Santa Cruz Organic Dark Roasted Creamy“Nice and rich, without being too dense,” declared a taster. “Delicious!” said another, who suggested pairing it with apple slices. “It definitely sticks to the roof of your mouth, but I love it.”
To buy: $5.50 for 16 ounces.
Smucker’s Natural CreamyNot too salty, this peanut butter’s pure flavor and effortless spreadability had wide appeal. “There’s none of the bitter aftertaste you find with some natural brands,” said a fan.
To buy: $3 for 16 ounces.
Smucker's Natural Chunky“This has an addictive toasty and roasty flavor,” raved a natural-peanut-butter convert. A second noted the plentiful peanut bits. “It would be great on a banana,” she said.
To buy: $3 for 16 ounces
Santa Cruz Organic Light Roasted Crunchy“This has a well-balanced nuttiness and a perfect peanut-to-butter ratio,” pronounced one tester. Others appreciated the touch of salt and mild roasted taste.
To buy: $5 for 16 ounces.
Joseph’s Sugar-Free Creamy ValenciaFor panelists who like their peanut butter pure (without even salt), this brand’s creamy consistency and intense taste won high marks. It glided on easily without seeming oily.
To buy: $3 for 18 ounces.
Note: Some batches of this product were recalled on September 24, 2012. Please check the FDA's website for full recall information.
Once Again Nut Butter Old Fashioned SmoothAlthough stickier than most, this peanut butter, spiked with flecks of flavorful skins, was redeemed by its concentrated taste, which won it a band of champions among the testers.
To buy: $4.25 for 16 ounces.