The quick answer is yes, peanut butter is naturally dairy free. Peanut butter is made by grinding roasted peanuts into a paste, without any dairy ingredients added. Some peanut butter brands may contain small amounts of milk products like whey powder, but true peanut butter only contains peanuts and maybe salt.
What ingredients are in peanut butter?
The main ingredients in peanut butter are:
- Peanuts – Peanuts are the main ingredient that make up the bulk of peanut butter.
- Salt – Some salt is usually added for flavor. Salted versus unsalted peanut butter comes down to personal taste.
- Sugar – Small amounts of sugar may be added to sweeten the peanut butter.
- Hydrogenated oils – These added oils help stabilize peanut butter and prevent separation.
- Emulsifiers – Lecithin is commonly added to help evenly distribute the peanut oils through the butter.
While the ingredients can vary by brand, peanut butter is primarily peanuts. The peanuts are dry roasted and ground down into a paste to create that creamy texture we know as peanut butter. Peanut butter does not naturally contain any dairy ingredients.
Do some peanut butter brands contain milk products?
Although peanut butter itself does not contain dairy, some commercial brands add milk derivatives like whey powder into their peanut butter. Here are some examples of dairy ingredients occasionally found in peanut butter:
- Whey powder
- Casein
- Milk protein concentrate
- Skim milk powder
These milk-based ingredients may be used for extra protein content, emulsification, or flavor. Always check the ingredient list to confirm whether a peanut butter contains dairy products or not. Many low fat and reduced sugar peanut butters add whey powder.
Why do some peanut butters contain dairy?
There are a few reasons why some peanut butter manufacturers add milk derivatives like whey powder to their recipes:
- Whey helps make peanut butter creamier and smoother by stabilizing the emulsification.
- Milk proteins boost the protein content in reduced fat peanut butters.
- Powdered milk adds a creamy texture and mild sweetness.
- Dairy powders help prevent oil separation in commercial peanut butter jars.
While dairy is not required to make peanut butter, these functional properties make dairy powders an attractive addition for mass-market peanut butter brands. The dairy also enhances flavor and nutrition for consumers who are not vegan or dairy-free.
How to check if peanut butter has dairy
To check if a peanut butter contains milk derivatives, simply read the ingredients label on the jar and look for any of these dairy-based ingredients:
- Whey powder
- Whey protein concentrate
- Milk protein
- Casein
- Lactose
- Skim milk powder
Ideally, the only ingredients should be peanuts and maybe salt. Also look for allergy warnings that state “Contains milk” or “May contain dairy”. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer to ask if their peanut butter contains milk products.
Brands of peanut butter with no dairy
Here are some popular peanut butter brands that are dairy-free:
- Jif Natural Peanut Butter
- Skippy Peanut Butter
- Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter
- Trader Joe’s Creamy No-Stir Peanut Butter
- Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter
- MaraNatha Organic Peanut Butter
- Whole Foods 365 Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
Be sure to double check the ingredient label, as formulas can change over time. Many natural peanut butters only contain peanuts and salt without dairy additions.
Types of peanut butter without dairy
These kinds of peanut butter tend to be dairy-free:
- Natural peanut butter – Made from just roasted peanuts and salt, without hydrogenated oils or sweeteners.
- Organic peanut butter – Uses only organic peanuts and minimal natural ingredients.
- No-stir peanut butter – Has an emulsifier added like lecithin for easy spreading.
- Chunky peanut butter – Contains pieces of crushed peanuts for texture.
- Smooth peanut butter – A creamy blend of ground peanuts without chunks.
- Reduced fat peanut butter – Uses nonfat milk powder so check the label.
Stick with classic smooth or crunchy peanut butter, checking to make sure none of the processed low-fat or sweetened varieties contain whey or other dairy products.
Are other nut and seed butters dairy-free?
Just like peanut butter, other nut and seed butters are also naturally dairy-free including:
- Almond butter
- Cashew butter
- Sunflower seed butter
- Walnut butter
- Soy nut butter
- Pumpkin seed butter
These nut and seed butters contain no dairy in their natural form. Some flavored commercial versions could potentially add whey or milk ingredients though, so check the label. Your best bet is sticking with all-natural nut and seed butters.
Homemade nut and seed butters
Making your own nut butter at home ensures it is dairy-free. Just blend nuts or seeds of your choice in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Add a touch of salt or spices as desired. Here are some easy homemade nut butter recipes to try:
Almond Butter
Ingredients:
- 2 cups raw almonds
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Place almonds in food processor and process for 10-12 minutes until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add salt and sweetener if using and blend again to incorporate.
- Store almond butter in an airtight container. Keeps for 2-3 weeks.
