Most Processed Peanut Butter
Each product is ranked by its own Processing Score, highest first. To keep the list from being one company's catalog, it shows at most two products from any one brand.
Peanut Butter by the Numbers
We scored every peanut butter product in our database: 2,770 items across 412 brands. In our analysis, about 20% land in the Highly or Ultra-Processed tiers.
What should you look for on the label?
- The best peanut butter lists only "peanuts" or "peanuts, salt"
- Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils prevent separation but add trans fats
- Added sugar and molasses are unnecessary in quality peanut butter
- If it does not need refrigeration after opening and does not separate, it contains stabilizers
Least Processed Peanut Butter
For context, here are the top 5 of the opposite ranking, the least processed peanut butter in our analysis.
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How are products scored?
Every product is evaluated using two independent scores. The Processing Score (lower is better) measures the degree of industrial processing based on ingredient analysis, including the presence of artificial additives, preservatives, and highly modified ingredients. The Nutrition Score (higher is better) rates overall nutritional quality, rewarding protein and fiber while penalizing excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
Products are assigned to one of four processing levels: Minimal (score ≤ 2.5), Processed (2.6 to 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 to 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Each product in the ranking is placed by its own Processing Score, not by its brand. Based on our analysis of 445K+ curated products from the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wrong with hydrogenated oil in peanut butter?
Partially hydrogenated oils contain trans fats linked to heart disease. Even "fully hydrogenated" oils undergo intensive chemical processing. They are added purely to prevent the natural oil separation of peanuts.
Why do major brands add sugar to peanut butter?
Sugar (and molasses) enhance flavor to compensate for using lower-quality peanuts. Premium peanut butter made from high-quality roasted peanuts has enough natural flavor without sweeteners.
Are flavored peanut butters ultra-processed?
Yes. Chocolate, honey-roasted, and flavored varieties add sugar, cocoa processed with alkali, artificial flavors, and additional oils, pushing them well up our scale.