FoodScore
0/ 100
Avoiddairy· 1 1/4 Cups

Nutter Butter

Nutter Butter receives a FoodScore of 1/100, indicating it should be avoided due to its high content of added sugar and saturated fat.

  • This ultra-processed snack (NOVA 4) offers minimal nutritional value.
  • A 100g serving contains 36.7g of added sugar, contributing significantly to daily limits.
  • It provides 10g of saturated fat per 100g, which is high.
  • Nutter Butter offers only 3.3g of fiber per 100g, a relatively low amount.
  • Micronutrient content is negligible, with 0% DV for iron, vitamin D, and vitamin C.
  • Scores -54 points above the dairy category average (55/100 across 104 foods).
Fiber
3.3g
12% of Daily Value
Protein
3.33g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
36.7g
73% of Daily Value
Sodium
117mg
5% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.3g)+3
What holds it back
Added sugar (36.7g)-25
Saturated fat (10g)-14
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 1

Nutter Butter scores a very low 1 out of 100, primarily driven by its unfavorable macronutrient profile and ultra-processed nature. The most significant penalty comes from its high added sugar content, with 36.7g per 100g, leading to a substantial -25 point deduction. This amount far exceeds recommended daily limits and contributes to excess calorie intake without providing essential nutrients. Additionally, the food contains 10g of saturated fat per 100g, resulting in a -14 point penalty, as dietary guidelines advise limiting saturated fat to reduce the risk of heart disease. As a NOVA class 4 food, it incurs another -10 point penalty for being ultra-processed, indicating it has undergone extensive industrial processing and often contains high levels of unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. A further -3 points are deducted for its concentrated ultra-processed fat. While it receives a small +3 bonus for its 3.3g of fiber, this is insufficient to offset the numerous penalties. To achieve a higher score, Nutter Butter would need a drastic reduction in added sugar and saturated fat, an increase in beneficial nutrients like fiber, and a move away from its ultra-processed classification.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in nutter butter actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Minimal Fiber Contribution

While Nutter Butter does contain a small amount of fiber, its overall contribution to daily fiber intake is minimal. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help regulate bowel movements. However, with only 3.3g of fiber per 100g, this food provides a very small fraction of the recommended 25-38g daily intake for adults. Relying on snacks like Nutter Butter for fiber would mean consuming excessive amounts of added sugar and saturated fat, counteracting any potential benefit.

Negligible Micronutrient Content

Nutter Butter offers virtually no essential vitamins or minerals. A 100g serving provides 0% of the Daily Value for iron, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, B12, and folate. It also contains only 2% DV for potassium and calcium. This lack of micronutrients means that consuming Nutter Butter contributes 'empty calories,' providing energy without the vital nutrients needed for various bodily functions, including immune support and bone health. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are crucial for overall well-being.

High in Added Sugar

The significant amount of added sugar in Nutter Butter is a major concern for blood sugar management and overall metabolic health. With 36.7g of added sugar per 100g, this food far exceeds the daily limits recommended by dietary guidelines, which suggest limiting added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories. Regular consumption of high-sugar foods can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Choosing foods with lower added sugar content is crucial for maintaining stable blood glucose levels.

High Saturated Fat Content

Nutter Butter contains a notable amount of saturated fat, with 10g per 100g. Dietary guidelines emphasize limiting saturated fat intake to reduce the risk of heart disease. High consumption of saturated fat can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular issues. While some saturated fat is part of a balanced diet, foods high in it, especially when combined with high added sugar, should be consumed sparingly to support long-term heart health.

How to eat it

Nutter Butter is typically consumed as a snack or dessert in the American diet, often eaten directly from the package. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a popular treat, but its nutritional density is low. Due to its high content of added sugar and saturated fat, it's best considered an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of a balanced eating pattern. Portion control is key when consuming such ultra-processed snacks.

Consider Nutter Butter an occasional treat rather than a daily snack to manage intake of added sugar and saturated fat.
If you choose to eat Nutter Butter, pair it with nutrient-dense foods like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts to add fiber and vitamins.
Be mindful of serving sizes; a 100g portion is quite large and contains a significant amount of calories, sugar, and fat.
Store Nutter Butter in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness, but remember that storage does not alter its nutritional composition.
Things to keep in mind

Nutter Butter contains peanuts, which are a common allergen and can cause severe reactions in individuals with peanut allergies. It also contains wheat, another common allergen. For individuals without these allergies, there are no widely documented specific cautions or interactions for Nutter Butter at normal serving sizes. However, due to its high added sugar and saturated fat content, excessive consumption may contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic diseases over time, particularly for individuals managing conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Swap suggestions
Very good
Almond Butter
Score83
Very good
Peanut Butter Cookie
Score80
Very good
Flax Seeds Ground
Score78
Very good
Tahini
Score78
Very good
Ricotta Cheese Part Skim
Score76
Very good
Peanut Butter Chunky
Score75
Reader questions
Is Nutter Butter healthy?
Nutter Butter is not considered healthy. It has a FoodScore of 1/100, indicating it should be avoided. This is due to its high levels of added sugar (36.7g per 100g) and saturated fat (10g per 100g), and its classification as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4). It offers minimal essential micronutrients.
Is Nutter Butter good for weight loss?
No, Nutter Butter is not good for weight loss. It is calorie-dense (500 calories per 100g) and high in added sugar and fat, which can contribute to excess calorie intake. Its low fiber and protein content also mean it is unlikely to promote satiety, potentially leading to overconsumption.
Is Nutter Butter ultra-processed?
Yes, Nutter Butter is classified as a NOVA class 4 food, meaning it is ultra-processed. This indicates it has undergone extensive industrial processing and typically contains ingredients like added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, rather than whole, minimally processed ingredients.
How much added sugar is in Nutter Butter?
A 100g serving of Nutter Butter contains 36.7g of added sugar. This amount is very high and significantly contributes to the daily recommended limits for added sugar intake, which dietary guidelines suggest should be less than 10% of total daily calories.
What are some healthier alternatives to Nutter Butter?
For a healthier alternative, consider snacks like apple slices with natural peanut butter (without added sugar), or whole-grain crackers with a thin layer of nut butter. These options provide similar flavors but with more fiber, less added sugar, and fewer ultra-processed ingredients, supporting better nutritional intake.
Does Nutter Butter contain any essential vitamins or minerals?
Nutter Butter contains negligible amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. A 100g serving provides 0% of the Daily Value for iron, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, B12, and folate, and only 2% DV for potassium and calcium. It is not a significant source of micronutrients.
Is Nutter Butter suitable for individuals with heart concerns?
Nutter Butter is not ideal for individuals with heart concerns due to its high saturated fat content (10g per 100g). High intake of saturated fat can contribute to elevated LDL cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease. Dietary guidelines recommend limiting foods high in saturated fat to support cardiovascular health.

Explore more

CategoryAll dairy & alternatives Head-to-headNutter Butter vs. Almond Butter Head-to-headNutter Butter vs. Peanut Butter Cookie Head-to-headNutter Butter vs. Flax Seeds Ground Head-to-headNutter Butter vs. Tahini

Data & references