A comprehensive taste test of creamy peanut butter from four major supermarket chains has identified clear preferences based on texture, flavour, and convenience. The review, conducted by a family that consumes large quantities of the spread, compared offerings from Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Costco.
The test aimed to determine if supermarket-brand versions provided a decent alternative to well-known national brands. Each product was evaluated by both adults and children using apple slices and crackers as tasting vehicles.
Whole Foods' 365 Brand Deemed "Greasy" and Messy
The 365 Everyday Value Creamy Peanut Butter from Whole Foods ranked last. The tester immediately noted an excessive amount of separated oil at the top of the jar, more than any other brand sampled. Despite stirring, the spread remained overly liquid with lumps.
"This was the first peanut butter I've ever had that I'd call 'greasy,'" the reviewer stated, adding it was too messy even for a six-year-old child to spread. While the flavour was average, the poor texture was a significant drawback, leading to the recommendation to try other brands stocked by the retailer.
Trader Joe's Offers Rich Flavour with a Salty Kick
Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Peanut Butter, made with unblanched nuts, secured third place. Its darker hue and velvety texture after mixing were appealing. However, the flavour was considered "a little too salty" for the adult tester, though children did not object.
The oil mixed in easily, creating a rich consistency. The reviewer concluded they would purchase it again if shopping at Trader Joe's, but it was not the family's top choice.
Wegmans Provides Dense, No-Stir Convenience
In second place was Wegmans Creamy Peanut Butter, the only "no-stir" option tested, making it the most convenient and mess-free. It contained added sugar but had a calorie count of 180 per two-tablespoon serving, comparable to other brands.
Its texture was notably dense and thick, reminiscent of the national brand Jif, and was praised by children for its spreadability. While slightly less creamy than preferred, it was deemed a good, reliable option.
Costco's Kirkland Signature Emerges as Family Favourite
The winning product was Kirkland Signature Organic Creamy Peanut Butter from Costco. Sold in a two-pack of 28-ounce containers, it requires a significant commitment but offers value. It was described as creamy, not too salty, and flavourful with a pleasant graininess.
It received enthusiastic approval from both children, with one specifically requesting it for a snack the following day. The reviewer highlighted its versatility, stating it works well both in sandwiches and in recipes due to its unsweetened flavour, and would serve as a reliable backup to other brands.
The original findings were published in April 2024 and were most recently updated in March 2026. The test underscores that while store-brand peanut butters offer value, their quality and characteristics can vary dramatically, influencing consumer choice based on texture preferences, salt content, and convenience.