Creamy or crunchy. Salted or unsalted. Peanut butter is a staple food that everyone loves. Whether you love to eat peanut butter out of the jar or use it in both sweet and savory recipes, if you are gluten-free, it is important to know: is peanut butter gluten free?
Peanut butter is a popular food. Just ask my husband, Mr. Fearless Dining, who eats it with a spoon out of the jar any chance he gets!
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Peanut butter products can be found in just about every pantry. It’s often used to make simple sandwiches (hello, PB&J!) that kids and adults adore, though it can also be used in sauces, dressings, and so much more.
If you have celiac disease or are following a gluten-free diet, you’re probably wondering whether peanut butter is gluten-free. Check out all of the condiments I have researched to find out which are gluten free.
Answer: Is Peanut Butter Gluten Free?
The good news is most peanut butter should be gluten free. When left in its natural state, peanuts themselves, it is gluten-free. To ensure your peanut butter is gluten-free, always check the back label on the jar for gluten ingredients.
There are rare exceptions where additional ingredients that may contain gluten could be added to peanut butter. The peanut butter in question may also have been processed in a facility that processes wheat products. Look for the gluten-free label on the peanut butter brand you’re considering to be sure.
Many brands will include “gluten-free” on the label, so if you can’t tell from one of those other jars, choose one of the brands of peanut butter that states it is gluten-free. Reading the ingredients list is the best way to know if a product contains potential gluten and if it is safe for those who are celiac or gluten intolerant.
What Is Peanut Butter:
Peanut butter is made from roasted ground peanuts. Often, salt is added for flavor. However, unless you buy a processed peanut butter brand, there shouldn’t be added ingredients.
You can buy peanut butter with either a crunchy or smooth texture. Natural peanut butter is made only with nuts. If you look at the ingredient list on a jar of peanut butter, you should see what is included in the popular brands. You can find peanut butter at local grocery stores.
When peanut butter is processed, additional ingredients are often added. These can include salt, sugar, fat like palm oil or hydrogenated vegetable oil, and additives to prevent oil separation. Whichever type of peanut butter you choose, it can be a nutritious protein for your meals, snacks, and desserts.
I love using peanut butter when baking desserts. If you love baking, check out what other baking ingredients are gluten free.
Types Of Peanut Butter Products:
Peanut butter can be bought as smooth peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter. It also is made in three different ways:
- Natural Form – Natural, real peanut butter can come in salted or unsalted. The only ingredient is peanuts. Natural peanut butter is typically stored in the refrigerator after opening, so the natural peanut oil doesn’t get rancid. When opening the jar, it is important to stir the peanut butter so that the oil is completely mixed in.
- Processed – Processed peanut butter adds ingredients so that the oils do not separate, leaving the peanut butter with a texture that doesn’t need to be stirred. You can usually store processed peanut butter at room temperature.
- Flavored – Some companies add sugar, vanilla extract, honey, cinnamon, sea salt, or other flavors to the jar of peanut butter.
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Brands:
This is a short list of brands that make gluten free peanut butter. There are probably many smaller brands as well.
- Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter
- Justin’s Peanut Butter
- Krema Nut Company
- Maranatha Peanut Butter
- PB Crave (all 5 flavors!)
- Reese’s Peanut Butter
- Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter
- Skippy Peanut Butter
- Smart Balance Peanut Butter
- Teddie Peanut Butter
- Jiff Peanut Butter
- Aldi (Peanut Delight, Simply Organic Peanut Butter, and Crunchy Peanut Delight)
- Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter
- Whole Foods Peanut Butter (365, Creamy Peanut Butter and Flaxseed, Organic Creamy Peanut Butter, Organic Crunchy)
- Walmart Great Value Creamy Peanut Butter
My favorite gluten-free recipes with peanut butter:
Use it in your smoothies – it’s particularly delicious with bananas! It’s also an awesome dip, peanut sauce, or a great to-go snack. You can also use it to create some truly spectacular sauces, marinades, and dressings!
- The Best Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- Old Time Peanut Butter Candy
- Incredible Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Make peanut butter from scratch:
If you prefer to make your own, peanut butter is so easy to make from scratch. Then you are guaranteed it is gluten free and safe to eat!
- Homemade Creamy Peanut Butter
- 3 Easy Custom Peanut Butter Flavor Recipes
