What's the Best Almond Butter?

The Short Answer

Most almond butter on the shelf is fumigated with a chemical fuel additive.

Because of a Salmonella outbreak in the early 2000s, California law requires all almonds to be pasteurized. Conventional brands typically use Propylene Oxide (PPO), a "probable human carcinogen" also used in racing fuel.

The solution is simple: Buy Organic.

Organic regulations prohibit PPO. Organic almonds are treated with steam pasteurization instead. It’s cleaner, safer, and avoids the heavy glyphosate (Roundup) spraying common in conventional almond orchards.

The Verdict: Buy Artisana Organics for the absolute cleanest, raw option in a glass jar. Buy Kirkland Signature Organic (Costco) for the best value that is still safe (steam pasteurized).

Why This Matters

You are eating racing fuel.

Conventional almonds are sprayed with PPO in a vacuum chamber. While the FDA says it "dissipates," the EPA classifies PPO as a Class B2 probable human carcinogen. It is banned for use on food in the EU and many other countries. If your almond butter isn't organic, assume it was gassed.

Almonds are a pesticide sponge.

California almond orchards are some of the most heavily sprayed crops in the US. Testing consistently finds glyphosate residues on conventional almonds. Since you eat the skin in almond butter, you are eating those residues. Glyphosate In Oats

"No-Stir" means palm oil.

Brands like Justin's and MaraNatha add palm oil to stabilize the butter. This isn't just an environmental issue—it's a nutritional one. You are swapping heart-healthy almond fats for cheap, inflammatory palm oil fillers. Palm Oil In Peanut Butter

What's Actually In Almond Butter

The ingredient list should be short. Here is what you will find in the aisles:

• Almonds — The only necessary ingredient. If they are conventional, they are likely PPO-fumigated. If organic, they are steam-pasteurized.
• Palm Oil — Added to prevent oil separation. It creates a waxy texture and dilutes the nutrient profile. Avoid.
• Cane Sugar — Unnecessary. Almonds are naturally sweet. Many "classic" flavors contain 3-5g of added sugar per serving. Is Coconut Sugar Healthy
• Salt — Sea salt is fine, but unroasted/unsalted is better if you want to control your sodium intake.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• "USDA Organic" — Guarantees no PPO and no glyphosate.
• "Steam Pasteurized" — Explicit confirmation of the safe heating method.
• "Raw" — Usually means "steam pasteurized" in the US, unless imported from Italy/Spain.
• Glass Jar — Avoids plastic leaching, which is a risk with fatty foods like nut butter.

Red Flags:

• "No-Stir" — Code for "we added palm oil."
• "Natural" — Means nothing. Usually implies conventional (PPO treated).
• "Roasted" (Conventional) — High heat roasting + PPO fumigation = double whammy of processing.

The Best Options

We evaluated brands based on pasteurization method, glyphosate risk, and additives.

The Bottom Line

1. Go Organic. It is the only way to guarantee your almonds were steamed and not gassed with PPO.

2. Check the Oil. If the jar says "No Stir," put it back. You want the oil separation—that means it's just nuts.

3. Glass is Best. Nut butters are high in fat and can absorb endocrine disruptors from plastic jars. Choose glass when possible.

FAQ

Does Trader Joe's use PPO on their almonds?

Trader Joe's states that their Organic almonds are steam pasteurized. Their conventional "Raw" almonds are also typically steam pasteurized (they claim to avoid PPO), but without the organic seal, you are still risking glyphosate exposure. Stick to the Organic jar to be safe.

Do I need to refrigerate almond butter?

Yes. Unlike peanut butter, almond butter contains fats that can go rancid (oxidize) more quickly at room temperature. Once opened, store it in the fridge to keep the oils fresh and prevent spoilage.

Why is there a pool of oil on top?

That is a good sign. It means there are no emulsifiers like palm oil or hydrogenated fats. Stir it in once when you open the jar, then store it in the fridge—it won't separate again when chilled.

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