How Much Does Peanut Butter Cost?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Creamy, and crunchy, with a well-known sweetness or spread on rice slices, peanut butter is by far the most popular and versatile spreadable product; and the most delicious, some would add. We like it so much that it is an item that must not miss from our pantry, or grocery list when we go shopping. Now we add it to shakes, smoothies, or homemade desserts! Like any delicacy or healthy food, however, it should be consumed in moderation and, to the same extent, it is important to always choose only quality peanut butter.

Indeed, peanut butter is high in fat and high in calories due to the fact that it is a product made from peanuts. As peanuts are part of the category of oilseeds, which we know very well are rich in fat and calories we can make the logical deduction that peanut butter can not be all that different.

How much does peanut butter cost?

Peanut butter can cost anywhere from just under $3 to $15 per jar, and a 64-ounce jar of peanut butter ranges in price between $8-$13. A 15-ounce jar is the cheapest option at only about $3 if not less.

Organic peanut butter with no hydrogenated oils and other artificial flavors can be found at a cost of $4 to $10 per jar.

The organic Powdered Peanut Butter manufactured by PB2 retails for $8 to $15 per jar while the popular Skippy Peanut Butter retails at a cheaper price of just up to four dollars.

Jif Creamy Peanut Butter costs at Target, $3.12 for a 16-ounce jar and $7.19 for a 40-ounce jar. 

At Walmart, you can also find Smucker’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter for $6.28 in a 16-oz jar.

Peanut butter brands and prices

Peanut butter details

Peanut butter in the past was not available as we know it today, but the Incas and Aztecs are believed to have been among the first to grind roasted peanuts into a paste.

Today, peanut butter remains a popular and versatile food enjoyed in many forms, from sandwiches of toast with peanut butter and jelly to smoothies, and as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Its history reflects its evolution from a simple paste to a beloved and nutritious pantry staple.

There are basically two types of peanut butter: crunchy and creamy. In general, crunchy tends to contain more fiber, while creamy butter has more protein. However the nutritional differences are not significant, so the choice between crunchy and creamy depends only on your tastes.

You might also like our articles about the cost of honey, cheesecake, or mason jars.

Instead, it is important that when choosing peanut butter, be wary of additives sugar, or other sweeteners. The product should not contain anything other than peanuts (over 90%), a little salt, and oils, and an organic version of butter will not contain salt and will be made from 100% peanuts.

The U.S. government mandates that all peanut butter must be made with at least ninety percent peanuts, and no artificial sweeteners or chemical preservatives can be used in the process of making it either. The United States is one of only two countries worldwide to have these regulations – the other being Canada – because Americans know what’s best for them when it comes to peanut butter.

What are the extra costs?

Due to its processing costs, organic peanut butter will cost an average of 30% more, which is a small price to pay for the quality and healthiness it provides.

For those who crave the thick, creamy texture of homemade peanut butter and want to make it from scratch in their own kitchen there’s an appliance for them. A peanut butter maker is the most popular form of such appliance and ranges anywhere from $20-$200 depending on brand and features. If you want to purchase a good peanut butter maker compare reviews and services. A 2023 model will definitely be more expensive.

Important things to remember

The healthiest peanut butter is one that contains only roasted peanuts or has a small amount of salt as the only acceptable addition.

Also, another aspect that confirms the quality of peanut butter, regardless of consistency, is the presence on the surface of a quantity of oil before, or even after opening the jar. As we have said, peanuts are rich in fats, fats that rise naturally to the surface in the form of oil.

The presence of oil does not mean a lower quality of the product but on the contrary! Moreover, the lack of this characteristic indicates that the assortment in question contains hydrogenated oils, an addition that prevents this separation between fats and the peanuts themselves.

To guarantee 100% natural peanut butter, choose products that are labeled on the container as certified organic.

Experts claim that about 2 tablespoons of peanut butter a day should be enough to benefit from all the nutrients it provides. Moreover, if you manage to limit consumption to 2 tablespoons a day, your silhouette will not suffer. The two spoons consumed every day contain approximately:

• 188 calories;
• 8 grams of vegetable protein;
• 6.3 grams of carbohydrates – of which 1.9 grams are dietary fiber and 2.9 grams of sugar;
• 16 grams of fat – of which 84% is unsaturated fat;
• 208 mg of potassium.

In addition to its high content of protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats (‘good fats’), peanut butter is a rich source of vitamin E, vitamin B6, niacin (vitamin B3), phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper, all of which are accompanied by 0 grams of cholesterol.

Obviously, peanut butter should not be consumed by people who are allergic to peanuts. Possible allergic reactions include:

• rash and hives;
• stomach cramps and nausea;
• breathing difficulties;
• dizziness;

Also, due to its high calorie or fat content, peanut butter should be avoided by obese people.

Brands to take into consideration

1. Planters
2. Jif
3. Skippy
4. Peter Pan

How can I save money?

The host of The Kitchn’s site shares her wisdom on why it is wise to skip the store brands of peanut butter and make your own at home. Or alternatively, buy the natural version if possible.

Peanut butter is a tasty and healthy spread that can be stored for months on end. If you’re trying to save money, consider buying large jars of peanut butter as they may be cheaper per ounce than the smaller ones. You could also buy in bulk from wholesale clubs such as Costco or Sam’s Club so your delicious spreads last even longer.

You can find coupons from many major brands in the Sunday paper and on their official website. By looking for this, you could save $1 or more off of a jar with ease.

Store-branded peanut butter often has the same ingredients as name brands and it can be up to 30% cheaper.