Peanut butter is a great Better Pantry staple. It is low-cost, widely-available, and can be used in many different recipes. It’s a popular source of plant-based protein and heart-healthy fats. And it just tastes good!

Peanut Butter Nutrition Facts

Like most foods, you should check the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts label when selecting which peanut butter to buy. Stirring the oil back in may be a hassle, but natural peanut butter is the best kind. It’s made with just peanuts (and maybe a little bit of salt). Most other kinds of peanut butter have sugar and saturated fats added to them.

Compare the ingredients and Nutrition Facts labels.

Creamy Peanut Butter Ingredients: Peanuts, Sugar, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Rapeseed, Cottonseed, Soybean), Dextrose, Salt, Molasses, Monoglycerides

Natural Peanut Butter Ingredients: Peanuts, contains 1% or less or Salt.

Peanut butter is full of healthy fats, but that also means it is higher in calories. Eat small portions to keep calories in check. A typical serving is 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, which has almost 200 calories.

Some people are allergic to peanuts and many schools are going peanut-free. Sunbutter, a spread like peanut butter but made from sunflower seeds, makes a good alternative. It’s one of the more affordable nut butters, too. As with peanut butter, choose one made with just sunflower seeds and maybe a little bit of salt.

Peanuts in Virginia

Virginia is the 8th largest producer of peanuts in the country, with 25,000 acres of peanuts harvested this year. Southeast Virginia has sandy soil, perfect for growing large, high-quality peanuts. Planter’s Peanuts, one of the most iconic peanut brands, built its first processing plant in Suffolk, VA in 1913. When you travel in the southeast part of the state, you’ll see many roadside markets offering fresh peanuts. Fresh ground peanut butter is a popular item in farmers markets, too.

Eating Smart with Peanut Butter

There are many tasty recipes using peanut butter, from snacks and smoothies to breakfast and dessert.

• Peanut Butter ‘n Fruit-wich
• Peanut Butter Banana Nuggets
• Peanut Butter Balls
• Granola Bars
• Fruit and Peanut Butter Dip
• Bugs on a Log
• Banana Peanut Butter Sandwich
• Apple Wraps
• Peanut Butter Muffins
• Buenos Apple Nachos
• Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal
• Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
• Cranberry Oatmeal Balls
• Peanut Power Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Bread
• Peanut Butter Bananas
• Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Shake
• Peachy Peanut Butter Pita Pockets
• Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
• No Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

What’s your favorite way to eat peanut butter? I’ve been putting it in my smoothies and eating it with a banana or apple for breakfast lately.