What’s Different About Natural Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is a marvelous creation. It doesn’t require refrigeration, is salty and sweet, and can transform something like saltines into a delicious snack. There are countless varieties to choose from but one key category that’s made its way to shelves in recent years is natural peanut butter. So what makes natural peanut butter different? Let’s take a look:

🥜 According to the FDA, for something to be called “peanut butter” it has to contain 90% peanuts. The only other ingredients allowed are salt, sweeteners and hydrogenated vegetable oils. This applies for regular and natural peanut butter.

🥜 If anything else is added (such as palm oil to help avoid separating) then it must be labeled as “peanut butter spread” but be aware it can still be called “Natural Peanut Butter Spread” as well.

🥜 Natural peanut butter typically only contains peanuts and salt.

🥜 Natural peanut butter (not spread) is prone to separating as it sits untouched. Oils rise and sit on the top and the product needs to be stirred before using. The texture is somewhat more grainy, but also creamier.

🥜 Nutrition values between regular and natural are typically very similar but with less sodium and trans fats in natural.

🥜 This reduction in sodium and trans fats is why natural peanut butter can have the nutritional advantage between the two.

🥜 Natural usually has less or no added sugar.