Are Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups Vegan? (Find Out Now!)

Written by Kari Rich in Candy & Snacks,Vegan

Are Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups Vegan

The Justin’s Brand of snacks, treats, and nutty spreads are made with high quality organic ingredients. With many varieties of peanut and other nut cups to choose from, you can find something to satisfy your salty-sweet cravings. But, are Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups vegan?

Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups dark chocolate varieties are vegan. However, the milk chocolate and white chocolate varieties are not vegan. As the name suggests, these peanut butter cups contain milk, a dairy product. Some good peanut butter cups alternatives to Justin’s are Theo’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Lily’s Sweets Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

In this article, we will discuss the nutritional value and ingredients of the wide array of nutty chocolatey cups that Justin’s offers. We will also highlight other vegan alternatives to Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups. Let’s get started!

Why does Justin’s use Organic Palm Oil?

Justin’s uses Organic Palm Oil for three main reasons:

  1. The first is that palm oil is one of the only major oils widely available that is non-GMO.
  2. The second reason Justin’s uses palm oil is for the silky quality. When Palm Oil is added to ground nuts, the texture is incredibly creamy.
  3. Third, Palm oil also has less of a chance to rise to the top of a jar of nut butter, making it an excellent stabilizer. We have all battled the oil sludge at the top of a nut butter container. Palm oil incorporates more smoothly and adheres to proteins better than many leading oils that could be used.

Why is most Palm Oil not Vegan?

There are some sustainably and ethically sourced palm oils on the market. And more and more companies are looking to source this version. However, most palm oil is harvested in deep plantations that are home to orangutans. The deforestation of palm plantations does displace orangutans from their homes.  Technically though palm oil is vegan because it contains no animal by product. Palm oil is a vegetable oil. Palm oil is the second most consumed oil worldwide. Second only to Soybean Oil. Unless the palm oil is sustainably sourced it is not vegan.

Is Justin’s Palm Oil Vegan?

Yes! Justin’s Organic Palm Oil is vegan. Justin’s uses organic and humanely sourced palm oil. Here is why organic palm oil is vegan. Justin’s heralds themselves for pushing supply chain advancements to use sustainable practices while sourcing. Justin’s Brand is a member of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm). RSPO supplies approximately 20% of all palm oil in the food and beauty industries. RSPO supports sustainable farming and human rights at the grower’s level. Learn more about RSPO and all they do by clicking here. Justin’s is extremely transparent about where they source their ingredients. Most of their palm oil comes from South America. You can take an easy breath knowing that this palm oil consumption is not hurting anything or anyone.

JUSTIN’S® Products and Nutritional Value

JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Let’s start with the Justin’s vegan option of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Ingredients:

  • Organic Dark Chocolate
  • Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar
  • Organic Cacao Beans
  • Organic Cocoa Butter
  • Organic Soya Lecithin [Emulsifier]
  • Organic Peanut Butter (Organic Ground Peanut)
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Organic Peanut Flour
  • Organic Palm Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Organic Sunflower Lecithin

Nutrition summary:

  • Calories 220
  • Fat 14g
  • Carbs 20g
  • Protein 4g
  • Sugars 16g

There are 220 calories 40g of JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

These dark chocolate peanut butter cups do contain palm oil, which in many cases can be a gray area or even red flag for many vegans. Please be rest assured that Justin’s uses sustainable palm oil in their products. Which will discuss more in length further in this article.

JUSTIN’S® Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Unlike the dark chocolate sibling of the peanut butter cup, the milk chocolate peanut butter cups are not vegan. As the name represents the Milk Chocolate version of Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups include milk in the list of ingredients.

Here is the ingredient list for JUSTIN’S® Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups:

  • Organic Milk Chocolate
  • Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar
  • Organic Cacao Beans
  • Organic Full Cream Milk
  • Organic Cocoa Butter
  • Organic Soya Lecithin [Emulsifier]
  • Organic Peanut Butter (Organic Ground Peanuts)
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Organic Peanut Flour
  • Organic Palm Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Organic Sunflower Lecithin

Nutrition summary:

  • Calories 230
  • Fat 15g
  • Carbs 20g
  • Protein 4g
  • Sugars 16g

There are 230 calories 40g of JUSTIN’S® Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Other than the Full Cream Milk used in this variety of peanut butter cups, the other ingredients are vegan and organic.

JUSTIN’S® White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

The white chocolate peanut butter cups are also not vegan.

