Adam’s versus Peter Pan peanut butter? Natural versus processed? Which do you go with?
Peanut butter is an extremely healthy snack and you can use it to make an unlimited amount of healthy recipes.  However, it is important to note the difference between natural and processed peanut butter, because the benefits from peanut butter vary greatly between the two.

All peanut butter is an excellent source of protein.  Like most nuts, peanuts contain a lot of vitamin E, which is very good for your skin, and is a powerful anti-oxidant.  Peanuts also contain monounsaturated fats, which are the good kind.  They help lower your cholesterol levels.  Natural peanut butter is 100% peanuts, so contains all of these benefits. Some brands, such as Peter Pan peanut butter, have actually added extra nutrients (Peter Pan Plus Peanut Butter) but they still contain sugar and fat, so be careful.

Processed peanut butter contains many other ingredients such as sugar, salt, and hydrogenated fats.  Extra sugars mean extra calories, which are not good for people watching their weight.  Too much salt is not a good thing, especially for people with high blood pressure.  And hydrogenated fats are not good for anyone.  These are some of the worst fats available, and can lead to weight gain, cancer, and increased cholesterol, in turn resulting in heart disease.

For these reasons, it is always recommended to use a natural, 100% peanut butter.  It does not make a difference when baking or cooking, so there is no real reason not to use it.  How do you know?  Most of the major brands, such as Skippy, Kraft, Jif, and Peter Pan peanut butter are processed.  However, some of these brands are coming out with natural alternatives.  Look at the ingredients on the side of the peanut jar.  It should say 100% peanuts if it is natural.   Kraft was one of the first, and their natural option is decent. Usually, the label will also say Natural Peanut Butter, but ALWAYS check the label to make sure there are no additives.

– it can be used in so many ways. Peanut butter is great in desserts, appetizers, main courses, beverages, or by itself as a spread. The amount of ways in which you can use it are infinite, and is only limited by one´s creativity!

- ((peanut butter)) is cheap and easy to find! Depending on the brand and type of peanut butter you buy, it costs between $5-$10 per kilo in North America. For example, Kraft peanut butter runs in around $5 a kilo, while Peter Pan peanut butter is $7 a kilo. Natural peanut butters, such as Adam’s peanut butter, are slightly more around $5 for 500g. around It can be found anywhere, as it is available in pretty much any place that sells food.

- it lasts forever. If it is natural peanut butter, you can keep it in the fridge, where it will keep for months! If it is processed, you don’t even have to put it in the fridge.

- it is very filling and it really sticks with you, so you stay full for a long time.

- it is high in monounsaturated fats, which means it helps lower your cholesterol levels.

- it tastes delicious! Most kids love it, as do dogs! And you can get it in many different ways. For example, Peter Pan peanut butter has five varieties, from honey-roasted to whipped, while kraft has joined the health trend and made their own natural peanut butter.

- it is full of nutrients, espcially Vitamin E, which is a powerful anti-oxidant, and very good for your skin. Some, such as Peter Pan Plus Peanut Butter has added nutrients.

- it is very high in protein. 100g of peanut butter includes 25g of protein!

- as long as you buy natural peanut butter, it is 100% pure, meaning you are not eating any additives or preservatives, which can´t be said about most foods available today. Make sure to read the label to ensure it is 100% peanuts.

- it is VERY convenient. There is nothing easier than taking out a piece of bread and spreading on some peanut butter and jelly to make quick, healthy snack!

- peanut butter can be great for weight loss! Why? It is full of protein and fiber, which keeps you full longer and reduces cravings for sweets!

See some peanut butter recipes for easy ways to incorporate it into your diet!