One Tiny Word on the Label Reveals what the FDA Won’t Let Brands Hide

Peanut butter is a spread by definition, but when the word “spread” appears on a peanut butter jar label, it’s most likely satisfying a legal requirement rather than acting as a simple descriptor.

Skippy, a well-known name in the peanut butter world, must label its Natural Peanut Butter Spread as such because it contains palm oil.

Regulations set by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) state that, in order to be classified as peanut butter, a product must contain at least 90% peanuts — otherwise, the word “spread” needs to be included on the label.

The Skippy website acknowledges this FDA regulation, saying: “Natural Peanut Butter Spreads can include additional ingredients like palm oil or other oils, which are not hydrogenated.”

“These spreads may still contain at least 90% peanuts but include other ingredients that place them outside the standard definition of ‘peanut butter,'” the website notes. (Read more from “One Tiny Word on the Label Reveals what the FDA Won’t Let Brands Hide” HERE)