Here is the ingredient list for JUSTIN’S® White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups:

  • Organic White Chocolate
  • Organic Sugar
  • Organic Cocoa Butter
  • Organic Whole Milk Powder
  • Organic Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier]
  • Organic Vanilla
  • Organic Peanut Butter (Organic Ground Peanuts)
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Organic Peanut Flour
  • Organic Palm Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Organic Sunflower Lecithin

Nutrition summary:

  • Calories 230
  • Fat 15g
  • Carbs 19g
  • Protein 3g
  • Sugars 16g

There are 230 calories 40g of JUSTIN’S® White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

This version of a white chocolate peanut butter cup by Justin’s isn’t just for those individuals who love white chocolate. But they are also for those people who are concerned with the fair chocolate practices within the chocolate trade. By eliminating the use of the cacao bean makes JUSTIN’S® White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups one of the fairest-trade on the market. The use of milk powder in the ingredients however renders this variety not vegan.

JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Cups

Needing a crispy crunch in your chocolate bar? The salty-sweet-crisp of JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Cups will satisfy your vegan treat craving.

The ingredients for JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Cups:

  • Organic Dark Chocolate
  • Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar
  • Organic Cacao Beans
  • Organic Cocoa Butter
  • Organic Soya Lecithin [Emulsifier]
  • Organic Peanut Butter (Organic Ground Peanuts)
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Organic Quinoa
  • Organic Peanut Flour
  • Organic Palm Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Organic Sunflower Lecithin

Nutrition summary:

  • Calories 220
  • Fat 14g
  • Carbs 19g
  • Protein 4g
  • Sugars 15g

There are 220 calories 37g of JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Cups.

The use of quinoa instead of wheat or oats makes JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Cups not only vegan but also gluten free!

JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups

Presenting the legume sister of the peanut, the cashew. Cashews make a smooth and creamy nut butter. It stands to reason that they would make a tasty chocolate coated cup.

The ingredients in JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups are:

  • Organic Dark Chocolate
  • Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar
  • Organic Cacao Beans
  • Organic Cocoa Butter
  • Organic Soya Lecithin [Emulsifier]
  • Organic Cashews
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Organic Oat Flour
  • Organic Palm Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Organic Sunflower Lecithin

Nutrition summary:

  • Calories 230
  • Fat 15g
  • Carbs 21g
  • Protein 3g
  • Sugars 14g

There are 230 calories in 40 g JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups.

JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups have slightly higher caloric value than their Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter sibling. But for those with peanut allergies, this could be a heaven send.

JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

Justin, the proprietor of the Justin’s Brand has admitted these cups may be his favorite.

The ingredients in JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups are:

  • Organic Dark Chocolate
  • Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar
  • Organic Cacao Beans
  • Organic Cocoa Butter
  • Organic Soya Lecithin [Emulsifier]
  • Organic Almonds
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Organic Almond Protein
  • Organic Palm Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Organic Sunflower Lecithin

Nutrition summary:

  • Calories 230
  • Fat 15g
  • Carbs 20g
  • Protein 3g
  • Sugars 14g

There are 230 calories in 40g JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups.

Since JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups use their dark chocolate coating to make these cups that means they are also vegan.

JUSTIN’S® Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

What’s better than a full-size peanut butter cup? A bag full of tiny ones!

The ingredients for JUSTIN’S® Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are:

  • Organic Dark Chocolate
  • Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar
  • Organic Cacao Beans
  • Organic Cocoa Butter
  • Organic Soya Lecithin [Emulsifier]
  • Organic Peanut Butter (Organic Ground Peanuts)
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Organic Peanut Flour
  • Organic Palm Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Organic Sunflower Lecithin

Nutrition summary:

  • Calories 150
  • Fat 10g
  • Carbs 12g
  • Protein 2g
  • Sugars 9g

There are 150 calories in 24g of JUSTIN’S® Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Don’t let the numbers fool you. With a lot more fat content than their full-size parents, JUSTIN’S® Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups may not be the healthier choice when choosing a treat. But, if you want more chocolate per bite, the minis are the way to go.

JUSTIN’S® Mini Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Just like the regular size milk chocolate peanut butter cups, the mini version are also not vegan. JUSTIN’S® Mini Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups have more chocolate per cup. The use of Full Cream Milk makes these peanut butter cups in mini form, not vegan.

