There’s nothing like good peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast or a snack! It’s filling and delicious. But are you worried Skippy’s peanut butter may be bad for you? Wondering how nutritious it is or how much sugar it has?
Let’s take a look at how Skippy ranks in all the parameters that matter to you.
Table of Contents
Skippy peanut butter ingredients
Other than roasted peanuts, these are the common ingredients across Skippy varieties.
- Sugar, corn syrup solids and honey
Added as sweeteners to enhance the taste.
- Hydrogenated vegetable oils
These are stabilizers to give a smooth, luscious texture and taste.
- Pea proteins
Plant proteins are added to some varieties to augment nutritive value.
- Peanut Oil
Peanuts are actually legumes. This plant-based oil imparts a creamy consistency.
- Molasses
These are hidden sugars that enhance flavor.
Other ingredients are explored in detail in later sections.
Skippy peanut butter nutrition facts
Below are the nutrition values for one serving. This is about 2 tablespoons. One Skippy’s jar can provide about 13-14 servings.
- Calories
Each serving of Skippy peanut butter has between 190 to 210 calories.
- Fats
On average, Skippy peanut butter contains 12-16 grams of fat. Of this, 20% is saturated fats.
- Carbohydrates
There are around 6g to 14g of carbs. Of this 1-2 grams is dietary fiber. The remaining 3-4g is sugar.
- Vitamins
All Skippy’s peanut butter products contain Vitamin E and B3. The reduced-fat ranges also contain Vitamins B6 and B9 (folate).
- Minerals
Skippy’s mainly contains iron and potassium. Some ranges are also fortified with magnesium, zinc, and copper.
- Protein
Protein content in Skippy peanut butter is around 7-10g on average.
- Sodium
The salt content in Skippy ranges between 125g to 160g.
Is Skippy peanut butter good for diabetics? Does it contain sugar?
It depends on which range you use. The regular Skippy peanut butter isn’t the best choice for diabetics. It contains quite a bit of refined sugar. The standard ranges use processed sugar. This forms at least a third or half the carbohydrate content.
Carbohydrates also contribute to hyperglycemia. The fats help to prevent this by slowing down absorption.
The daily sugar limit for diabetics is around 25g. One spoon of Skippy peanut butter has around 5 grams of sugar. This means just a few spoons of Skippy can exceed the daily intake restriction. Exceeding this level can trigger high blood sugar and insulin resistance.
You can opt for the Skippy Natural peanut butter spreads. These have no added sugar. They only have 3 ingredients- roasted peanuts, salt, and palm oil. Some Natural varieties use less sugar or honey as a substitute. This is in place of corn syrup solids which contain glucose.
The Natural range is a good alternative for people with diabetes. Eaten in moderation, Skippy’s peanut butter is wholesome and beneficial. Skippy’s peanut butter has a low glycemic index of 13. This means the glucose level won’t rise too much or too quickly.
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Is Skippy peanut butter good for diet and weight loss?
Yes, it can be. But it will hinge on appropriate portion control. Skippy’s peanut butter is good during dieting. It is fiber and protein-rich. It is also nutrient-dense. You can get essential nourishment and maintain a calorie-deficit diet.
But overeating can cause calories to pile up. So ensure that you keep consumption in check because of added fats, salt, and sugar. Peanut butter has more fat content than other kinds of nut butter. For example, it has double the fatty acid content of almond butter.
But in tandem with a healthy and balanced diet, Skippy’s can actually boost weight loss.
Skippy’s will give you a steady energy lift through the day. It also keeps you full for longer. This automatically reduces food intake. Use the reduced-fat and Natural varieties. This will give an extra fillip to your weight loss goals.
Is Skippy peanut butter good for keto?
No, Skippy is not suitable for a keto diet. Peanut butter per se is a good option for ketogenic diets. This is because this nut butter is high in protein and fat. But Skippy peanut butter contains various additives. These include sugars and oils which contribute to carbohydrates.
For a keto diet, carb intake needs to be below 20 grams. One serving of Skippy can rack up 14g of carbs. If you eat just an extra spoonful, you will overshoot your carb limit. This will wreck the ketosis process. Clearly, Skippy isn’t keto-friendly.
Is Skippy peanut butter good for bodybuilding?
Yes, Skippy peanut butter is good for bodybuilding. The high protein content builds lean, strong muscle mass. Some Skippy varieties also contain added pea protein. This plant protein is great for healing muscles. It promotes muscle recovery after intense workouts.
Peanut butter has quite a high-calorie content. Each serving has about 200 calories on average. 5 spoons will contribute one-third or more of your daily calorie requirements. So it can be used to bulk up. Integrate it into a high-protein diet to gain weight and build endurance.
Is Skippy peanut butter good for acid reflux?
No, Skippy peanut butter is not good for acid reflux. Peanut butter can worsen heartburn and reflux. This is because peanuts make fatty butter. The fatty acids aggravate stomach and chest discomfort.
People who suffer from acid reflux are usually on a GERD diet (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). This diet restricts foods that irritate the sphincter muscle. This muscle keeps the stomach contents inside the stomach- as it should be!
Unfortunately, peanut butter can cause this muscle flap to malfunction. This causes regurgitation of stomach acid. A single tablespoon daily adds up to a sizable amount of fat per week. This will intensify existing problems.
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Does Skippy peanut butter have xylitol?
No, Skippy peanut butter does not contain xylitol. Xylitol is a plant-based artificial sweetener. It is a sugar alcohol that is a substitute for processed sugar. It has fewer calories and is preferable for diabetics.
It is also great for dental health. It doesn’t cause cavities or bacteria accumulation. Xylitol is safe for human consumption. It may rarely cause gas or bloating. Instead of xylitol, Skippy uses table sugar, corn syrup solids, or honey.
