Ethical Jams & Spreads: From Organic Peanut Butter To Vegan Chocolate Spread
Which Jams and Spreads brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Jams and Spreads Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Not-so-sweet: The ethics of jam and spread brands
The Good Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on ethical and sustainability criteria since 2001. The UK food spreads market is worth an estimated £1.5 billion, and it is one of the most widely consumed food categories in the country. Despite the everyday familiarity of jams, nut butters, and chocolate spreads, the ethical issues embedded in their production — from deforestation and child labour to pesticides and GMOs — are significant. Our Ethical Jams and Spreads Ratings Table gives consumers a clear, independently researched way to compare brands.
Open up any kitchen cupboard in any house, and you will see favourites for toast toppings. Jam, preserves, marmalade, peanut butter, chocolate spread, yeast spread, honey, jellies, margarine, butter, hummus and more… (anyone feeling peckish?) However, you may not be aware of the ethical issues associated with these toast topping treats. This article will explore the impact of your favourite spreads on the Environment, Animals, and People, helping you to identify the most ethical purchases in your next food shop. Head over to our Ethical Jams and Spreads Ratings Table for a comprehensive list of brands stocking everything from vegan chocolate spread, to organic peanut butter, to palm oil-free products.
Finding sustainably sourced jam and spreads
There are many ethical products that you can find online and in supermarkets! For instance, why not opt for a vegan chocolate spread instead of Nutella? Sweet Freedom offers a vegan chocolate spread certified by The Vegan Society. The brand also prides itself on its palm oil free products, with its vegan chocolate spread being completely free from palm oil.
If you are interested in palm oil free products, there are many excellent websites that provide a list of the brands that avoid the use of palm oil. Check out Ethical Superstore and Products Without Palm Oil. Many online supermarkets also have a palm oil free products section, making these products even easier to identify. Where palm oil is used, look for products certified by the Rainforest Alliance or carrying RSPO certification — the internationally recognised standard for sustainable palm oil — as these offer the best available assurance of responsible sourcing.
Organic peanut butter is another ethical product you can find in supermarkets. Since organic farming avoids the use of pesticides, organic peanut butter has a lower environmental impact and reduces the risk of soil degradation. If you are looking for organic peanut butter, Whole Earth and Meridian are great options.
Pesticide-free peanut butter
Nut butters also come with ethical concerns. Peanut butter has a relatively low environmental impact, as peanuts require less water and fertiliser than other crops. However, non-organic peanut butter comes with environmental risks, as the pesticides used in growing peanuts can pollute soil and damage ecosystems. This makes organic peanut butter the best option for an environmentally-friendly purchase. In contrast, almond butter is often associated with high water consumption. Although the amount of water required to grow almonds is significantly lower than other water intensive foods (such as meat and dairy) water consumption is still something for an ethical shopper to consider.
Our Ethical Jams and Spreads Ratings Table gives you all the information you need to choose the right products from ethical brands that care. The brands in our list offer a range of sustainable options, including vegan chocolate spread, organic peanut butter, jam, and honey, and plenty of palm oil free products.
Is organic peanut butter good for you?
Here’s a fun fact: peanuts are not actually nuts! Like peas and lentils, peanuts belong to a family called legumes. Despite this, low-salt, organic peanut butter can still form a part of a healthy, balanced diet in appropriate quantities. Organic peanut butter is a good source of potassium, magnesium and B vitamins.
Is chocolate spread vegan and sustainably sourced?
Spreads might seem innocent, and overall, jam is fairly sustainable! Jam isn’t associated with any major causes of environmental degradation. However, many jams contain high amounts of sugar. This comes with potential health risks if consumed in large quantities. When buying jam, look for products that carry Fairtrade Foundation certification on their sugar and fruit sourcing, as this helps to ensure farmers are paid fairly for their produce.
Chocolate spread is a different matter. Palm oil is a major concern. Chocolate spreads (the most popular being Nutella) contain high quantities of palm oil. The smooth consistency of chocolate spread is thanks to palm oil! Palm oil is listed as the second ingredient in a jar of Nutella after sugar. There’s more palm oil in Nutella than chocolate!
Our consumption of palm oil affects our planet in devastating ways, and consumers are now increasingly aware of this fact. Palm oil decimates forests and wildlife populations. Our World in Data estimates that palm oil and soybeans account for around 18% of the world’s deforestation. According to Orangutan Conservancy, the orangutan population in Sumatra has decreased by over 50% in the last 30 years due to palm oil production.
