Every year, on the 24th of January, we devote a day to celebrate one of the most adored and iconic American foods - peanut butter. National Peanut Butter Day is the day to indulge in the rich and creamy delight, relishing it in various ways - sandwiches, cookies, fudge or simply on its own from the jar.
The aim of this day extends beyond mere indulgence; it also encourages an understanding and appreciation of the health benefits and interesting history associated with peanut butter. Whether you prefer it smooth or with a crunch, get set to spread your affection for peanut butter on National Peanut Butter Day!
History of National Peanut Butter Day
The timeline of peanut butter can be traced back to when the Aztecs used to grind peanuts into a paste-like substance, the early form of peanut butter.
The contemporary and smooth texture of peanut butter, similar to what we’re familiar with today, was introduced by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. He patented a process for manufacturing peanut butter in the year 1895. As a director of Battle Creek Sanitarium, a health-focused resort operating on Seventh Day Adventist ideas, Dr. Kellogg swayed towards a strict vegetarian diet. Hence, peanut butter served as a great source of protein.
The beginning of the 20th century saw the commercial production of peanut butter. C.H. Sumner introduced it at the Universal Exposition held in St. Louis, and the product immediately gained recognition and popularity. Further contributing to its widespread adoption, the American agricultural scientist, George Washington Carver, formulated over 300 different uses for peanuts.
Two variations of peanut butter eventually came into production – crunchy and smooth. The credit for introducing crunchy and the first commercially available creamy-style peanut butter goes to the Rosefield Packing Co. of Alameda, California, currently known as Skippy.
Over the years and to this day, peanut butter has remained an essential part of American diets. Its national day, celebrated every January 24th, is an ode to this versatile and adored food item. It provides an excellent occasion for peanut butter enthusiasts everywhere to relish and revel in their beloved spread.
National Peanut Butter Day Timeline
Commercial Manufacturing
Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, an American physician, patented the process of preparing nut meal.
Debut at St. Louis Worlds Fair
C.H. Sumner introduced peanut butter to the masses during the St. Louis World’s Fair.
First Peanut Butter Brand
Krema Products Company in Columbus, Ohio, began selling peanut butter and is the oldest peanut butter company still in operation today.
Introduction of Creamy and Crunchy Styles
Procter & Gamble entered the peanut butter business and introduced the two styles, creamy and crunchy.
Rise in Popularity
Peanut butter became a staple in households around the world and is often associated with a nutritious, high-protein diet.
National Peanut Butter Day
National Peanut Butter Day celebrates and appreciates the rich, creamy, and nutritional spread.
Ideas to Celebrate National Peanut Butter Day
Peanut Butter Themed Breakfast
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast featuring peanut butter. This could involve pancakes or waffles spread with peanut butter or a classic peanut butter sandwich. A hot drink like coffee or milk would complement this perfectly.
Peanut Butter Cooking Class
Organize a culinary session where each dish centers around peanut butter. This includes a variety of dishes, from soups to main meals, desserts, and beverages, all designed to highlight the unique flavor of peanut butter.
Peanut Butter Tasting Party
Assemble a group of buddies for a session of sampling various peanut butters. Display an array of store-bought and homemade peanut butter brands for your attendees to taste and discuss the differences.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Picnic
Plan a picnic featuring the ever-popular peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, ideally enjoyed with your beloved drink of juice or soda.
Peanut Butter Baking Marathon
Bake an array of beloved peanut butter treats like cookies, pies, cakes, or brownies, and distribute them amongst your neighbors or colleagues.
Peanut Butter Smoothie Challenge
Initiate a friendly contest amongst your friends or family members to discover who can whip up the tastiest peanut butter smoothie.
7 Interesting Facts About Peanut Butter
Consumption Habits
The typical individual in the US consumes nearly 3,000 peanut butter sandwiches over their lifetime.
Creamy or Crunchy Battle
In the creamy versus crunchy debate, creamy peanut butter comes out on top and accounts for approximately 60 percent of all peanut butter sales.
Peanut Butter Takes Many Peanuts
Creating a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter requires around 540 peanuts.
A Soldier's Commodity
During the second World War, peanut butter was a common item in the rations provided to the American soldiers.
High Demand
Every year, peanut butter sales in North America exceed USD 1.2 billion.
Healthy Snack
Rich in nutrients, peanut butter is a source of protein and healthy fats and contains a range of vitamins, such as E and B6, plus magnesium.
Allergen On The Rise
Despite being a staple food for many, the cases of children in the U.S. having peanut allergies have seen more than a three-fold increase between 1997 and 2008.
National Peanut Butter Day FAQs
Next National Peanut Butter Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 24th | Tuesday |
| 2024 | January 24th | Wednesday |
| 2025 | January 24th | Friday |
| 2026 | January 24th | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 24th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every January 24th | |
National Peanut Butter Day Word Search
- Peanut
- Butter
- Crunchy
- Protein
- Nuts
- Snack