Does Skippy peanut butter have hydrogenated fat and trans-fat? Is it good for cholesterol?
Yes, Skippy peanut butter contains hydrogenated vegetable fats or oils. These are either rapeseed, cottonseed, or soybean oils. They are all plant-derived. They are an excellent alternative to animal fats.
Skippy contains zero trans fats. Trans fats usually come from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils or processed oils. But all the oils are fully hydrogenated. Trans fats are responsible for bad cholesterol (LDL).
The fats in Skippy are all either monounsaturated or unsaturated fatty acids. They help reduce bad cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein). LDL blocks arteries and leads to heart disease. Conversely, they actually promote good cholesterol- HPL (high-density lipoprotein).
They also regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Skippy doesn’t contain any added, artificial cholesterol. Largely, Skippy is a good choice for people with cholesterol problems.
The only potential negative is the presence of saturated fats. In surplus, they will lead to fat accumulation and deposits. High sodium can also wreak havoc with cholesterol. So choose the healthier varieties. If you keep your intake in check, saturated fats will not pose any problems.
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Does Skippy peanut butter have palm oil?
Yes, Skippy Natural peanut butter spreads do contain palm oil. There are pros and cons to using palm oil. Palm oil enhances consistency by preventing ingredients from separating. It is a stabilizer and it improves spreadability.
Palm oil contains dietary (saturated) fats. But it makes up only about 1-2% of the total content. It is unlikely to be recommended by a nutritionist. Palm oil could have potentially adverse health impacts. These may include strokes, heart ailments, and obesity.
Natural alternatives sans palm oil are much better.
Does Skippy peanut butter have gluten?
No, Skippy peanut butter is gluten-free! Skippy’s parent company Hormel Foods LLC assures zero gluten products. Skippy’s peanut butter does not use any grains like rice, wheat, or barley. These are the major sources of gluten in such processed foods.
This is a great option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Small amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response. For those with high sensitivity, even trace amounts could trigger life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Skippy’s peanut butter is a risk-free option for them.
Does Skippy peanut butter have dairy and high fructose corn syrup?
No, Skippy peanut butter has no dairy products. It has no milk or milk solids. It has no milk derivatives like butter, cream, or whey either. It is suited for those with lactose intolerance.
Skippy’s also does not contain high fructose corn syrup. It contains corn syrup solids made of dehydrated glucose. Both are made from corn starch. Compared to glucose, fructose metabolizes slower.
Fructose is unhealthier overall. It contributes to fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
Is Skippy peanut butter vegan?
This depends on what your definition of vegan is. Most Skippy’s peanut butter varieties are technically vegan-friendly. They don’t contain meat, animal products, or dairy. But some varieties contain honey extracted from bee colonies.
There are also doubts about the sugar refining process. Sugar is often whitened through a bone char filtration system. Ground animal bones remove any discoloration and grime. It is not clear whether Skippy uses this method. But there is a possibility.
More so because Hormel Foods may still be conducting animal tests. They also continue the use of animal by-products. So using common processing facilities could lead to cross-contamination.
The Natural range can reduce this concern to a large extent. It doesn’t use these questionable ingredients. Even so, vegans are against the use of palm oil. It is sourced unsustainably and endangers natural systems.
Whether Skippy’s peanut butter qualifies as vegan depends on how strict your benchmark is.
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Is Skippy peanut butter good for babies?
No, Skippy peanut butter is not a good option for babies. Skippy’s contains high sodium levels and sweeteners. Skippy’s also has hydrogenated oils and high-fat content. These ingredients can damage a baby’s kidney and brain function.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends introducing peanut butter when your baby starts solid foods. But you should always opt for completely natural peanut butter. It should only contain peanuts and nothing else.
A little salt can be tolerated. But excess sodium can be harmful. Make sure you check for signs of allergies. Peanuts are a major allergen. Also, be careful of choking hazards. Peanut butter is thick and chunky. Babies may not have enough traction or saliva to lubricate swallowing.
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Is Skippy peanut butter safe for dogs and cats?
No, Skippy’s peanut butter is not ideal for animals. While it does not contain xylitol (that is poisonous and potentially life-threatening for pets), Skippy does contain processed fats, nutrient additives, and sugar.
This isn’t toxic for puppies, hamsters, and kittens. But it isn’t particularly healthy either. It is best to use natural or homemade peanut butter. These should not contain any salt or sugar.
Peanut butter can help dogs ingest medicines. Or it can be a delicious treat. Your dog might also have an allergic reaction to plain, natural peanut butter. In such cases, test a little before continuing use.
Does Skippy peanut butter expire? Does it need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Skippy peanut butter does have an expiry date. The use-by date will be printed on the label. Unopened, it lasts anywhere from 6 months to two years. Once the seal is broken, store it at room temperature.
Once opened it will stay fresh for only 3-4 months. You can still use it past this period by storing it in the refrigerator. Ideally, it should not be refrigerated before 3 months. Room temperature suits Skippy’s peanut butter the best.
Refrigeration will make the peanut butter more dense and stiff. It will become more difficult to apply and spread. But refrigerating can prolong its shelf-life. You will be able to use it for a longer period before it turns rancid.
It is best not to freeze Skippy’s peanut butter. It is not suited to very cold storage temperatures.
This article has given you an all-around view of Skippy’s positives and negatives. So go ahead- serve yourself a dollop of Skippy’s! Have a healthy, affordable, and tasty treat.
References:
- https://www.peanutbutter.com/
- https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/037600105699-SkippyNaturalCreamyPeanutButterSpread/
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