6 Healthy Nut Butters to Try and 6 to Skip

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The next time you slather Skippy all over your morning toast, think twice. Nut butter from peanuts, cashews, and almonds is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats for a boost of HDL cholesterol (the good kind).

However, many popular brands have sneaky added sugars and hydrogenated oils that turn a healthy snack into a nutritional detriment. Luckily, there are nutritious options out there, and Vani Hari, a food activist who petitions for transparent food labeling and better ingredients, has some tips to help you make a healthier choice.

What to Check for on the Label

According to Hari, there’s no better time than the present for a healthy swap. Scanning the label before dropping good ol’ Jif in your cart will give you the confidence that you’re making a wholesome choice. Here’s what to look for.

“Only Contains Nuts”

Many nut butters, including natural nut butter, contain hydrogenated oils (like soybean and cottonseed) or palm oil which are used to keep them from separating on the shelf, and fresh without refrigeration. While convenient, these oils are heavily processed and refined and are linked to chronic inflammation (1). Healthier alternatives contain two ingredients max: nuts and maybe sea salt.

“Certified Organic”

In 2015, the USDA Pesticide Data Program identified 8 different pesticides found in peanut butter, including Piperoyl Butoxide, which is classified by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen and may be linked to male reproductive toxicity (2). Side-step pesticides by choosing certified organic.

“Raw,” Not “Roasted”

With the exception of peanuts, the roasting process can damage the vitamins and minerals found in nuts and seeds when compared to raw nuts. Skim the shelf for nut butters that are raw instead of toasted.

Nut Butter Brands To Skip

Your favorite nut butter may not pass the test. Hari shares 6 highly-processed options to avoid:

• Simply Jif
• Jif
• Barney
• Peter Pan
• Skippy
• Sam’s Choice

Best Nut Butter Brands To Try

Hari notes that there are healthy alternatives that pass the test. Some of her favorite brands include:

• Artisana
• Once Again
• MaraNatha
• JEM
• Santa Cruz
• Woodstock
• Kirkland Organic

MaraNatha Organic Crunchy Raw Almond Butter

Instacart ($20)

Once Again Organic Creamy Peanut Butter

Amazon ($17)

Santa Cruz Organic Dark Roasted Peanut Butter

Amazon ($15)

JEM Organics Crunchy Naked Sprouted Almond Butter

Amazon ($26)

Woodstock Organics Unsalted Smooth Peanut Butter

Instacart ($12)

Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter

Amazon ($20)