Skippy Peanut Butter: Is It Healthier Than Other Options?

Peanut butter is a trendy staple that is used in many household recipes. It is cherished for its versatile nature and creamy, rich texture. Various brands of peanut butter are available in the market, but Skippy, a famous American brand, has made its name in the market. 

But, people are becoming more and more diet-conscious and are questioning whether this famous brand of peanut butter is the healthiest choice in the market. This review provides a closer look at Skippy peanut butter, its nutritional and ingredient profile, its health benefits, and how it stands against the other brands of peanut butter. Keep reading to delve into more details. 

It also examines whether there are better alternatives on the market. Keep reading to delve into more details. But if you need Skippy peanut butter, we have many choices for you. Visit us to buy RYSE Loaded Protein, Skippy Peanut Butter, and many other products from Welzo. 

What is Skippy Peanut Butter? 

SKIPPY® Peanut Butter is a famous peanut butter brand that has been available since 1932-33. It is available in various forms, e.g., chunky, creamy, and natural. Its balanced flavour and smooth texture make it an excellent choice for many peanut butter lovers. 

Like other peanut butter, it is prepared from roasted peanuts and has many additional ingredients, such as oils, salt, and sugar, and its composition also depends upon the specific variety. It is loved for its taste, but some customers raise concerns about its ingredient profile. It has added oils and sugars that are risky compared to other minimally processed and natural peanut butter. Now, let's have a look at its ingredient profile.

Ingredient profile 

The ingredient profile of Skippy Peanut Butter helps the users to decide about its health benefits. The ingredient profile of a typical jar of Skippy Peanut Butter is as follows; 

• Roasted peanuts
• Hydrogenated vegetable oil (rapeseed, soybean and cottonseed oil) to avoid separation
• Salt

Its primary ingredient, the roasted peanut, is a healthy source of plant-based proteins, fats and fibre. The added hydrogenated oils and sugars are desirable and comfortable for many users. 

Hydrogenated oils: These oils are included to avoid the natural separation of the natural oils present in the peanuts. However, these oils are a source of trans fats and have negative health consequences, e.g., increased risk of cardiac illnesses. Although the brand claims to have zero trans fats, hydrogenated oils are nevertheless of concern to those with health concerns. 

Added sugars: Skippy Peanut Butter has added sugars which are in stark contrast to natural peanut butter which typically contains just a bit of salt in addition to the peanuts. As per the label information, two tablespoons (32g) of Skippy Peanut Butter contains 3g of added sugar. Although small, this sugar is nevertheless critical for those who want to reduce their sugar intake. 

Nutritional profile 

The two tablespoons serving of Skippy Peanut Butter provides the following nutrients to the body; 

• Total fat: 16g (20% DV)
• Calories: 190
• Calories from fat: 140
• Trans fats: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Saturated fats: 3g (15% DV)
• Sodium: 150mg (6% DV)
• Proteins: 7g (14% DV)
• Sugars: 3g
• Dietary fibre: 2g (7% DV)
• Total carbohydrates: 7g (2% DV)
• Vitamin A: 0
• Vitamin C: 0
• Vitamin E 10%
• Iron: 2%
• Niacin: 20%
• Calcium: 0

Its protein content, calories, and overall nutritional profile are similar to those of other peanut butter products. However, 3g of saturated fats and 3g of added sugars exceed those of unsweetened and natural peanut butter varieties and demand caution when using it.  

Health Benefits of Skippy Peanut Butter 

Regardless of its brands, peanut butter has many health benefits, mainly when used in moderation. These are;

Richness in minerals and vitamins 

It contains numerous minerals and vitamins, such as niacin, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin E. These nutrients help maintain overall health. 

Healthy fats

It contains a good amount of fats, particularly the heart-healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that help lower bad cholesterol levels. 

Richness in proteins  

It is a good source of plant-based proteins, vital for muscle growth and repair. The typical serving of Skippy Peanut Butter contains about 7g of proteins which makes it a good snack for protein-deficient people who need a protein boost. 

Disadvantages of Skippy Peanut Butter 

Some downsides are associated with the use of Skippy Peanut Butter besides the general health benefits mentioned above. These include, 

Sodium content: One serving of Skippy Peanut Butter has about 150 mg of sodium which is significantly higher than the amount present in other natural peanut butter. Higher sodium intake is associated with a higher risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular issues. So, lower-salt peanut butter is necessary for reducing sodium intake. 

Hydrogenated oils: The presence of hydrogenated oils in the Skippy Peanut Butter is another negative point. These oils prevent the oil separation and maintain the smooth consistency of the oils. Although the brand claims to have 0 trans fats, trace amounts can nevertheless be present and are dangerous. These fats are linked to inflammation, heart diseases, and other health issues, making the natural peanut butter that doesn't contain salt the better choice. 

