4 of the Healthiest Peanut Butters to Eat

4 of the Healthiest Peanut Butters
4 of the Healthiest Peanut Butters

By Lisa D'Agrosa, Associate Nutrition Editor, EatingWell Magazine

More than just a sandwich spread, peanut butter deserves a spot on your menu! Its healthy fats, fiber and protein may help you stave off afternoon hunger pangs, says a new study. But not all peanut butter is created equal. Here are our tips for finding the best peanut butter on the shelf.

1. Avoid Oil
Many PBs are still made with hydrogenated oils, which improve the texture but add trans fat. Some replaced those oils with palm oil-a better choice, but high in unhealthy saturated fat. Buy PB with no added oils and stir before spreading.

2. Skip Added Sugars
Some PBs provide 3 to 4 grams of added sugars (about 1 teaspoon per 2-tablespoon serving). Sugar may be listed as: evaporated cane juice, corn syrup solids, high-fructose corn syrup, molasses, honey.

3. Be Wary of "Natural"
It doesn't mean the PB is without added sugars and oils. True natural PB has just peanuts and maybe a little salt (our target sodium is 125 mg or less per serving).

4. Go Full-Fat
Sugar and starchy fillers replace healthy fats in reduced-fat peanut butters, with negligible calorie savings.

Peanut Butters We Love:
Teddie Old Fashioned All Natural
Smucker's Natural
Trader Joe's Organic
Whole Foods 365

Don't Miss: Healthy Peanut Butter Recipes

What's your favorite brand of natural peanut butter?

By Lisa D'Agrosa

Lisa D'Agrosa, Associate Nutrition Editor, EatingWell Magazine
Lisa D'Agrosa, Associate Nutrition Editor, EatingWell Magazine

Lisa D'Agrosa is EatingWell's associate nutrition editor. She earned her master's degree in nutrition communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and attended the dietetic internship program at Massachusetts General Hospital to become a registered dietitian.


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