Is Once Again Nut Butter ethical?

Overview

Once Again Nut Butter is a certified B Corporation and worker-owned cooperative based in upstate New York, specializing in organic and regeneratively sourced nut butters. Founded in 1976, the company has built a reputation for transparency, environmental stewardship, and fair labor practices. Their flagship product, Regenerative Organic Creamy Peanut Butter, carries multiple top-tier certifications—USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified, Fair Trade, Non-GMO Project Verified, and B Corp—reflecting a holistic approach to ethical production. The brand avoids major controversies and consistently scores high on ethical product comparison platforms.

Certifications

Once Again Nut Butter holds an impressive array of third-party certifications: USDA Organic ensures no synthetic pesticides or GMOs; Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) goes beyond organic to include soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness; Fair Trade Certified guarantees fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers; Non-GMO Project Verified confirms no genetically modified ingredients; and B Corporation certification assesses overall social and environmental performance. These certifications collectively underpin the brand’s 89/100 ethics rating.

Animal Testing & Vegan Range

Once Again Nut Butter does not conduct or commission any animal testing. All products are plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet. The brand’s entire product line—including peanut, almond, cashew, and sunflower seed butters—is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, with no animal-derived ingredients.

Sustainability Pledges

The company is a strong advocate for climate-positive agriculture. Through its participation in the Regenerative Organic Alliance, Once Again sources ingredients from farms that use regenerative practices such as cover cropping, no-till farming, and rotational grazing to sequester carbon and improve soil biodiversity. The brand also uses recycled and recyclable packaging, operates energy-efficient facilities, and offsets its carbon footprint through verified offset programs. Their commitment extends to reducing food waste and supporting biodiversity.

Sourcing & Labor

Once Again sources its peanuts and other nuts primarily from family farms in the United States and other countries, with Fair Trade certification ensuring that farmers receive premium prices for their crops. The company is a worker-owned cooperative, meaning all employees share ownership and decision-making power. This structure promotes fair wages, profit sharing, and a democratic workplace. Additionally, the brand audits its supply chain to prevent child labor and forced labor, and it supports community development projects in sourcing regions.

Controversies Context

Once Again Nut Butter has no major controversies on record. The brand has maintained a clean ethical record, with no reported labor disputes, environmental violations, or animal welfare issues. Some consumers have noted that while the brand uses recyclable jars, the plastic lids are not yet fully compostable—a common industry challenge. Overall, the company’s transparency and certifications place it among the most reputable nut butter brands.

Bottom Line

Once Again Nut Butter sets a high bar for ethical nut butter production. With strong certifications, a worker-owned cooperative model, and a focus on regenerative agriculture, it is an excellent choice for ethically conscious consumers. While slightly pricier than conventional brands, the price reflects genuine investment in people and planet.