Corn syrup solids: This concentrated form of corn syrup (code for sugar) is the second ingredient on the list, after peanuts. It gives this spread its sweet flavor but doesn’t add much aside from calories. Soy protein: Enhances texture, helps prevent the product from separating, and improves flavor and moisture retention. It also adds protein, which peanut butter already has in abundance. Fully hydrogenated vegetable oils: Although they do not contain trans fats, these oils are a source of artery-clogging saturated fat. Mono- and diglycerides: Emulsifiers that are added to foods to meld ingredients that don’t normally mix together (think oil and water). While they’re thought to be safe, there’s no way to tell if they’re derived from plants or animals–so vegetarians, beware. Better Buy: Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter. For an additional 20 calories and 4 g of fat per serving, you get only whole foods on the ingredients list: peanuts and salt.
