Santa Cruz Organic Creamy Dark Roasted Peanut Butter, 16 oz

Santa Cruz peanut butter in the creamy dark roasted style is an organic spread made from roasted peanuts and a little salt. Santa Cruz Organic adds no sugar or hydrogenated oils, and this 16 oz jar is the classic stir version.

Who it suits

It suits people who want a short-label peanut butter with no added sugar for toast, oatmeal or apple slices. If you dislike oily, natural-style spreads that need stirring, it may not be for you. Note that the brand’s separate no-stir dark roast is a different product. Browse more healthy pantry staples, or sweeten oatmeal lightly with Coombs organic maple syrup.

Comparing options? Our healthy pantry staples guide explains what to check on the label and spec sheet.

Key facts

• Ingredients: organic roasted peanuts, 1% or less salt (Whole Foods Market)
• No hydrogenated oils, no added sugar and no artificial ingredients; USDA Organic peanuts (Whole Foods Market)
• A 2 tbsp (32 g) serving lists 180 calories, 9 g protein, 16 g fat, 1 g sugars and 50 mg sodium (Whole Foods Market)
• About 14 servings per jar (Whole Foods Market)

What reviewers say

Sporked named this jar its best organic creamy peanut butter, describing an oily, rustic texture that suits apple dipping and preferring the dark roast to the light roast, but warned against the brand’s no-stir version. Food Republic put Santa Cruz Organic first among its healthiest peanut butter picks for its short label, no added sugar and relatively low sodium. GAYOT found it rich and not too sweet, but called the natural texture oily and sticky.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Two ingredients, no added sugar
• Pro: Deep roasted flavor praised by reviewers
• Con: Oil separates and needs stirring
• Con: Some find the texture oily and sticky

Cautions

• Contains peanuts; not suitable for people with a peanut allergy.
• Oil separation is normal; stir before use.
• Calorie dense at 180 calories per 2 tbsp.