nostalgia in a jar! Laura Scudder’s has been making natural peanut butter since before it was trendy, and their expertise shows. My grandmother introduced me to this brand, and I still smile thinking of her kitchen whenever I twist open a jar.
The peanuts are roasted to a medium darkness that highlights their natural sweetness without any added sugar. I find the texture particularly noteworthy – slightly more substantial than ultra-processed brands, giving it a homemade quality. After stirring, it maintains a consistent spreadability that works beautifully on everything from celery sticks to warm toast.
For baking enthusiasts, this peanut butter performs exceptionally well in cookies and pie crusts. The old-fashioned paper seal under the lid is a charming touch that reinforces their traditional approach. While not certified organic, their commitment to minimal processing and clean ingredients has remained unchanged for generations.
14. 365 by Whole Foods Creamy Unsweetened
Budget-friendly natural peanut butter that doesn’t sacrifice quality? I thought it was impossible until I discovered 365’s creamy unsweetened option. During my broke graduate student days, this jar saved my wallet while satisfying my commitment to clean eating.
The flavor profile leans toward the lighter side of roasted, creating a fresh, bright peanut taste. I particularly appreciate how the texture stays consistent throughout the jar after the initial stirring. The plastic container makes it less intimidating for kids (or clumsy adults like me) who might drop glass jars.
This has become my go-to for peanut butter smoothies where its clean flavor pairs perfectly with bananas and cacao. While not as distinctive as some artisanal options, its reliability and accessibility make it a smart pantry staple. For natural peanut butter beginners, this approachable option offers an excellent introduction without breaking the bank.
15. Field Day Organic Smooth & Unsalted Peanut Butter
Salt-free doesn’t mean flavor-free! Field Day’s unsalted variety opened my eyes to the pure taste of peanuts without any enhancement. When I eliminated sodium from my diet temporarily last year, this jar became my salvation.
The organic peanuts have a natural sweetness that shines through without any competing flavors. I’ve found this makes an exceptional base for both sweet and savory recipes where you want to control the salt level yourself. The texture strikes a beautiful balance – substantial but still easily spreadable after stirring.
My favorite discovery? This peanut butter makes an incredible dairy-free “cream” sauce when blended with a little water and spices. The simple glass jar with minimal labeling reflects the purity inside. While it might taste too plain for some straight from the jar, its versatility in cooking and baking makes it a unique addition to any natural peanut butter collection.