CLEVELAND, Ohio — To mark National Peanut Butter Day on January 24, the Best of Cleveland team undertook a thorough taste test of 15 peanut butter sandwich cookies available in local grocery stores. The goal was to identify the best options based on bold peanut butter flavor, texture, and the accuracy of marketing claims. Prices varied, demonstrating that higher costs do not always correlate with better taste.
The cookies evaluated ranged widely from budget-friendly choices to more premium selections. Some brands delivered a rich peanut butter experience, while others fell short, failing to satisfy the expectations of enthusiasts. Below is a rundown of how these cookies performed, from least impressive to the top contender.
Ranking the Cookies
15. Lil’ Dutch Maid – Peanut Butter Crème Cookies
Price: $1.39
Where purchased: Marc’s
Nutrition (per serving, 3 cookies): 160 calories, 5g fat, 70mg sodium, 25g carbohydrates, 11g sugar, 2g protein
The first ingredient is enriched wheat flour. The packaging notes an artificial flavor. The overwhelming sweetness and lack of a genuine peanut butter taste led to a disappointing experience.
14. Meijer – Peanut Butter Sandwich Crème Cookies
Price: $2.99
Where purchased: Meijer
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 120 calories, 4.5g fat, 100mg sodium, 19g carbohydrates, 9g sugar, 1g protein
While visually appealing, the vanilla-sweet filling overshadowed the peanut butter flavor. The cookie’s shortbread-like texture was pleasant but left peanut butter lovers wanting more.
13. Benton’s – Peanut Butter Crème Filled Cookies
Price: $2.75
Where purchased: Aldi
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 110 calories, 4.5g fat, 90mg sodium, 17g carbohydrates, 8g sugar, 1g protein
With a hard texture and only a mild peanut butter presence, these cookies were deemed salty with an artificial aftertaste. They were deemed dippable but not memorable.
12. Meijer – Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Price: $3.49
Where purchased: Meijer
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 110 calories, 4.5g fat, 90mg sodium, 17g carbohydrates, 8g sugar, 1g protein
Quality control issues were noted, with some cookies poorly assembled. They were crunchy but lacked sufficient peanut butter flavor.
11. Great Value – Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Price: $2.97
Where purchased: Walmart
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 110 calories, 4.5g fat, 90mg sodium, 17g carbohydrates, 8g sugar, 1g protein
The cookies were overly crunchy with a thin filling, failing to deliver a satisfying peanut butter experience.
10. Simple Mills – Nut Butter Stuffed Sandwich Cookies (Creamy Peanut Butter)
Price: $6.39
Where purchased: Target
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 120 calories, 7g fat, 85mg sodium, 14g carbohydrates, 6g sugar, 2g protein
These gluten-free cookies had a toasted nut flavor that bordered on bitter. The dry texture called for a drink alongside.
9. Sobisk – Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Price: $1.19
Where purchased: Marc’s
Nutrition (per serving, 3 cookies): 170 calories, 7g fat, 102mg sodium, 22g carbohydrates, 9g sugar, 3g protein
The aroma of peanut butter was present, but the cookie’s crunchiness detracted from the overall enjoyment.
8. Sunny’s – Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Price: $3.29
Where purchased: Sav-A-Lot
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 110 calories, 4.5g fat, 90mg sodium, 17g carbohydrates, 8g sugar, 1g protein
These cookies offered a creamy center but were not bold enough in peanut butter flavor to make a lasting impression.
7. Oreo – Peanut Butter Flavor Crème Chocolate Sandwich
Price: $4.97
Where purchased: Walmart
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 140 calories, 6g fat, 125mg sodium, 20g carbohydrates, 10g sugar, 2g protein
The chocolate cookie predominated, making it feel more like an Oreo with a hint of peanut butter rather than a peanut butter cookie.
6. Crav’n – Peanut Butter Crème Sandwich Cookies
Price: $3.69
Where purchased: Acme
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 110 calories, 4.5g fat, 90mg sodium, 17g carbohydrates, 8g sugar, 1g protein
Slightly sweeter, these cookies had a satisfying crunch, although the peanut butter flavor was somewhat overshadowed by sugar.
5. Once Again – Graham Sandwiches Peanut Butter
Price: $5.49
Where purchased: Lucky’s Market
Nutrition (per serving, 1 pack): 220 calories, 13g fat, 105mg sodium, 21g carbohydrates, 7g sugar, 5g protein
The graham cracker base was mild, but the creamy peanut butter filling stood out, making it a solid choice for snacking.
4. Back to Nature – Peanut Butter Crème Sandwich Cookies
Price: $4.79
Where purchased: Target
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 130 calories, 5g fat, 100mg sodium, 17g carbohydrates, 8g sugar, 3g protein
More cracker-like, these cookies delivered a sweet flavor with a consistent peanut butter taste, although some inconsistencies were noted.
3. Nabisco – Nutter Butter
Price: $5.49
Where purchased: Marc’s
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 130 calories, 5g fat, 100mg sodium, 20g carbohydrates, 8g sugar, 2g protein
This classic cookie provided a solid peanut butter flavor, offering a satisfying texture that resonates with its loyal fanbase.
2. Catalina Crunch – Sandwich Cookies Peanut Butter
Price: $5.99
Where purchased: Heinen’s
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 100 calories, 5g fat, 125mg sodium, 13g carbohydrates, 3g sugar, 3g protein
With a strong peanut butter aroma and satisfying crunch, this gluten-free option impressed with its texture and flavor balance.
1. Nabisco – Nutter Butter Double Nutty
Price: $5.49
Where purchased: Marc’s
Nutrition (per serving, 2 cookies): 180 calories, 8g fat, 130mg sodium, 24g carbohydrates, 11g sugar, 3g protein
The double filling delivered on its promise, providing a delightful peanut butter flavor without being overly sweet, making it a beloved choice.
In conclusion, the evaluation of these cookies underscores the diversity of options in the peanut butter category, catering to various preferences and dietary needs. Whether one seeks a classic treat or a gluten-free alternative, the findings offer valuable insights for peanut butter enthusiasts.
