Is Peanut Butter Vegan? Top 10 Vegan Peanut Butter Brands

Peanut butter is a beloved spread and a breakfast staple all over the world. If you’re vegan or have just started on a vegan diet you might have wondered “Is peanut butter vegan?” We have got you.

The simple answer is that peanut butter is entirely vegan in its pure form, but a few additives can make it non-vegan. Let’s explore which ingredients you should look for when purchasing vegan peanut butter.

What is Vegan Peanut Butter?

Vegan peanut butter is peanut butter that contains no animal-derived products. At its simplest, peanut butter is made from grounded peanuts; it is nutrient-rich containing high levels of protein, vitamins and several minerals. However, commercial varieties commonly contain ingredients to improve texture and taste, such as salt, sweeteners or emulsifiers. To be considered vegan, peanut butter must be free from any animal products such as milk, honey, or additives derived from animals. Most brands add non-vegan stabilizers to prevent oil separation, and that’s why vegans need to be cautious.

Origin of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is traced back to the 1800s. Marcellus Gilmore Edson, a Canadian chemist, patented a peanut paste process from roasted peanuts. In the late 1890s, Dr. Harvey Kelogg was known for making peanut paste from raw peanuts for his older patients who couldn’t chew. By the 20th century, peanut butter became a popular food item in the United States. Companies like Skippy began mass producing, making it a household staple. Today peanut butter is enjoyed globally in different flavors and forms, from creamy to crunchy, with added chocolate or mixed with other nuts, peanut butter has evolved into a versatile and loved food amongst cultures.

Peanut Butter Ingredients

• Peanuts: A primary ingredient in peanut butter, and are naturally vegan. They are legumes and are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. The process of making peanut butter involves roasting the peanuts and then grinding them into a paste. This paste is what we know as peanut butter.

• Oil: Used to create a smooth texture and make it smoother. Commonly used oils include palm oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil and soybean oil. While these oils are plant-based and vegan, the ethical implications of using palm oil should be considered. Palm oil production has been linked to deforestation and habitat destruction, which is why some vegans prefer to avoid it.

• Salt: The standard table salt is vegan.

• Sugar: While sugar is a plant-based ingredient, refined sugar is processed using bone char, which is an animal product. 

Is Peanut Butter Vegan?

Yes! Peanut butter is vegan as all of its ingredients are vegan and plant-derived. It is mainly derived from peanuts and vegetable oil, which are entirely vegan. Like shea butter, cocoa butter, and margarine, peanut butter does not contain butter. However, commercially available peanut butter brands may contain non-vegan additives, making peanut butter unsuitable for vegans.

When purchasing vegan peanut butter, you must avoid the following ingredients

1- Honey

2- Fish oil

3- Gelatin

4- Sugar refined with bone char

5- Milk and dairy products

Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Peanut Butter:

• High level of protein: Plant-based protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Peanut butter typically contains 22.2 grams of protein in 100 grams. You can also include it in a vegan keto diet plan.
• Healthy Fats: Peanut butter is rich in monosaturated fats. These fats can help reduce cholesterol levels, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. 
• Fiber: Peanut butter contains a good amount of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps maintain bowel movements and aids in weight management.
• Antioxidant properties: Peanut butter has been linked to resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Vitamins and minerals: Peanut butter contains important vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins (niacin and folic acid)

How to make Vegan Peanut Butter at Home?

Making vegan peanut butter at home is simple and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring it remains vegan and free from additives. Follow this step-by-step guide to make yours.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of raw or roasted peanuts 
• 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (optional)
• Salt to taste (optional)
• Sweeteners or flavoring  like agave syrup or cocoa powder (optional)

Steps

• If you’re using raw peanuts, roast them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until golden brown. Roasted peanuts can be used directly.
• Blend the peanuts until they start to smoothen, add your vegetable oil, salt and what other flavoring you desire and blend it all up again. 
• Once the mixture has been incorporated, transfer peanut butter to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This can last up to 2-3 weeks.
• If you prefer chunky peanut butter, add some crushed peanuts to your mix. 

You can use homemade vegan peanut butter topping for desserts and vegan banana bread.

Top 10 Vegan Peanut Butter Brands:

If you are in hurry and do not want to prepare vegan peanut butter at home, we have created a list of 100% vegan peanut butter brands for your ease. You can try these brands to purchase vegan peanut butter:

• Spread the Love Organic Peanut Butter
• Wowbutter Natural Peanut Free Creamy
• PBfit Peanut Butter
• Spread The Love NAKED Organic Peanut Butter
• Pic’s Smooth Peanut Butter
• Yum Butter Organic Peanut Butter
• Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter Co
• Adam’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
• Peanut Butter & Co Peanut Butter
• VGood PeaNOT Butter SMOOTH

Why is Peanut Butter not Vegan?

As much as many peanut butter are advertised as vegan, certain additives can make them non-vegan. Here are some reasons why peanut butter might not be suitable for vegans:

• Honey: Commonly used as a natural sweetener in some peanut butter, honey is not vegan.
• Dairy Ingredients: A number of brands add milk powder or other dairy products to enhance creaminess. Milk is not vegan.
• Non-Vegan Emulsifiers: Ingredients like lecithin can be derived from eggs or soy. If it’s egg-derived, it’s non-vegan.
• Flavor Additives: Certain flavors and sweeteners may come from animal sources. If it is not explicitly stated, it’s best to avoid it.

How to Identify Vegan Peanut Butter?

When shopping for peanut butter, here are some tips to ensure you’re choosing a vegan option:

• Read the Ingredient List: Look for any non-vegan ingredients such as honey, dairy products, or emulsifiers.
• Check for Certifications: Some brands may have vegan certifications or labels indicating they are suitable for vegans.
• Look for Simple Ingredients: Peanut butter with fewer ingredients is less likely to contain non-vegan additives. The best options usually contain just peanuts and perhaps a bit of salt.
• Research the Brand: Some brands are known for their vegan products. Do a quick search to see if the brand generally aligns with vegan principles.

When buying from stores, checking for certifications and labels or researching brands that are known for their vegan products are important in staying vegan and help you enjoy your vegan peanut butter by choosing wisely.

Conclusion

Peanut butter is a vegan stable but as a vegan, it’s important to stay cautious when picking a peanut butter brand. Natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients is a sure and safe bet. By understanding the ingredients, you can enjoy peanut butter without compromising on your dietary principles. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, ensuring your peanut butter aligns with vegan standards is key to maintaining a vegan lifestyle. Additionally, making your own peanut butter at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, giving you absolute control over your food and its ingredients.