Many chocolate spreads also contain milk. Therefore, this makes chocolate spread unsuitable for vegans and anyone concerned about unnecessary animal suffering. Fortunately, vegan chocolate spread is now more widely available in grocery stores, offering animal-lovers a cruelty free alternative. The ethics of cocoa sourcing — including child labour, deforestation, and Fairtrade certification — are covered in more depth in our Ethical Chocolate comparison table, which applies the same independent research methodology to chocolate brands.
New regulations: the EU Deforestation Regulation and what it means for spreads
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which came into force for large and medium operators at the end of 2025, has significant implications for popular spread ingredients including cocoa, palm oil, and soy. Under the EUDR, companies selling products containing these commodities in the EU must prove that their ingredients are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation after December 2020. This means that brands using cocoa or palm oil in chocolate spreads are now required to demonstrate full supply chain traceability — a significant step forward for transparency and accountability. The UK is developing its own equivalent regulations, though final legislation has been delayed. For consumers, the EUDR is a signal that regulatory pressure on deforestation-linked ingredients is increasing — and that brands which have already adopted independently verified ethical sourcing are better placed for the future. Our Ethical Jams and Spreads Ratings Table reflects these supply chain considerations in our ratings.
The controversial activities of popular jams and spreads brands
Our latest research reveals that many unethical companies own popular spreads brands. These unethical companies use child labour, deforestation, animal cruelty, and the production of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. In this list, brands using GMOs include Cadbury and Marmite.
Not only does Nutella use unsustainable palm oil, this brand has also been linked to human rights abuses. In 2019, BBC News reported on the labour abuses within the supply chain of Ferrero, the parent company of Nutella. Hazelnut growers for Nutella were reportedly earning as little as £2.50 a day. The article also reports on Ferrero’s use of child labour. The report reveals that two of the workers were aged just 10 and 12. We suggest you avoid Nutella if you are concerned about the impact of your purchases on human rights, and the rights of children.
Solutions: organic peanut butter and spreads
So it’s not just about avoiding unethical companies like Nutella. Ethical shoppers can still buy organic peanut butter and spreads from ethical companies, which can be found in our ethical comparison ratings table! No need to spend hours trawling Google, researching parent companies. We’ve done the hard work for you. Brands that hold Ethical Accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide have had their ethical credentials independently verified — the clearest signal available that a brand is genuinely committed to responsible practice.
Ethical food shopping: the bigger picture
If you care about the ethics of your jams and spreads, it is worth applying the same scrutiny to other food products. The Good Shopping Guide has been independently rating food brands since 2001 across dozens of categories. Our Ethical Chocolate comparison table and Ethical Biscuits Ratings Table apply the same independent research methodology to other popular everyday food categories with shared supply chain concerns including cocoa, palm oil, and sugar. For businesses in the food sector that want their ethical credentials independently recognised, find out more about The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation.
See our Ethical Jams and Spreads Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
The GOOD Shopping Guide has researched some of the most popular and readily available jam and spreads brands so consumers are well informed about the ethics of the brands we’re all buying from! Click on any brand to find out more information about brand’s ethics and sustainability.
Mr Organic, Whole Earth, The Groovy Food Company, Lotus Biscoff, Sweet Freedom, Hilltop, Littleover Apiary, Pip & Nut, Bonne Maman, Meridian, Rowse, St Dalfour, Lyle’s, Nutella, Duerr’s, Mackays, Lindt, Cadbury, Hartley’s, Marmite, Skippy, Suma, Clearspring and Sun-Pat.
What ethical issues should consumers consider when buying jams and spreads?
Even simple products like jams and spreads can have ethical implications. Key concerns include the use of palm oil (linked to deforestation), genetically modified (GM) ingredients, lack of transparency around sourcing, and weak environmental or social responsibility policies from manufacturers. Some spreads also contain sugar from intensive farming. Considering these factors helps shoppers choose products that are better for people and the planet.
Why is the use of palm oil in spreads an ethical concern?
Palm oil — common in some spreads — is a major driver of tropical deforestation, habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Unless it’s responsibly sourced (for example, certified sustainable by credible schemes), palm oil contributes to climate change and the loss of endangered species’ habitats. Ethical buyers often seek products with no palm oil or certified sustainable palm oil.
