I am a big fan of all natural peanut butter and almond butter.  The commercial types contain far too many hydrogenated oils, salt and saturated fats.  On their own, peanuts and almonds are good sources of protein, the raw, unsalted type.  Almonds especially are a good source of vitamin E which is great for your heart, hair and skin.

I was disappointed when I read the ingredient label for Skippy’s all natural peanut butter.  Although they have managed to eliminate most of their saturated fat, it still contains palm oil, sugar and salt.  Not the purest of ingredients.  Palm oil has unecessary saturated fat and why add sugar when peanut butter is normally paired with sugar infused jelly?  All natural peanut butter should just contain peanuts.  I really feel like the label on Skippy All Natural Peanut Butter is misleading.  When consumers see ‘all natural’,  they think of a product that is healthy.  Although the all natural version is healthier than their original formula, it still is not a good option for consumers looking to eliminate some of the junk found in commercially prepared foods.

In my house, we use Maple Grove All Natural peanut butter. It’s found right next to the rest of processed peanut spreads and for around the same price.  When you look at the ingredients for Maple Grove peanut butter, the only thing you will see is ‘peanuts’.  If you’ve never had all natural peanut butter, there are a few things to note.  First of all the taste is entirely different.  Once you try it, you will realize all of the chemicals that are added to commercially jarred peanut butter to get that texture and flavor.  It’s a very strong, peanut flavor. Second, the natural oils found in peanuts separate from the peanut butter and rise to the top.  This is a natural process since there are no binders used to prevent this from happening.  All you do is stir it right back in to your peanut butter. It adds to the creamy flavor and texture.

Smuckers also has a decent brand of all natural peanut butter, however salt is added.  If you are watching your sodium intake, stick with Maple Grove. Both brands offer chunky and creamy peanut butter.

Peanut Butter is packed with calories, so for dieters I recommend using peanut butter in small amounts in conjunction with a reduced carbohydrate diet.

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