What's the difference between regular peanut butter and the organic kind with the oil at the top?

Question

What's the difference between regular peanut butter and the organic kind with the oil at the top?

Answer 1

Regular peanut butter uses partially hydrogenated oil.  That makes the peanut butter have a better texture, but it also makes it worse for you because it adds saturated fat.

Natural peanut butter has oil at the top.  You have to mix it.  But I think if you put it in the fridge it will stay mixed.  The oil is just a side effect.  Natural peanut butter is more healthy.  There's a new product called Skippy Natural.  It's smooth and natural, but they just replaced the hydrogenated fat with palm oil which still adds saturated fat, so it's a gimmick.

Answer 2

From what I can tell from eating both kinds, I would say that the "regular" peanut butter might have the oil more mixed in and the peanuts were pressed and left longer in preservation before being put in jars.  As far as taste is concerned, sometimes the "organic" kind tastes more strong as if it is more fresh...  Personally, I will eat both kinds but if I have a choice I would choose the more organic kind because I can mix the oil in and there might be less sugary ingredients...  some of the organic kinds just say "peanuts" as the only ingredients.

Answer 3

The organic one separates and has oil at the top because it has no trans fats.  If you look at most peanut butters, they will say they contain Fully Hydrogenated Oils which helps keep it solid at room temperature.  That's bad for your arteries over time though.  

I just bought an organic one that is as firm as the regular stuff but you still need to refrigerate it after opening.  I believe it's the 365 brand from Whole Foods.  

Answer 4

Regular peanut butter has trans fats to keep the oil from separating and sugar.  The organic or natural peanut butter doesn't have either of these.  

I buy Adams Peanut butter.  As far as the oil goes I pour it off.  I still have to mix it a little or the peanut butter at the bottom gets too thick, but I've just made myself low fat peanut butter.  I've never had any trouble keeping it in the cupboard just like the regular peanut butters...course a jar doesn't last more than a couple weeks.  I like it because it tastes like peanuts!  

Answer 5

about $4.00