When it comes to being gluten free, it is very important to read ingredient labels. Gluten can be hidden in many foods. Peanut butter is naturally gluten free, but some brands have snuck gluten into them. Read on to find out more about gluten, answer if peanut butter is gluten free, which brands of peanut butter are safe to eat, and tips for being gluten free!

Is peanut butter gluten free?

What is Gluten?

Before we go further, it is important to understand what gluten is. Gluten is a protein found primarily in wheat, barley, and rye. It is the substance that gives bread its chewy texture.

Unfortunately, many people cannot consume gluten due to celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or other dietary restrictions.

Check out Gluten Free Cereal too!

Pure Peanut Butter and Gluten

At its core, peanut butter is made from ground peanuts, and peanuts are gluten-free. So, pure peanut butter that contains only peanuts (and maybe salt) should be free from gluten.

However, not all peanut butters on the market are “pure.” Some contain added ingredients like sugars, oils, and even stabilizers to prevent oil separation. While these additives don’t inherently contain gluten, it’s crucial to consider cross-contamination and other factors.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

Here’s where things can get a bit tricky:

Manufacturing Process: Even if a peanut butter is naturally gluten-free, it could be produced in a facility that also processes wheat or other gluten-containing products. This can introduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Additives and Fillers: Some peanut butter, especially those that aren’t labeled as “natural”, might have fillers or additives that contain gluten.

How to Choose a Safe Peanut Butter

Here are some steps to ensure the peanut butter you pick is truly gluten-free:

Check the Ingredients List: Always read the label. Pure peanut butters should ideally have peanuts as the main (or only) ingredient. Be wary of unrecognizable ingredients or those that might be derived from gluten-containing grains.

Look for a Gluten-Free Label: Many companies now label their products as “gluten-free.” While this doesn’t guarantee the absence of gluten, it generally indicates that the product contains less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten, which is the standard set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Research the Brand: If you’re in doubt, visit the brand’s website. Many companies provide detailed allergen information online. You can also contact the company directly if you have specific questions.

Opt for Certified Gluten-Free: Some products go a step further and are certified gluten-free by a third-party organization. These products have undergone rigorous testing and meet strict standards for gluten content.

Toast with spread.

Gluten-free Peanut Butter Brands

If you’re seeking gluten-free peanut butter, many brands on the market cater to those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or who simply prefer gluten-free products.

Certified gluten-free peanut butter

Certified gluten-free products offer an added layer of assurance as they adhere to strict standards, ensuring they’re safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. If you’re specifically looking for certified gluten-free peanut butter brands, here are a few to consider:

1. Crazy Richard’s

Crazy Richard’s produces pure peanut butter made only from peanuts. Their products are certified gluten-free, offering a safe option for those avoiding gluten.

2. Once Again Nut Butter

As a brand, Once Again Nut Butter is dedicated to producing organic and natural nut butter. Their certified gluten-free label ensures a trustworthy product.

3. Justin’s

Justin’s offers a variety of nut butters, including peanut butter, that carry the certified gluten-free label. Their butters also come in convenient, single-serve packets.

4. PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter

PB2 offers powdered peanut butter that is certified gluten-free. It’s a great option for smoothies, baking, and other recipes. I love using powdered peanut butter in these Protein Overnight Oats!

5. Spread The Love

This brand provides a Naked Peanut Butter that is not only certified gluten-free but also free of added sugars and salts. This peanut butter is very thin and drippy. I always have some in my pantry for dipping apples into!

6. Barney Butter

Although more famous for almond butter, Barney Butter ensures that its products, including peanut butter when available, are certified gluten-free.

7. NuttZo

NuttZo’s mixed nut and seed butter carry the certified gluten-free label, providing a diverse range of flavors and textures.

Peanut butter labeled as gluten-free

Many peanut butter brands recognize the needs of consumers following a gluten-free diet and have taken steps to label their products accordingly. If a product is labeled gluten-free, it typically means it has met specific standards to ensure it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Here are some peanut butter brands that commonly label their products as gluten-free:

1. Jif

Many of Jif’s peanut butter varieties are labeled gluten-free, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards. Try this Peanut Butter Cheesecake!

