50 Things You Didn’t Know About Peanut Butter

1. Origins: Peanut butter was first made by the Aztecs and the Incas by mashing roasted peanuts into a paste.

2. Patent: Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, of cereal fame, patented a process for making peanut butter in 1895.

3. Presidents: Both Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter were peanut farmers.

4. Crunchy vs. Smooth: 60% of Americans prefer creamy peanut butter, while 40% prefer crunchy.

5. World Record: The largest peanut butter and jelly sandwich ever made weighed 1,342 pounds.

6. Popular Brand: Jif is the leading brand of peanut butter in the United States.

7. Allergy Alert: Peanut allergies affect approximately 1% of the U.S. population.

8. Nutrition: Peanut butter is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

9. World War II: Peanut butter was used as a protein substitute during meat rationing in WWII.

10. Skippy: Skippy peanut butter was introduced in 1932 by Joseph L. Rosefield.

11. Consumption: Americans eat about 700 million pounds of peanut butter annually.

12. Peanuts Aren’t Nuts: Peanuts are actually legumes, not nuts.

13. Dog Treat: Peanut butter is a popular treat for dogs, often used in toys to keep them occupied.

14. Diet Staple: Peanut butter is often included in astronauts’ diets during space missions.

15. Heart Health: Consuming peanut butter may reduce the risk of heart disease.

16. International Names: In the Netherlands, peanut butter is called “pindakaas,” which means peanut cheese.

17. Peanut Butter Cup: The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup was created by H.B. Reese in 1928.

18. Cooking: Peanut butter is used in various recipes, from sandwiches to sauces to desserts.

19. Storage: Natural peanut butter should be refrigerated to prevent oil separation.

20. World Peanut Butter Day: National Peanut Butter Day is celebrated on January 24th.

21. Peanut Production: Georgia, Texas, and Alabama are the top peanut-producing states in the U.S.

22. Skippy’s Innovation: Skippy was the first brand to introduce “no-stir” peanut butter.

23. World War I: During WWI, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were a common meal for soldiers.

24. Longevity: Peanut butter can last up to 9 months when unopened and stored properly.

25. Peanut Butter Museum: There’s a museum dedicated to peanut butter in Brundidge, Alabama.

26. Healthy Snack: Peanut butter paired with celery is a popular healthy snack known as “ants on a log.”

27. Peanut Butter & Jelly: The average American child will eat 1,500 PB&J sandwiches before graduating high school.

28. Peanut Butter Brands: Some of the oldest peanut butter brands are Skippy, Jif, and Peter Pan.

29. Antioxidants: Peanut butter contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which is also found in red wine.

30. Peanut Butter Spread: Peanut butter spread must contain at least 90% peanuts.

31. Celebrity Endorsements: Elvis Presley was a known fan of peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

32. Environmental Impact: Peanut farming is relatively eco-friendly, requiring less water and pesticides than many other crops.

33. Peanut Butter Cookies: The first peanut butter cookie recipe was published in the 1930s.

34. Peanut Butter vs. Almond Butter: Peanut butter has more protein than almond butter.

35. Peanut Butter Statues: There are statues of peanut butter jars in various locations, including the National Peanut Festival in Alabama.

36. Peanut Butter in Literature: Peanut butter has appeared in books like “Little House on the Prairie.”

37. Global Consumption: The Netherlands consumes more peanut butter per capita than any other country.

38. Military Rations: The U.S. military includes peanut butter in MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) kits.

39. Peanut Butter Variations: There are numerous variations, including powdered peanut butter and flavored peanut butter spreads.

40. Peanut Butter Festivals: There are several peanut butter festivals held across the U.S., celebrating all things peanut butter.

41. Peanut Butter Slogans: Jif’s slogan “Choosy moms choose Jif” has been used since 1958.

42. Celebrity Creations: Actor Sylvester Stallone launched his own line of high-protein peanut butter in the 2000s.

43. Peanut Butter Packaging: The first peanut butter was sold in tin cans before glass and plastic jars became standard.

44. Peanut Butter in Pop Culture: Peanut butter has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, including “Friends” and “E.T.”

45. Protein Content: Two tablespoons of peanut butter contain about 8 grams of protein.

46. Peanut Butter in Asia: Peanut butter is a common ingredient in various Asian cuisines, especially in sauces for dishes like satay.

47. Peanut Butter Sandwiches: The first peanut butter sandwich recipe was published in 1901 by Julia Davis Chandler.

48. Peanut Butter in Baking: Peanut butter is often used as a substitute for butter in vegan baking.

49. Peanut Butter Ice Cream: Peanut butter is a popular flavor for ice cream and other frozen treats.

50. Homemade Peanut Butter: Making peanut butter at home is easy and requires just peanuts and a food processor.

Peanut butter is more than just a sandwich spread—it’s a versatile, nutritious, and culturally significant food enjoyed by millions around the world.