Shopping for Nut Butters: The clean way

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)