Peanut butter is a pantry staple in most homes. It is a high-quality source of protein, and its healthy fats are sure to keep a belly satisfied for a long period of time.
The average person will consume 2,984 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in their lifetime. Purchasing peanut butter is a regular part of the grocery shopping experience
But with so many peanut butter options and alternatives available, what should you look for in a peanut butter brand?
In this guide, we’ll talk about what to look for in a peanut butter, and what to avoid. Feel confident you’re purchasing healthy peanut butter for your family.
Avoid Sugar
Peanut butter is a tasty treat, but before you indulge, make sure you know what you’re eating.
Some peanut butters include high levels of sugar to make them taste even better. Those brands that do include sugar may have as much as 3 to 5 grams. That amounts to approximately 1 teaspoon of sugar in every two tablespoons.
If you’re scanning, shelves for peanut butter brands, look for a sugar-free option.
Oil Ingredients
Many types of peanut butter include hydrogenated oils. Oils are included in peanut butter as an emulsifier.
It’s not uncommon to find oils like palm oil in a peanut butter. But these oils should get avoided as they add trans fat to each serving. Trans fat raises the risk of heart disease.
Shoppers should stay clear of peanut butter with oil ingredients whenever possible, but if it can’t be avoided, coconut oil is a healthy substitute.
Organic Vs. Non-Organic
The process of purchasing peanut butter can feel overwhelming. There are endless options to choose from.
Many buyers wonder whether they should buy organic peanut butter. It’s worth consideration.
Organic peanut butter avoids the addition of manufacturing agents during the process of blanching, roasting, or grinding. When you purchase non-organic brands, it is difficult to know which ingredients are included.
Comparing Peanut Butter Prices
Peanut butter is among the most affordable nut butter, but if you are choosing to be cost-conscious, make sure you shop around.
The competition between peanut butter brands is steep, and you will often be able to find a better deal elsewhere. Just remember not every nut butter is created equally.
Purchasing Peanut Butter With Fewer Ingredients
A great rule of thumb is to find a peanut butter with minimal ingredients.
Peanut butter ingredients should only consist of one or two items, primarily peanuts. But many brands attempt to extend the peanut butter shelf-life by including a number of additives in their recipe.
Beware, if a label reads “reduced fat” it may have other unhealthy substitutes.
A healthy nut butter should be free of preservatives, sugar or excessive amounts of salt. It should not have oils high in trans fat.
Find a Peanut Butter You Love
Purchasing peanut butter is an overwhelming process. The shelves of the grocery store are lined with various brands and alternatives, making it difficult to be decisive.
By following the tips in this article, you will ensure you’re choosing a peanut butter that is healthy, nourishing and offers great value.
For more tips like these, follow the health section of our website.