Member's Mark Spreads

How to Buy The Best Peanut Butter: Buying Guide

What is peanut butter?

Peanut butter. It's a classic. Spreadable, spoonable, dippable, delicious. Made from dry-roasted ground peanuts, the paste-like spread is an American staple.

What is peanut butter made of?

To be considered peanut butter, the product must contain at least 90 percent peanuts. Vegetable oil—typically peanut oil—is added. The oil works to develop the creaminess known and loved by many. Finally, depending on the type of peanut butter and the manufacturer, sweeteners and salt may be added.

Is peanut butter good for you?

Peanut butter can be a good source of protein. One serving of peanut butter contains a little over 3 grams of saturated fat. The same serving has over 12 grams of unsaturated fat. This means that nearly 80 percent of the serving is composed of "good fat." This is similar to olive oil—a product well known for its healthfulness.

A 2 tablespoon serving of peanut butter* also contains:

• 180 calories
• 6.4 grams of carbohydrate
• 1.9 grams of fiber
• 3.4 grams of saturated fat
• 8 grams of protein
• 0 mg of cholesterol
• Only hydrogenated oil (when peanut oil is used)

Peanut butter is also full of important nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and potassium. Overall, peanut butter is a protein-rich and healthy snack food.

*Creamy peanut butter with salt

Who should eat peanut butter?

If there's one thing nutritionists, dieticians and research agree on, it's that peanut butter can be a part of a healthy diet. Peanut butter is especially good for:

• Kids: A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a nutritious, healthy, protein-packed, fuel-for-energy snack food. (And it doesn't hurt that a PB&J is simple to make and has minimal prep time.)
• Athletes: Packed with nutrition and a legitimate fuel-filled energy snack, this childhood favorite is consumed by many endurance athletes regularly.
• Diabetics: Nutritionists recommend peanut butter as a healthy snack choice for people with diabetes. Because peanut butter contains fiber, protein and magnesium, it can help reduce blood sugar spikes. Those with diabetes should be especially careful to read food labels to check amounts of added sugar.

Multiple studies reveal that there is a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in people who consume nuts and peanut butter regularly.

What Different Types of Peanut Butter Are There?

Peanut butter is a versatile food. It's used in all kinds of recipes as a nutritious ingredient addition. It's also versatile in the different ways it is prepared to fit the palette of any person.

At Sam's Club we carry a wide range of peanut butter types:

• Smooth/creamy peanut butter
• Chunky/crunchy peanut butter
• Natural peanut butter
• Powdered peanut butter
• Organic peanut butter
• Reduced-fat peanut butter
• Peanut butter alternatives (almond butter, cashew butter, hazelnut spread)

With so many styles, it's no wonder peanut butter is used as an ingredient in a variety of easy recipes.

Peanut butter can be added to bread or toast and even baked goods like brownies, muffins and, of course, peanut butter cookies. Other peanut butter recipes include chocolate peanut butter cups, smoothies and peanut butter granola bars. It's also a primary ingredient in some savory dishes, such as Thai peanut sauces.

What Brands of Peanut Butter Does Sam's Club Sell?

When you're shopping for peanut butter, Sam's Club is the place to go. We carry a vast selection of peanut butter types from many major brands.

At Sam's Club and SamsClub.com you'll find:

• Member's Mark
• Jif
• Skippy
• Peter Pan
• PBfit
• Nutella
• Augason Farms

Whether you need to purchase in bulk, want to stock up for the family or you're looking for individual grab-and-go packs, we've got what you need.

FAQ: Peanut Butter

How is peanut butter made?

To start, unsalted peanuts are ground into a thick paste, using an industrial-size food processor. To make the product more spreadable, peanut oil is often added during grinding.

In 1895, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (of cereal fame) was the first to patent the process used to make peanut butter from raw peanuts.

Is peanut butter keto-friendly?

Two tablespoons of natural peanut butter have less than 4 grams of net carbs. In fact, the majority of carbs come from fiber.

Nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter and sunflower seed butter make even better keto-friendly choices. These are high-protein, high-fat, lower-carb alternatives. Another option is to make your own peanut butter.

Is peanut butter protein?

Yes. Peanut butter is a great source of plant-based protein. A 2 tablespoon serving contains 8 grams of protein which is 16 percent of the daily recommended value in a 2,000 calorie diet. Overall, most peanut butter is about 25 percent protein.

Is peanut butter gluten-free?

Good news. Most peanut butter brands contain no gluten. The various forms of peanut products—nuts, butter, oil and flour—are naturally gluten-free.

Does peanut butter go bad?

Peanut butter is one of those foods with an exceptionally long shelf-life, thanks to the large amount of vitamin E it contains. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant which makes the spread less susceptible to bacteria and fungi.

If kept in an airtight container at room temperature, peanut butter can last up to 12 months after opening.