The ingredients for JUSTIN’S® Mini Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are:

  • Organic Milk Chocolate
  • Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar
  • Organic Cacao Beans
  • Organic Full Cream Milk
  • Organic Cocoa Butter
  • Organic Soya Lecithin [Emulsifier]
  • Organic Peanut Butter (Organic Ground Peanuts)
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Organic Peanut Flour
  • Organic Palm Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Organic Sunflower Lecithin

Nutrition summary:

  • Calories 150
  • Fat 10g
  • Carbs 12g
  • Protein 2g
  • Sugars 10g

There are 150 calories in 24g of JUSTIN’S® Mini Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Alternatives to JUSTIN’s Peanut Butter Cups

The Justin’s brand offers wonderful treats. However, there are two healthier options that are also vegan. The two alternatives with great nutritional values are: Lily’s sweets dark chocolate peanut butter cups and Theo’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups. Let’s compare their nutrition.

Lily’s Sweets Dark Chocolate PB Cups

Lily's Sweets, Milk Chocolate Style Peanut Butter Cups, 1.25 Ounce Ingredients:

  • Unsweetened Dark Chocolate
  • Erythritol
  • Chicory Root Fiber
  • Cocoa Butter
  • Sunflower Lecithin
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Stevia Extract
  • Peanuts
  • Palm Kernel Oil
  • Peanut Flour
  • Coconut Oil
  • Palm Oil
  • Salt

Nutrition summary (per 30g):

  • Calories 140
  • Fat 13g
  • Carbs 13g
  • Protein 3g
  • Sugars 0g

Lily’s sells products that have no sugar added. Lily’s is also fair trade, non-GMO, and gluten free certified.

Theo’s Dark Chocolate PB Cups

Theo Chocolate Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, 12 Pack | Vegan, Fair Trade Ingredients:

  • Cocoa Beans
  • Peanut Butter
  • Cane Sugar
  • Cocoa Butter
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Peanut Flour
  • Salt
  • Rosemary Extract
  • Ground Vanilla Bean
  • Sunflower Oil

Nutrition summary (per 38g):

  • Calories 220
  • Fat 15g
  • Carbs 17g
  • Protein 5g
  • Sugars 12g

Theo’s products are Fair trade, organic, non-GMO, soy free, kosher, gluten free, vegan, and palm free.

Is Cocoa Butter Vegan?

Yes! Natural Cocoa Butter does not contain any animal derivatives. Cocoa Butter is considered a vegetable fat. Cocoa Butter is sometimes referred to as Theobroma oil. The process of extracting the butter or fat from a cocoa bean is a drying, cracking, roasting, and fermentation that takes days. When the fat is separated from the cocoa, you have cocoa butter and cocoa powder. Both of which are vegan as they come from a plant.

Final Thoughts

No vegan substitutes or alternatives are needed when buying and eating Justin’s peanut butter cups. That is as long as you go for the dark chocolate varieties that contain no dairy. With 8 kinds of nut butter cups, 5 of which are vegan, there are so many to choose from.

The Vegan varieties of Justin’s Nut Butter Cups are:

  • JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
  • JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Cups
  • JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups
  • JUSTIN’S® Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
  • JUSTIN’S® Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Simple and transparent ingredients that are non-GMO, eco-conscious, and organic, Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups are a great vegan choice.

Related Questions

Are Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups Gluten Free?

Yes! All types of Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups are gluten free. There are no wheat or gluten ingredients in all of their nut butter cups. They take it one step further at Justin’s and have been certified gluten free. Justin’s products are labeled with the GFCO stamp of approval on all packaging.

Where can I buy Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups?

This is a link to the Justin’s website and their guide of “where to buy”. You can also purchase vegan food items here at Vitacost. This is a direct link to the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

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Kari Rich

Chef Kari Rich is an award-winning fine dining chef with over twenty years of experience across the culinary field. Chef Kari enjoys studying and preparing foods for all types of diets and needs. Besides running professional kitchens, she has worked as a restaurant consultant doing business development and innovation, flow of food and menu development, food safety and cooking class instructor, ghost and copywriter for cookbooks and blogs, and research and development for health food companies and magazines. Chef Kari has appeared on a number of Food Network, Travel Channel, and Cooking Channel programs, she prefers the more personal connection that comes from preparing creative and well executed dishes. Chef Kari maintains a focus on the importance of local farms, food waste education, and good nutrition practices.

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