November is here and the holiday season is upon us! Besides the traditional end-of-year holidays, did you know peanut butter lovers get the entire month of November to celebrate America’s favorite nut butter? That’s right, November is Peanut Butter Lovers Month!

Peanut butter is found is found in three out of four pantries across the United States. It’s an American staple, and for good reason, too. It’s affordable, sustainable, nutritious and tastes great! It’s also so versatile. Kids and adults alike love it on sandwiches, dipped with fruits and veggies, used in savory dishes and even sweet desserts!

When it comes to traditional vs. natural peanut butter, many wonder which is best. The Peanut Institute (website link: https://peanut-institute.com/) provides some great insight on this topic. According to TPI, to be considered real peanut butter, both traditional and natural versions must contain a minimum of 90 percent peanuts, no artificial sweeteners, colors or preservatives. The primary difference is the way the peanut butter is blended. Traditional peanut butter is blended before it reaches the shelf for convenience and creaminess. Natural, on the other hand, is not; therefore, when purchased, it requires stirring. The nutrition for each remains the same! To stabilize traditional peanut butter to eliminate separation, manufacturers may add a small amount of partially or fully hydrogenated oil. Some also may add small amounts of sugar or salt for added flavor. Even so, TPI says the difference in macronutrient content per serving between the two types is minimal.

Speaking of nutrition, peanut butter is packed with health benefits. Take a look at a few benefits the National Peanut Board  describes below!

• Peanuts have more protein than any other nut. Seven grams per serving to be exact.
• Peanuts contain more than 30 essential vitamins and nutrients.
• Peanuts are a good source of fiber, contain healthy fats and are part of a heart-healthy diet.
• Peanut butter is good for the planet. It takes fewer than five gallons of fresh water to produce one ounce of peanuts, and peanuts add beneficial nutrients to the soil.
• Americans spend almost $800 million a year on peanut butter.
• 94 percent of Americans have at least one jar of peanut butter at home, so a convenient snack is always nearby.
• 90 percent – How much less a PB&J costs than a sandwich made with almond butter.
• The average child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before he or she graduates high school.

Celebrating Peanut Butter Lovers Month is easier than ever! There are lots of recipe options for holiday dishes and even more options for everyday enjoyment. To get started, check out this No Bake Peanut Butter Pie created by a Georgia peanut farmer’s wife. It’s the perfect dish to take to any of your holiday gatherings!  For more delicious peanut butter recipes, check out the Georgia Peanuts Pinterest page. You can also visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website for even more recipes, nutrition information and fun facts to celebrate all year long.