How do organic and non‑GM ingredients affect the ethical appeal of jams and spreads?
Organic and non‑GM ingredients are generally preferred because they avoid synthetic pesticides and genetically modified crops, which can harm soil health, water quality and wildlife. Spreads made with organic fruit and non‑GM sugars help support more sustainable agriculture and reduce reliance on industrial farming methods linked to environmental damage.
Which jams and spreads brands tend to score higher on ethical and sustainability criteria?
Brands such as Mrs Darlington’s, Biona Organic, Bonne Maman, Waitrose Duchy Organic and St Dalfour generally score above the ethical benchmark. These products typically perform better on environmental reporting, avoid GM ingredients, have some palm‑oil–free recipes, and demonstrate clearer commitments to responsible sourcing and transparency than many mainstream alternatives.
Why do some popular jams and spreads receive lower ethical ratings?
Many familiar spreads score below the benchmark because they use palm oil without clear sustainable sourcing policies, rely on GM ingredients, and come from companies with limited transparency on environmental or social responsibility issues. These gaps in ethical policies and reporting reduce their overall scores in comparisons with brands that publish stronger commitments.
How can consumers make more ethical choices with jams and spreads?
To make more ethical choices, look for products that are organic and non‑GM, avoid palm oil or use certified sustainable palm oil, and come from brands that publish transparent environmental and social policies. These steps help support more sustainable agriculture, reduce environmental harm, and encourage better corporate responsibility in the food industry.
Is Mr Organic an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Mr Organic sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table, making it a strong ethical choice in this category. It performs well across all assessed criteria, including environmental reporting, animal welfare, and organic sourcing. As an Ethical Innovator, Mr Organic is recognised for its progressive approach to ethical and sustainable business practices. Applying for Ethical Accreditation could further formalise this commitment.
Is Clearspring an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Clearspring sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table, making it a strong ethical choice in this category. It performs well across organic sourcing, environmental reporting, animal welfare, and non-GMO policies, though its Vegetarian/Vegan Verified rating receives an acceptable rather than top mark. Clearspring holds Ethical Innovator Status, and applying for Ethical Accreditation could further formalise its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is The Groovy Food Company an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
The Groovy Food Company sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is considered a responsible choice in this category. It performs well across organic sourcing, environmental reporting, and animal welfare, though its Genetic Modification rating receives an acceptable rather than top mark. The brand holds Ethical Innovator Status, and applying for Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its dedication to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Hilltop an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Hilltop sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table, reflecting its commitment to ethical practices in this category. It performs well in organic sourcing and animal welfare, though its Environmental Report, Genetic Modification, and Vegetarian/Vegan Verified ratings receive acceptable rather than top marks. Hilltop holds Ethical Innovator Status, and securing Ethical Accreditation could further reinforce its dedication to sustainable and responsible business practices.
Is Sweet Freedom an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Sweet Freedom sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is recognised as an ethical option in this category. It performs strongly across environmental reporting, animal welfare, and non-GMO policies, though it falls short in its Organic rating. The brand holds Ethical Innovator Status, and applying for Ethical Accreditation could further showcase its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Meridian an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Meridian sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and meets the ethical standard for this category. It performs well across organic sourcing, environmental reporting, and animal welfare, though its Genetic Modification rating receives an acceptable rather than top mark. As an Ethical Innovator, Meridian is recognised for its progressive approach, and applying for Ethical Accreditation could further highlight its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Pip & Nut an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Pip & Nut sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is regarded as an ethical choice in this category. It performs well in environmental reporting, animal welfare, and non-GMO practices, though it falls short in its Organic rating and receives an acceptable mark for Vegetarian/Vegan Verified. The brand holds Ethical Innovator Status, and applying for Ethical Accreditation could further underline its dedication to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Suma an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Suma sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is considered a responsible choice in this category. It performs well across environmental reporting, organic sourcing, animal welfare, and non-GMO policies, though it falls short in its Palm Oil Free rating and receives an acceptable mark for Vegetarian/Vegan Verified. Suma holds Ethical Innovator Status, and applying for Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its dedication to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Bodrum an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Bodrum sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and therefore cannot be classed as an ethical brand in this category. While it performs well in animal welfare, political donations, and armaments, it falls short in environmental transparency and sustainability reporting. Readers can consult the Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table for brands that meet the ethical benchmark.