Cashew Butter
Ingredients:
- 2 cups raw cashews
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 tsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Process cashews in a food processor for 10 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
- Add salt and coconut oil and process again until combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 weeks.
Feel free to customize your homemade nut butters with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or other mix-ins to taste. The options are endless for crafting your own dairy-free nut and seed spreads.
Vegan peanut butter alternatives
For those who cannot have peanut butter due to allergy, preference, or dietary restrictions like veganism, there are many dairy-free “peanut butter” alternatives:
- Almond butter
- Cashew butter
- Sunflower seed butter
- Walnut butter
- Pumpkin seed butter
- Hazelnut butter
- Soy nut butter
- Pea butter
Seed and nut butters make excellent substitutes, offering similar nutrition and texture when spread on sandwiches or used in recipes. Always check the ingredients for any hidden dairy just to be safe.
How to substitute peanut butter in recipes
Whether due to preference or allergy, peanut butter can be substituted in recipes with ease using any of these dairy-free options:
| Substitute | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Almond butter | 1:1 |
| Cashew butter | 1:1 |
| Sunflower seed butter | 1:1 |
| Hazelnut butter | 1:1 |
| Soy nut butter | 1:1 |
Measure out the nut or seed butter using an equal amount in place of what the recipe calls for peanut butter. The flavors may vary slightly, but the dairy-free substitute will give very similar results in cookies, bars, smoothies, and more.
Can peanut butter go bad or spoil?
An unopened jar of peanut butter has a very long shelf life and can safely stay good for 6-12 months in the pantry before going bad. Once opened, peanut butter lasts about 3-4 months as long as it is stored properly in a cool, dry place.
Signs peanut butter has spoiled
You’ll know your peanut butter has spoiled if you see any of these signs:
- Mold growing on the surface
- Bad odor that smells sour or rancid
- Change from smooth texture to gritty or very oily
- Discoloration from rich tan to brown or gray
Peanut butter made only from peanuts naturally resists spoilage. But over time, the oils can turn rancid causing an unappetizing smell and taste. Excess moisture from double-dipping utensils can also introduce mold.
How to store peanut butter
Follow these tips to help peanut butter stay fresh for as long as possible:
- Keep unopened peanut butter in a cool, dry pantry away from heat or sunlight.
- Refrigerate opened peanut butter to prevent oil separation.
- Use clean utensils to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Seal the lid tightly between uses.
- Store peanut butter upside down to keep oil distributed.
- Keep peanut butter away from other foods with strong odors.
With proper storage methods, natural peanut butter can maintain quality and taste for months past a “best by” date. Use your senses of smell and taste to determine if your peanut butter has truly spoiled.
Does peanut butter need to be refrigerated?
An unopened jar of peanut butter does not need to be refrigerated thanks to its low moisture content and high oil content. But refrigeration extends the shelf life of opened peanut butter by slowing down the separation of oils.
The oils in peanut butter naturally start separating from the peanut solids after a month or two in the pantry. While still perfectly safe to eat, this can cause the peanut butter to become dry and crumbly on top. Refrigeration helps keep the oils and solids blended together smoothly.
If your peanut butter already shows signs of separation, you can:
- Stir the oils back in thoroughly before use
- Store upside down so oil pools at the bottom
- Microwave 30 seconds to warm and liquify oils
While not required, refrigeration is recommended for best quality and texture once peanut butter is opened. But it can be left at room temperature if using quickly.
Can peanut butter be frozen?
Peanut butter handles freezing well for long-term storage. To freeze peanut butter:
- Make sure peanut butter is fresh and securely sealed.
- Pack jars tightly together in freezer bags or foil.
- Freeze for up to 9-12 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using again.
Frozen peanut butter may show some oil separation after thawing but will taste normal. Give it a good stir before use. Frozen peanut butter crumbles more easily when spreading so allow it to fully thaw for easier spreading.
Can you freeze homemade peanut butter?
Homemade peanut butter freezes just as well as store-bought. Prepare your homemade peanut butter and allow it to cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. Remove as much air from containers as possible before sealing. Then freeze for 2-3 months.
Let homemade peanut butter thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using again. The oils and texture should return to normal at room temperature after thawing.
Conclusion
Peanut butter is a pantry staple loved by many. Thankfully, peanut butter is naturally dairy-free, containing only roasted peanuts and maybe salt in its simplest form. Some processed peanut butter brands add milk derivatives like whey powder, so check the ingredients label carefully if avoiding dairy. Stick with all-natural peanut butter or other nut and seed butters to stay dairy-free. Homemade nut butters are another easy way ensure your spread is free of dairy. With proper storage and freezing, both homemade and store-bought peanut butter can last long-term without spoilage issues.
