Top 11 Peanut Butter Brands in the USA

Ever stood in the peanut butter aisle, overwhelmed by rows of jars promising "natural," "organic," or "just peanuts"? You're not alone. With Americans consuming over 700 million pounds of peanut butter annually, choosing the right jar has become more than just a grocery decision; it's a statement about how you fuel your body.

Here's the thing: not all peanut butter is created equal. Some jars hide added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and stabilizers that turn this protein powerhouse into a processed product. Others stay true to what peanut butter should be, just peanuts, maybe a pinch of salt, and nothing else.

So which peanut butter brands actually deliver on their promises? Let's crack open the top 11 options that health-conscious Americans are reaching for in 2025.

What Makes a Peanut Butter Brand Truly Great?

Before we dive into the rankings, let's establish what separates exceptional peanut butter from the rest of the pack.

The Non-Negotiables:

• Minimal ingredients: The best jars contain peanuts and perhaps salt, nothing more
• No hydrogenated oils: These processed fats can negatively impact heart health
• No added sugars: Quality peanuts provide natural sweetness
• Organic certification: Ensures peanuts are grown without synthetic pesticides
• Texture and taste: Because health food should still taste incredible

The Top 11 Peanut Butter Brands Making Waves in America

1. Two Brothers Organic Farms Peanut Butter 

Rating: (96/100)

While not exclusively a peanut butter producer, Two Brothers Organic Farms' peanut butter deserves recognition for its commitment to pure, chemical-free products that align with traditional farming methods.  What sets Two Brothers apart? They don't just focus on what goes into their products; they care about how it's grown. Their dedication to heirloom varieties, traditional processing methods, and chemical-free farming creates products that honor both your health and environmental sustainability.

2. Once Again Creamy Peanut Butter Unsweetened

Rating: (94/100)

Once Again takes simplicity seriously. This certified organic, non-GMO spread contains exactly one ingredient: peanuts. The brand's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the jar; they've been supporting organic farming since 1976. Anyone following a strict clean-eating protocol or managing sodium intake, as this variety is completely salt-free.

3. Smucker's Organic Creamy Peanut Butter

Rating: (94/100)

Don't let the mainstream name fool you. Smucker's organic line delivers legitimate quality with organic peanuts and less than 1% salt. Each serving packs 8g of protein and carries Kosher certification. This spreads beautifully and works perfectly in both sweet and savory applications, from morning toast to Thai-inspired sauces.

4. Santa Cruz Organic Creamy Dark Roasted Peanut Butter

Rating: (94/100)

If you crave a deeper, more complex peanut flavor, Santa Cruz's dark roasted variety delivers. The extended roasting process creates rich, caramel-like notes without adding any sugar, oils, or artificial ingredients. 

5. Good & Gather Organic Creamy Peanut Butter (Target)

Rating: (88/100)

Target's house brand proves that big-box retailers can compete with specialty stores. Made with only dry-roasted organic peanuts, this spread delivers 8g of protein per serving without added salt, sweeteners, or stabilizers.

6. Wegmans Organic Peanut Butter Spread

Rating: (88/100)

This regional favorite combines just peanuts and salt for a creamy, organic spread free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Wegmans' commitment to quality ingredients shines through in this straightforward product.

7. 365 Whole Foods Organic Creamy Peanut Butter

Rating: (88/100)

Whole Foods' house brand delivers exactly what you'd expect from this health-focused retailer: pure organic dry-roasted peanuts with 8g of protein per serving and zero added ingredients.

8. Full Circle Market Organic Creamy Peanut Butter

Rating: (88/100)

USDA organic and non-GMO certified, Full Circle Market's peanut butter is made without added sugars, delivering pure peanut flavor in every spoonful. This brand emphasizes sustainability throughout its supply chain.

9. Woodstock Smooth & Salted Organic Peanut Butter

Rating: (88/100)

Made with organically grown peanuts and a touch of salt, this smooth peanut butter carries both USDA organic and non-GMO certifications. The slight salt addition enhances the natural peanut sweetness without overwhelming it. This spread achieves an ideal consistency, not too thick, not too runny, making it perfect for sandwiches or eating straight from the jar.

10. Kirkland Signature Organic Creamy Peanut Butter (Costco)

Rating: (85/100)

Costco's Kirkland brand brings organic peanut butter to the masses with dry-roasted organic peanuts and a sprinkle of sea salt. The USDA organic and Kosher certifications provide additional quality assurance.

11. Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Peanut Butter

Rating: (94/100)

Trader Joe's proves that exceptional quality doesn't require a premium price tag. This peanut butter brand contains only organic dry-roasted peanuts with skins, no salt, no sweeteners, and no oils. It's the pure, unadulterated spread that peanut butter was meant to be.

How to Store Your Peanut Butter for Maximum Freshness

Natural peanut butter requires slightly different storage than conventional varieties:

• Unopened jars: Store in a cool, dry pantry for up to a year 
• After opening: Refrigerate for up to 3-4 months
• Signs of spoilage: Off smell, mold, or rancid taste

Why refrigeration matters: Without preservatives, natural oils can oxidize at room temperature, leading to rancidity. Cold storage extends freshness and maintains that just-ground flavor.

FAQs

Q1. Is natural peanut butter healthier than regular peanut butter?

Yes, natural varieties contain only peanuts and perhaps salt, while conventional brands often include added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and stabilizers. Natural peanut butter provides healthy fats, protein, and nutrients without unnecessary additives.

Q2. Why do some organic peanut butter brands cost more?

Organic certification involves rigorous standards, regular inspections, and farming practices that often yield smaller crops. Additionally, organic peanuts command higher prices at commodity markets. However, store brands like Good & Gather and Kirkland make organic options increasingly affordable.

Q3. Can I eat peanut butter every day?

Absolutely! Two tablespoons daily provide healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients. Just watch portion sizes, as peanut butter is calorie-dense at roughly 190 calories per serving. Pair it with whole-grain bread, apple slices, or add it to smoothies for balanced nutrition.

Q4. Does dark roasted peanut butter have different nutrition?

The roasting process slightly reduces some nutrients while creating deeper flavors through caramelization. However, the differences are minimal; the primary benefit is enhanced taste rather than superior nutrition.

Q5. How can I tell if my peanut butter has gone bad?

Trust your senses. Fresh peanut butter smells nutty and pleasant. Signs of spoilage include sour or rancid odors, visible mold, or sharp, unpleasant tastes. Refrigeration significantly extends shelf life for natural varieties.

Q6. Are these peanut butter brands safe for people with nut allergies?

No. All these products contain peanuts, and most are processed in facilities that handle other tree nuts. Anyone with peanut or tree nut allergies should avoid these products entirely and consult with their allergist about safe alternatives like sunflower seed butter.

Final Thoughts

The peanut butter you choose matters. It's often a daily staple, a go-to protein source, and for many of us, a comfort food that connects to childhood memories. Why settle for processed versions when top peanut butter brands deliver superior quality at accessible prices?

Whether you're team Trader Joe's, loyal to Kirkland, or exploring options like Santa Cruz's dark roasted variety, you're making a choice that nourishes your body with real food. And when you extend that philosophy across your pantry, choosing stone-ground flours, cold-pressed oils, and traditionally processed staples from producers like Two Brothers Organic Farms, you create a foundation for genuinely healthy, sustainable eating.

Ready to upgrade your peanut butter game? Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.