Is Bonne Maman an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Bonne Maman sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table, meeting the ethical standard for this category. It performs well in Genetic Modification policies, animal welfare, and public record criticisms, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Organic ratings. Applying for Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Lotus Biscoff an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Lotus Biscoff sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table. While it performs well in areas such as animal welfare, environmental reporting, and non-GMO policies, it falls short in Palm Oil Free and Vegetarian/Vegan Verified. Consumers seeking brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can find suitable alternatives in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Mackays an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Mackays sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is not considered an ethical brand. It performs well in areas such as Animal Welfare, Political Donations and Public Record Criticisms, but falls short in environmental reporting and organic certification. As it does not meet the ethical benchmark, explore the Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that do.
Is St Dalfour an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
St Dalfour sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well across animal welfare, environmental reporting, and non-GMO policies, though it falls short in its Organic rating and receives an acceptable mark for Vegetarian/Vegan Verified. Applying for Ethical Accreditation could serve to further demonstrate St Dalfour’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Littleover Apiary an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Littleover Apiary sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in organic sourcing, animal welfare, and Palm Oil Free, though its Environmental Report and Genetic Modification ratings receive acceptable rather than top marks, and it falls short in its Vegetarian/Vegan Verified rating. Applying for Ethical Accreditation could serve to further demonstrate Littleover Apiary’s commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Is Duerr’s an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Duerr’s sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in animal welfare and public record criticisms, though falls short in environmental reporting, organic certification, and Palm Oil Free, with acceptable marks for Vegetarian/Vegan Verified and Genetic Modification. Despite sitting below the benchmark, Duerr’s holds Ethical Innovator Status. Consumers seeking brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can find alternatives in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Rowse an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Rowse sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table. While it performs well in animal welfare and organic sourcing, it falls short in several areas including Palm Oil Free, Fossil Fuels, Armaments, Irresponsible Marketing, and Political Donations. Consumers seeking brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table to find more responsible alternatives.
Is Whole Earth an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Whole Earth sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is not considered an ethical brand. It performs well in areas like Environment, Animal Welfare and Political Donations, although falls short in organic certification and palm oil free status. As it does not meet the ethical benchmark, readers can refer to the Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table for brands that do.
Is Hartley’s an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Hartley’s sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is not recognised as an ethical brand. It performs well in environmental reporting, animal welfare and political donations, although falls short in areas such as organic certification and genetic modification transparency. As Hartley’s does not meet the ethical benchmark, consult the Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that do.
Is Lyle’s an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Lyle’s sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table. While it performs well in environmental reporting and animal welfare, it falls short in Palm Oil Free, Political Donations, and Public Record Criticisms. Consumers seeking brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table to find more responsible alternatives.
Is Sun‑Pat an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Sun‑Pat sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is not regarded as an ethical brand. It performs well in areas like Environmental reporting, Animal Welfare and People issues, although falls short in organic certification and palm oil free status, and has no Ethical Accreditation. As it does not meet the ethical benchmark, consult the Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that do.
Is Nutella an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Nutella sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is not regarded as an ethical brand. It performs well in environmental reporting and some animal welfare categories, although falls short in areas such as Palm Oil Free and Public Record Criticisms. As it does not meet the ethical benchmark, consult the Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that do.
Is Lindt an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Lindt sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is not considered an ethical brand. It performs well in environmental reporting, although falls short in areas such as organic certification and political donations reporting. As it does not meet the ethical benchmark, consult the Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that do.
Is Marmite an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Marmite sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is not recognised as an ethical brand. It performs well in environmental reporting and some people‑related categories, although falls short in animal welfare, genetic modification transparency and overall public record criticisms. As it does not meet the ethical benchmark, consult the Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that do.
Is Cadbury an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Cadbury sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and is not considered an ethical brand. It performs well in environmental reporting but falls short in areas such as genetic modification transparency, organic certification, animal welfare and palm oil free status. As it does not meet the ethical benchmark, consult the Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that do.
Is Skippy an ethical Jam & Spreads brand?
Skippy sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short across several key areas, including environmental reporting, animal welfare, Genetic Modification, Organic, Palm Oil Free, Public Record Criticisms, and Political Donations. Consumers seeking more responsible alternatives can find brands that meet the ethical benchmark within The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jam & Spreads Ethical Ratings Table.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.