In the last couple of years, peanut butter has overtaken jam as Britain’s favourite spread – with many believing it’s the healthier option.
Peanuts are packed with protein, which takes more time to digest, blocking hunger signals from the gut. They’re also a good source of magnesium (important for bone strength and blood sugar balance), phosphorus (for healthy cells) and zinc (for immunity).
But there is a wide variety of peanut butters out there – and they are not all made equal. Some are packed with sugar, oils and flavourings.
Middle-class favourite Bonne Maman Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread (£2.90), for instance, contains just 79 per cent of roasted peanuts, as well as sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla extract, sunflower oil and emulsifier.
But look to Waitrose’s Duchy Organic, the food brand founded by King Charles, and its Smooth Peanut Butter (£2.65) boasts only peanuts (99 per cent) and sea salt.
There are some versions that go one step further and even ditch the salt. Holland & Barrett’s Smooth Peanut Butter (1kg for £6.95) is made up of 100 per cent roasted unblanched peanuts.
Below, the Daily Mail assesses some of the most popular versions from British supermarkets and the high street – and the results will surprise you.
‘ADDED-TO’ PEANUT BUTTERS
Aliza Marogy, registered nutritional therapist and founder of supplements provider Inessa, said: ‘Authentic peanut butter should contain just peanuts, or peanuts with a small pinch of salt.
‘Peanuts are naturally rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, plant protein, fibre, vitamin E and magnesium.
‘If the oil separates at the top, that’s actually a good sign. It shows there are no added emulsifiers – which can negatively impact gut health – artificially holding it together.
‘Many mainstream brands unnecessarily tinker with what is already a delicious and nutritionally complete food.
‘Added palm oil or hydrogenated vegetable oils are often included to prevent separation and create a smoother, more spreadable texture. Whilst this improves shelf life and mouthfeel, it can increase the saturated fat content.
‘Sugar is another common addition. This turns what could be a savoury, protein-rich staple into a sweet spread, and for families using peanut butter daily, on toast or in porridge, those small amounts of added sugar can quickly add up.’
The expert urged: ‘If you’re choosing a supermarket own brand, opt for the 100 per cent peanut varieties. Brands such as Meridian and Pip & Nut keep ingredients simple, natural and taste delicious.
‘In contrast, I would avoid more processed, sweet peanut spreads containing added oils, sugar and emulsifiers.
‘Peanut butter can absolutely be part of a healthy diet, but choosing versions made purely from peanuts ensures you’re getting the benefits without unnecessary extras.’
The peanut butters below contain more than just two ingredients.
Sainsbury’s Peanut Butter Crunchy 700g
PRICE: £2.30
INGREDIENTS: Peanut (97%), Palm Oil, Sugar, Sea Salt.
Sun-Pat Smooth Peanut Butter 570g
PRICE: £3.75
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts (94%), Stabiliser: E471, Cane Sugar, Peanut Oil (1%), Sea Salt.
Bonne Maman Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread 230g
PRICE: £3
INGREDIENTS: Roasted Roasted Peanuts (79%), Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Oil, Cane Sugar, Salt, Vanilla Extract, Emulsifier: Sunflower Lecithin.
Just Essentials by ASDA Crunchy Peanut Butter 340g
PRICE: 99p
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts (88%), Vegetable Oils [Sunflower Oil, Palm Oil], Cane Sugar, Salt.
Sainsburys Stamford Street Co. Crunchy Peanut Butter 340g
PRICE: 99p
INGREDIENTS: Roasted Peanuts (87%), Rapeseed Oil, Sugar, Palm Oil, Salt.
ASDA Classic Crunchy Peanut Butter 700g
PRICE: £2.23
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts (96%), Palm Oil, Cane Sugar, Sea Salt.
Waitrose Essential Smooth Peanut Butter 500g
PRICE: £2.50
INGREDIENTS: Roasted peanuts (96%), palm oil (certified sustainable), cane sugar, sea salt.
Tesco Smooth Peanut Butter 340G
PRICE: £1.10
INGREDIENTS: Roasted Peanut (94%), Certified Sustainable Palm Oil, Peanut Oil, Sugar, Salt.
Co-Op Smooth Peanut Butter 340g
PRICE: £2.29
INGREDIENTS: Roasted Peanuts (95%) Vegetable Oil (Palm, **Peanut**) Sugar Salt.
‘PURE’ PEANUT BUTTERS
The peanut butters below contain just one or two ingredients.
Waitrose 100% Peanuts Smooth Peanut Butter 340g
PRICE: £2
INGREDIENTS: Roasted peanuts.
Nuts About Nature 100% Peanut Butter 1Kg
PRICE: £4.95
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts (100%).
Meridian Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter 1kg
PRICE: £7.29
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts Whole Skin On (100%).
Duchy Organic Smooth Peanut Butter 340g
PRICE: £2.65
INGREDIENTS: Roasted peanuts (99%), sea salt.
Pip & Nut Smooth Peanut Butter 1Kg
PRICE: £7.50
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts (99.5%), A Sprinkle of Sea Salt.
M&S 100% Crunchy Peanut Butter
PRICE: £2.00
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts (100%).
Morrisons 100% Crunchy Peanut Butter
PRICE: £1.80
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts (100%).
ASDA Smooth Peanut Butter 340g
PRICE: £1.80
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts.
Holland & Barrett Smooth Peanut Butter 1kg
PRICE: £6.95
INGREDIENTS: Roasted Unblanched Peanuts.
Sainsbury’s Peanut Butter Smooth, SO Organic 340g
PRICE: £2.50
INGREDIENTS: Peanut (99%), Sea Salt.