2. Skippy

Skippy offers various peanut butters, most of which carry the gluten-free label, making them safe for those avoiding gluten.

3. Smucker’s

Smucker’s offers a natural peanut butter that is labeled as gluten-free, providing a simple and safe option. Make these Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossoms!

4. Adams

Adams produces natural peanut butter that is usually labeled as gluten-free, providing another great option.

5. Justin’s

Justin’s has several varieties of natural nut butters, many of which are labeled as gluten-free. I love these Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies!

6. Peter Pan

Peter Pan offers peanut butters that are labeled gluten-free, ensuring they meet the necessary standards.

7. Teddie Natural Peanut Butter

Teddie’s focuses on natural ingredients and has peanut butter labeled as gluten-free. Make these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies using Teddie peanut butter!

8. Santa Cruz Organic

Their organic peanut butter variants are often labeled gluten-free, offering a safe and organic choice.

9. PBfit

PBfit’s powdered peanut butter is often marked as gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Creamy spread.

Brands not labeled as gluten-free

Brands that don’t explicitly label their peanut butter as “gluten-free” might still produce gluten-free peanut butter inherently, as peanut butter is naturally free of gluten. However, the lack of labeling might mean there is a risk of cross-contamination or that the brand hasn’t taken steps to certify the product as gluten-free. Here are some brands that might not explicitly label their peanut butters as gluten-free:

1. Store Brands/Generic Brands

Various supermarkets have their own store brands of peanut butter. They might not always be labeled gluten-free, even though the ingredients might inherently be without gluten.

2. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s offers several types of peanut butter, but not all of them are specifically labeled as gluten-free.

3. 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods)

This Whole Foods’ brand may offer peanut butter that don’t always come with a gluten-free label, so it’s essential to check individual products.

4. Great Value (Walmart)

Walmart’s Great Value brand may not always label their peanut butters as gluten-free, even if the ingredients are inherently so.

5. Kirkland Signature (Costco)

Costco’s store brand, Kirkland Signature, offers peanut butter, but they might not always be labeled as gluten-free.

6. Planters

Planters is more renowned for their nuts, but they do offer peanut butter. Their peanut butter might not always be labeled as gluten-free.

Peanut butter jars.

What peanut butter brands are not certified gluten-free?

There are several peanut butter brands that do not carry an official gluten-free certification, even though their products might inherently be gluten-free due to the natural absence of gluten in peanuts. Brands without a certified gluten-free label might not have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that their products contain less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten. Here are some brands that, as of my last update in September 2021, generally don’t carry an official gluten-free certification:

1. Peter Pan

While Peter Pan’s peanut butter may be naturally gluten-free, they don’t have an official gluten-free certification.

2. Jif

Jif is a popular brand, and many of their products are labeled gluten-free, but they may not be officially certified as gluten-free.

3. Skippy

Skippy offers various peanut butters that are gluten-free by ingredient, but they don’t carry an official certification.

4. Great Value (Walmart)

Walmart’s store brand offers affordable options, but they may not be certified gluten-free.

5. Kirkland Signature (Costco)

Costco’s in-house brand might not carry a certified gluten-free label across all its peanut butter offerings.

6. 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods)

This brand may not have all of its peanut butter varieties officially certified as gluten-free.

7. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s has a variety of peanut butters, but not all might be certified as gluten-free.

Why Certification Matters:

Rigorous Testing: Certified gluten-free products undergo rigorous testing to meet strict standards.

Celiac and Sensitivity Suitability: Those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity might prefer certified products for safety.

Cross-Contamination: Certification often involves assessing the risk of cross-contamination in the manufacturing process.

Coconut peanut butter in jar with knife

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of peanut butter is gluten-free?

Pure peanut butter, made only of peanuts and salt, is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels for additives or cross-contamination risks. Try these Peanut Butter Blondies!

Why is peanut butter not gluten-free?

While peanuts are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination or added ingredients might introduce gluten to some peanut butter brands.

What brands of peanut butter gluten-free?

Jif, Skippy, Justin’s, Smucker’s, and Adams all offer gluten-free peanut butters. Always check labels!

Is Skippy peanut butter gluten-free?

Yes, most Skippy peanut butter varieties are gluten-free, but always check the label for assurance.

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