1. Ingredients: Simplicity is Key
Look for:
• Only one ingredient: just organic peanuts or just organic almonds.
• At most: nuts + sea salt (if you like a touch of salt).
Avoid:
• Added sugar (cane sugar, corn syrup, agave, etc.)
• Hydrogenated oils (linked to inflammation and heart disease)
• Palm oil (often processed and environmentally controversial)
• “Natural flavors” (vague and not required to be natural under EU law)
2. Organic & Non-GMO
• EU Organic logo if imported or USDA Organic
• Non-GMO Project Verified (especially if it’s American-made)
• Sprouted or raw versions, if you prefer a lower-heat process and better digestion
3. Mold (Aflatoxin) in Peanut Butter
Peanuts are highly susceptible to aflatoxins, a toxic mold linked to liver issues.
Look for:
• Brands that test for aflatoxins (some smaller EU or boutique U.S. brands proudly state this)
• Valencia peanuts (lower aflatoxin risk than regular runner peanuts)
• Organic almond butters are generally safer in this regard
4. Texture & Oil Separation
• Oil separation is natural—it’s a good sign there’s no emulsifier or hydrogenated oils. Just stir!
• Avoid “no-stir” unless the ingredients are still clean.
5. Packaging Matters
• Glass jars > plastic jars
plastic leaches chemicals like BPA or phthalates, even in “BPA-free” labeled jars. Especially important for oily foods like nut butters.
6. Taste & Energy of the Brand
You probably trust your gut, your palate, and your intuition.
• Choose brands that align with your energy—small batch, family-owned, or mission-driven
• Trust labels that feel honest and transparent—not over-marketed or vague
Bonus: Approved Buys
• MaraNatha Organic Raw Almond Butter (Glass Jar)
• Artisana Organics Raw Nut Butters
• Pic’s Peanut Butter (New Zealand, glass jar, minimal ingredients)
• Biona Organic Nut Butters (EU, simple ingredients)
• Georgia Grinders (makes clean peanut + almond options in glass)