Most commercial peanut butters contain added sugar and hydrogenated oils — turning a whole food into a processed product. Research by Mozaffarian linked trans fats to cardiovascular disease. Monteiro’s work on ultra-processed foods applies directly: the ingredients should be “peanuts” and possibly “salt.” Nothing else is necessary. Sugar makes it sweeter; hydrogenated oils prevent separation but add trans fats.
This companion covers the ingredients check, why extras are added, the oil separation “problem,” calorie reality, other nut butters, and making the switch. (4 min read)
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