6 popular peanut butters linked to colon cancer

Story by Son of Grey

Peanut butter is a staple in many households, loved for its creamy texture, nutty flavor, and protein content. However, not all peanut butter is created equal. Certain types of commercially processed peanut butter may contain added sugars, unhealthy oils, and chemical contaminants that studies suggest could increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Understanding which kinds to avoid can help you enjoy peanut butter safely while maintaining a healthy diet. Here’s a look at kinds of peanut butter linked to colon cancer risks.

Peanut Butter with Added Hydrogenated Oils

Many mass-market peanut butters contain hydrogenated oils to improve shelf life and prevent separation. These trans fats are widely linked to inflammation and increased cancer risk, including colon cancer. Common brands with older formulations that included hydrogenated oils include Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter and Jif Creamy Peanut Butter. While these brands have reformulated many of their products to remove partially hydrogenated oils, older stock and certain varieties may still pose risks.

Peanut Butter High in Added Sugars

Excessive sugar consumption has been associated with chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, factors that can contribute to colon cancer development. Many flavored or “sweetened” peanut butters—such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Spread or honey-flavored supermarket brands—contain high amounts of added sugar beyond what’s naturally in peanuts. These products are convenient for desserts and snacks but may carry hidden health risks when consumed frequently.

Peanut Butter Contaminated with Aflatoxins

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by molds on peanuts, particularly if storage conditions are poor. Long-term exposure to aflatoxins has been linked to liver cancer and may contribute indirectly to colorectal cancer risk due to systemic inflammation and DNA damage. While major brands like Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter and Planters Peanut Butter test rigorously for aflatoxins, lower-cost store brands or imported peanut butters may be more likely to contain small amounts of these toxins.

Ultra-Processed Peanut Butters

Ultra-processed peanut butters often contain a mix of additives, stabilizers, and preservatives that can affect gut health. Poor gut microbiome balance is increasingly recognized as a factor in colon cancer risk. Brands like Peter Pan Extra Crunchy or value-line supermarket peanut butters may include emulsifiers and stabilizers that are generally safe in small amounts but could have cumulative effects over time when consumed daily.

Tips for Choosing Safer Peanut Butter

• Opt for natural or “just peanuts” varieties with no added hydrogenated oils or sugars.

• Check for aflatoxin testing or certifications from major brands.

• Store peanut butter properly in a cool, dry pantry or refrigerate to reduce mold growth.

• Moderate consumption to avoid excess calories, sugars, or unhealthy fats.

While peanut butter can be a healthy protein and fiber source, products with hydrogenated oils, added sugars, aflatoxin contamination, or excessive processing may contribute to colon cancer risk. Choosing natural, minimally processed peanut butter from trusted brands like Smucker’s Natural, MaraNatha, or 365 by Whole Foods, and storing it carefully, can help you enjoy this classic snack safely and responsibly.

ARTICLE SOURCE: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/6-popular-peanut-butters-linked-to-colon-cancer/ar-AA1WvYFn?

For my sake, the mounds of grape jelly neutralized the risks with peanut butter.

I have eaten more than my fair share.

Scott

While I’m not saying any of this is wrong or misleading and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if it was all very accurate but I compare these with the same type of articles that bemoan red meat as being the cause of all ailments known to man. Lots of “maybes”, “mights” and “could haves”.

I agree that peanut butter is not a food we should be eating but for different reasons.

I don't disagree or nor could I debate the article.

People who eat meat have cancer is a true statement. People who eat beef fat have heart failure. People who eat salt have high blood pressure. People who eat a heavy protein diet have kidney failure-renal disease. And now people who eat peanut butter could end up with colon cancer.

All these are true statements. The details and the other life choices played a factor too, and from my perspective, even a bigger factor than beef or fat or salt or 'peanut butter' as a stand-along cause.

Scott

On 2/21/2026 at 4:53 AM, Scott F. said:

All these are true statements. The details and the other life choices played a factor too, and from my perspective, even a bigger factor than beef or fat or salt or 'peanut butter' as a stand-along cause.

Exactly!

I’m a carnivore and have cancer. The cancer was developing long before I became a carnivore but if someone hear I was diagnosed with cancer after I became a carnivore they would blame the diet and not what I did before the diet.

So true.

Scott

On 2/19/2026 at 9:32 PM, Scott F. said:

For my sake, the mounds of grape jelly neutralized the risks with peanut butter.

I have eaten more than my fair share.

I used to love eating PB&J's but like you, I was heavy on the jam and my sandwhiches were more akin to a jelly donut, lol

On 2/19/2026 at 8:34 PM, Bob said:

commercially processed peanut butter may contain added sugars, unhealthy oils, and chemical contaminants that studies suggest could increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

On 2/19/2026 at 8:34 PM, Bob said:

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by molds on peanuts

I found these statements interesting, since they make sense and do have an underlying scientific backing.