Why Some Peanut Butter Isn't Legally Peanut Butter

Products that do not meet the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) 90% peanut content threshold must be labeled as a "spread," a distinction that affects popular brands like Skippy. This labeling requirement arises when ingredients such as palm oil are added, altering the product's composition beyond the FDA's definition of peanut butter.

According to Skippy's website, its "Natural Peanut Butter Spreads" can include additional ingredients like palm oil or other non-hydrogenated oils, which fall outside the strict definition of peanut butter. These products may still contain at least 90% peanuts but include other components that necessitate the "spread" designation.

The FDA's regulation stems from concerns dating back to 1959, when a survey indicated that some products labeled as peanut butter had significantly reduced their peanut content by substituting cheaper vegetable oils. In response to inquiries about adding glycerin to prevent oil separation, the FDA stated that any such additives would need to be prominently displayed on the label.

In 1961, the FDA proposed a new standard, which was later approved by the U.S. Appeals Court. This standard established that peanut butter must consist of no less than 90% peanuts and no more than 55% fat. Products not meeting these criteria, particularly those with added oils or sweeteners that reduce the peanut percentage, are required to be labeled as "spreads."