As a simple food made from peanuts, peanut butter is typically vegan. In fact, most peanut butter brands available in grocery stores are plant-based. Traditional peanut butter is crafted from peanuts and may include a touch of salt or oil for flavor and texture.
However, it’s crucial to always read the ingredient label, especially when choosing flavored or specialty peanut butters. Some varieties may contain non-vegan ingredients like dairy, honey, or milk powder. These additions are more common in chocolate peanut butter or those with added sweeteners and flavorings.
Palm Oil in Peanut Butter: A Vegan Concern?
Palm oil is a common ingredient in many peanut butters. While technically vegan, some vegans choose to avoid palm oil due to ethical and environmental concerns. The production of palm oil is a major driver of deforestation, particularly in Southeast Asia, leading to habitat loss for endangered species like orangutans.
The Orangutan Project reports that nearly 80% of orangutan habitats have been destroyed in the last two decades because of deforestation, often linked to palm oil production. More than half of the remaining orangutan population now resides in unprotected forests managed by palm oil, timber, and mining companies, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
How Peanut Butter is Made: A Vegan Process
Peanut butter production is a straightforward process that naturally results in a vegan product. It involves grinding roasted peanuts until they reach a smooth or crunchy butter-like consistency. Roasting peanuts enhances their flavor and aroma. After roasting and cooling, the peanuts are ground in machines, transforming them into a paste. The duration of grinding determines whether the peanut butter will be smooth or crunchy.
Manufacturers may add salt, sugar, or oils to enhance flavor and texture depending on the type of peanut butter being produced. Some commercial peanut butters undergo homogenization to create a smoother texture and prevent oil separation, a natural occurrence in natural peanut butter.
Peanut Butter’s History: Surprisingly Vegan-Friendly
Peanut butter’s history stretches back centuries to the Aztecs and Incas, who first mashed roasted peanuts into a paste. Its nutritional value was recognized in the late 19th century. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, known for his work in nutrition and medicine, patented a peanut butter production process in 1895. He promoted peanut butter as a nutritious, easily digestible, high-protein food for his patients.
Peanut butter gained widespread popularity in the United States during and after World War II, becoming a staple food for US soldiers. Its convenience, long shelf life, and high protein content contributed to its popularity across the nation. Post-war, peanut butter became a household staple, with numerous brands developing their own versions.
Non-Vegan Peanut Butter: Ingredients to Watch Out For
While most peanut butter is vegan, certain ingredients can make some varieties unsuitable for a vegan diet. Honey is a common non-vegan ingredient added for sweetness. Milk powder is another, often found in flavored peanut butters. Occasionally, butter or other non-vegan oils may be added for richness or texture.
To confirm a peanut butter is vegan, always scrutinize the ingredient list. Avoid these peanut butter brands and products known to contain honey:
- Peter Pan Crunchy Honey Roast Peanut Spread
- Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter with Honey
- Skippy Roasted Honey Nut Creamy Peanut Butter
- Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter
- Big Spoon Peanut Butter With Wildflower Honey
Remember that while peanut butter itself is usually vegan, peanut butter flavored products like chocolates and candies often contain dairy and are not vegan.
Identifying Vegan Peanut Butter: Label Reading Tips
The best way to determine if a peanut butter is vegan is to carefully examine the ingredient list on the packaging. Ensure there are no animal-derived ingredients listed. Look for “Certified Vegan” labels for added assurance.
If you are concerned about potential cross-contamination with dairy or other non-vegan substances, check for allergy or cross-contamination warnings on the label.
Natural, organic, and palm oil-free peanut butters typically have simpler ingredient lists, often just peanuts and salt. These are frequently labeled as vegan-friendly, simplifying your search and eliminating the need to research additives.
Always remember that product formulations can vary between brands and even within the same brand over time. Therefore, checking the ingredient list for each product every time is essential. If uncertain about a specific peanut butter, contacting the manufacturer for clarification is always a good option.
Vegan Peanut Butter Brands in the UK
The UK market offers a wide variety of vegan peanut butters. Most supermarket own-brand peanut butters are vegan, with exceptions usually being specialty products containing chocolate or caramel.
For those seeking vegan, all-natural, and palm oil-free options, consider these UK brands:
Meridian
Meridian natural peanut butters are made with either 100% nuts or peanuts with a pinch of sea salt. They roast whole peanuts in their skins before grinding them to achieve either a crunchy or smooth texture.
Proper Nutty
Proper Nutty prides itself on “bean to jar” peanut butter. Their entire range is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. Proper Nutty also avoids palm oil, plastic, and sugar in their products. They slow roast, grind, and package their peanut butter in small batches in the UK within two hours.
Pip&Nut
Pip&Nut peanut butter is made with just two ingredients: hi-oleic Argentinian peanuts, chosen for their natural sweetness, and a touch of sea salt.
Manilife
Manilife offers fully plant-based and palm oil-free peanut butter made simply with peanuts and sea salt. They also have a range of vegan flavors, including cocoa.
Vegan Peanut Butter Brands in the US
In the US, it’s slightly more common to find peanut butters that aren’t vegan due to the addition of honey, milk powder, or non-vegan sugar.
For a safe vegan choice, opt for organic, natural, and vegan-certified peanut butters. Consider brands like:
CB’s Nuts Peanut Butter
CB’s Nuts offers peanut butter varieties with one or two ingredients (the two-ingredient version includes salt). They offer a diverse range of flavors and are palm oil-free.
Yum Butter’s Organic Peanut Butter
Yum Butter is made with organic peanuts and sweetened with coconut sugar. Note that it does contain palm oil.
