Peanut butter is a staple in many households that has been around for generations. Whether it’s spread on toast, used in baking, or simply eaten straight from the jar as a snack, there’s something undeniably satisfying about the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. March 1st is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, and peanut butter lovers know that a good recipe can make all the difference in your snacking experience. The best peanut butter should balance flavor and texture while being easy to spread or dip. But with so many different brands and varieties on the market, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. Your preference should focus on texture and ingredients while staying within your budget
Your preference for creamy or crunchy peanut butter might even give insight into your personality. A study conducted by OnePoll examined the peanut butter preferences of 2,000 Americans – evenly split by their preference of crunchy vs. creamy. Researchers say that those who enjoy the crunchy kind have a cheerier outlook on life. Sixty-three percent of those who prefer crunchy peanut butter describe themselves as optimists, compared to 56% of those who prefer creamy. No matter what your personal preference is, the right brand of peanut butter still matters!
Peanut butter is here to stay. According to a recent survey by Statista, peanut butter is consumed by over 299 million Americans. The most popular brands are still JIF, Skippy and Peter Pan, due to consistency in quality and taste throughout the years. More consumers have turned to making their own spreads, as well as alternatives like almond butter or other nut butters.
If you’re interested in discovering your next favorite brand of peanut butter, StudyFinds is here to help. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top five recommendations across 10 expert websites. If you have a go-to peanut butter brand or home recipe of your own, share it in the comments below!
Jif is a solid choice that has the most peanut flavor and can be eaten alone or with your favorite bread or snack. “The toasty-nutty notes are much more prominent, and the soft, whipped texture is ‘so good, so fluffy,’” says Bon Appetit.
Jif’s secret to making such a tasty peanut butter is adding molasses to their formula for a hint of rich sweetness that isn’t overpowering. Mashed writes “the sweetness from the molasses doesn’t overwhelm the flavor from the peanuts. Instead, it helps elevate the peanut flavor to a whole new level that their competitors can’t reach.” Jif also makes a wide range of peanut butter products to choose from.
Jif has been a family favorite for years, as the company was first founded in 1958. “There’s a reason why Jif is America’s most popular peanut butter — it just tastes damn good and has a perfectly whipped consistency,” raves Today.
Skippy’s natural creamy peanut butter is free of preservatives and flavoring so you can enjoy peanut butter without worrying about what you’re putting in your body. Unlike most natural peanut butters, you don’t need to stir it due to the separation of oil. Cuisine at Home explains “It is also a gluten-free, tree nut-free, certified product suitable for people with any dietary requirements.”
This peanut butter is a great middle when it comes to thickness, and also comes in a crunch variation if you’re a fan of more texture. Neither version compromises on flavor. “Skippy’s natural spread tastes like freshly roasted peanuts with a nice dose of salt,” adds Taste of Home.
“A little sweet, a little salty and very smooth, Skippy Natural Creamy hit all the right notes. It has a buttery texture and the right balance of both salt and sugar. It’s also richly peanutty and had just a little welcome stickiness that forces you to pause and enjoy each bite,” descibes Food Network.
There’s only 2 ingredients in this brand of natural peanut butter – peanuts and salt. It might take you a minute to mix the separated oil and peanuts together, but it’s still easy to spread with an adequate amount of texture after doing so. Food Network
adds “There is a little grit to this spread as it lacks the extra oils to smooth it out, but for many people having a little texture in their natural peanut butter is welcome and expected.”
This peanut butter is probably the closest you can get to a homemade peanut butter in a jar. If you’re a fan of natural flavor and grittiness, this mix is for you. Today
writes “It’s also very peanut-forward— like you’ve taken a handful of them and created a thick paste in your mouth.”
Another great natural option is Whole Foods’ version, which is only made with peanuts and nothing else. There are no additives but the flavor still comes out to be mild enough to go with anything. The Spruce Eats
says “We love that organic, dry-roasted, grown-in-the-USA peanuts are the only ingredient and aren’t weighed down with any added sugar, salt, or oil.”
“This peanut butter’s texture is so outstanding that it almost distracted us from its equally exceptional nutritional content,” writes Active
. If you’re looking for a peanut butter that’s guilt-free and has no extra additives, this is the choice for you. The completely natural flavor might take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to peanut butter with additives.
This brand is actually famous for their gourmet dark chocolate
peanut butter cups, but they also make natural peanut butter spread as well. According to All Recipes
, “this one is also available in small squeeze pouches, making this peanut butter the easiest to transport so you always have a little pack to squeeze onto an apple or banana for a healthy breakfast or snack on the go!”
The only ingredients in this peanut butter are dry roasted peanuts and palm oil. Palm oil is a Non-GMO, non-hydrogenated oil that acts as a stabilizer and reduces oil
separation. This means less stirring for you every time you dip into a jar. “Besides peanuts, the product contains palm oil that has been sustainably sourced, cutting down on the effects of deforestation where it is grown,” adds Restaurant Clicks.
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links
