Peanut butter is one of the most popular spreads in the world. It’s simple, satisfying and incredibly versatile — perfect on toast, blended into smoothies or eaten straight from the jar when nobody’s watching.

But not all peanut butter is the same.

Some jars contain nothing but roasted peanuts, while others include oils, sugars and stabilisers that change the taste and texture completely. Understanding the differences can help you choose a peanut butter that suits your taste, your cooking and your lifestyle.

This guide covers everything you need to know about peanut butter — from how it’s made to the differences between natural and processed spreads.

What Is Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is a spread made by grinding roasted peanuts into a thick paste. The natural oils in peanuts create the smooth, creamy texture that makes peanut butter so recognisable.

Traditional peanut butter contains just one ingredient:

Roasted peanuts

Some versions also add salt for flavour.

Many modern peanut butters also include additional ingredients to change the taste, sweetness or texture.

Natural Peanut Butter vs Processed Peanut Butter

One of the biggest differences between peanut butter products is whether they are natural or processed.

Natural peanut butter is made primarily from peanuts, sometimes with a small amount of salt. Because it doesn’t contain stabilisers, the natural peanut oil may separate over time.

Processed peanut butter often includes ingredients such as:

• palm oil

• sugar

• emulsifiers

• flavourings

These ingredients help prevent oil separation and create a uniform texture, but they also change the nutritional profile and flavour.

If you want a simpler product, you can explore our natural peanut butter range, made using roasted peanuts and simple ingredients.

Smooth vs Crunchy Peanut Butter

Another choice peanut butter fans often debate is smooth or crunchy.

Smooth peanut butter is ground for longer, producing a creamy, spreadable texture.

Crunchy peanut butter includes small pieces of peanuts that add texture and bite.

Neither option is better — it comes down to personal preference.

Some people prefer smooth peanut butter for baking and smoothies, while crunchy peanut butter works well for toast and sandwiches.

Flavoured Peanut Butter

In recent years, flavoured peanut butter has become increasingly popular.

These spreads start with a peanut butter base and add ingredients such as chocolate, honey or caramel to create richer flavour combinations.

If you're curious to try something a little different, our flavoured peanut butter collection includes combinations like caramel crunch and honey & sea salt, built around roasted peanuts and bold flavours.

Is Peanut Butter Healthy?

Peanut butter can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

Peanuts naturally contain:

• protein

• healthy fats

• fibre

• vitamins and minerals

Because peanut butter is calorie-dense, moderation is important. A typical serving size is around one or two tablespoons.

Choosing a peanut butter with fewer added ingredients is often the simplest way to keep it closer to its natural nutritional profile.

How Peanut Butter Is Used

Peanut butter is incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

Common ways people enjoy it include:

• spreading it on toast

• adding it to porridge

• blending it into smoothies

• using it in baking

• making sauces and dressings

Of course, many peanut butter fans simply enjoy it straight from the jar.

How to Choose a Good Peanut Butter

When choosing peanut butter, it helps to look at the ingredient list.

A high-quality peanut butter usually starts with roasted peanuts as the main ingredient.

Texture, flavour and sweetness will vary depending on how the peanuts are roasted and what additional ingredients are included.

If you prefer something simple, natural peanut butter is a good option. If you enjoy experimenting with flavours, flavoured peanut butter can offer something more indulgent.

Try Clever Peanut Butter

If you’d like to try peanut butter made with bold flavours and roasted peanuts, explore the Clever Foods range.

You can browse our:

Flavoured Peanut Butter Collection or discover our Natural Peanut Butter Range

Each jar is made in the UK and designed for people who believe peanut butter should never be boring.