Higher sugar content: It has about 3g of sugar per serving, and this sugar content is a significant part of heavy sugar intake. This is problematic as the American Heart Association recommends just 36g (9 teaspoons) of sugar daily for males and 25g (6 teaspoons) for females. 

So, unsweetened and natural peanut butter is better for those worried about sugar intake or who have diabetes.

Comparison to other types of Peanut Butters 

Let's compare the health profile of Skippy Peanut Butter with other peanut butter types to evaluate its health impact better fully. 

Powdered Peanut Butter 

Powdered peanut butter, such as PBfit and PB2, offers a unique solution to those who want to reduce their intake of calories and salts. It is prepared by slowly pressing the natural oils in the peanuts and is thus a natural low-calorie and low-fat choice that is efficiently rehydrated with water. 

A 2-tablespoon serving of PB2 contains 1.5g of fat and 60 calories, making it a favourable choice for those on a calorie-restricted diet. However, the presence of lower fats also means low healthy fats. 

Organic Peanut Butter 

It is prepared from peanuts grown without the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Various brands, such as Trader Joe's Organic Peanut Butter and MaraNatha Organic Peanut Butter, are good examples of organic peanut butter. It is similar to natural peanut butter but better assures sustained farming practices. 

From a health point of view, its benefits are similar to natural peanut butter, but it is free of hydrogenated oils and has lower added sugars than Skippy Peanut Butter. 

Natural Peanut Butter 

It has just two ingredients: salt and peanuts. Famous brands like 365 by Whole Foods and Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter are available. The main advantages are that it is minimally processed, has no hydrogenated oils, and has no added sugars. It is a healthier choice for those prioritising natural ingredients and avoiding unnecessary additives. 

This peanut butter has a more oily consistency that needs stirring before use, and many users note it to be inconvenient. 

We have Vive Natural Protein Peanut Butter Snack Bar for nature lovers who prefer natural options. Visit us to buy it from Welzo.

Other Commercial Brands (Peter Pan, Jef, etc) 

These two brands are the closest competitors of Skippy. Both of these brands have oils and added sugars in their butter and are thus nutritionally similar to the Skippy. For instance, a serving of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter contains 3g added sugars, 16g fats and 190 calories, which makes it almost similar to the Skippy. So, it offers nearly the same health profile as the Skippy. 

Is Skippy a healthier choice? 

Skippy offers a better texture and a classical taste that the consumers love. It is, however, not the best and the healthiest choice in the market. Its high sodium content, added sugars, and hydrogenated oils make it less ideal for those who prefer a nutritionally dense, clean & healthy product. 

Compared to organic and natural peanut butter, Skippy has more additives and has undergone more processing. It is still a part of a healthy lifestyle and maintains a balanced health if used in moderation. The unsweetened and natural varieties are a natural choice for those seeking natural options, as these choices provide all health benefits without unnecessary additives. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which is the healthiest type of peanut butter? 

Natural Peanut Butter is the better choice as it has less sugar, no sodium, and few saturated fats. It is ground into a smooth paste and is best for dips, smoothies, and spreads. 

Is Skippy Peanut Butter a healthier choice than Nutella? 

Yes, it is a better source of vitamins than chocolate spreads, such as Nutella. It is also higher in proteins and lower in unhealthy fats and sugar than Nutella. 

What are the other alternatives to Peanut Butter? 

For many users, pecan butter, hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, and other tree nut butter are better substitutes for peanut butter. They have a similar mutational profile and have more antioxidants, fibre, and heart-healthy fats. 

What makes Skippy Peanut Butter more oily to eat? 

It is rich in hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as rapeseed, soybean, and cottonseed, which are added to keep it from separating. These oils make it oily to eat. 

Is it okay to refrigerate the Skippy Peanut Butter? 

Yes, it is okay to refrigerate Skippy peanut butter without altering its taste for a long time. It can be stored in a dry and cool place or at room temperature without opening it. 

What are the healthier ways to take Skippy? 

The healthiest ways to use Skippy Peanut Butter are Power Smoothies, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauces, making flavourless peanut butter cookies, peanut butter cookies with flax seeds and oats, Oatmeal peanut bars and peanut butter cupcakes. 

Bottom-line  

SKIPPY® Peanut Butter is a convenient and tasty option, but it is not the healthiest choice for those who prioritise lower sugar levels and low-fat options. It has high sodium content, hydrogenated oils, and more added sugar, which is thus disliked by those who prefer minimally processed food. The organic and natural varieties of peanut butter are the best options for those who prefer natural and wholesome choices. 

So, if taste and texture are the top priorities, the SKIPPY® Peanut Butter is a healthy choice used in moderation. So, the decision depends upon mutational goals and personal preferences. If a person needs minimal additives, organic and natural options are better.

Consumers like many peanut butter choices at Welzo. Visit us to buy Uncle Jack's Smooth Peanut Butter & Meridian Crunchy Peanut Butter and consult our healthcare providers through our Private GP Appointments Online.