Peanut Butter Polarity

It’s a classic fun food. A staple in kids’ school lunchboxes. A wonderful, spreadable snack when smeared on crackers. The perfect (some say) sibling of jelly. (I’m not one of them.)

It’s been called healthy, harmful, a great source of protein, too sugary (the processed kind, anyway) and fattening. It’s used in cookies and candy; infused into ice cream and frozen yogurt. It’s one half of one of the most famous candy bars in history.

As you’ve probably already guessed, it’s peanut butter.

ASIDE: Today is one of those days when I have a lot of random thoughts. It was hard to choose which to share, because I could go on out about any of them, and today, peanut butter won the raffle. (Your loss, but frankly, the other random thoughts were even more boring and meaningless.)

I love peanut butter. That’s a strong word, I know, but peanut butter and I have had a long and loving relationship. But early on, it was a rocky road. As a child, I was ambivalent about it; it just didn’t trip my trigger. But like so many kids of my generation, when it was offered, I accepted it because that’s what was on the plate.

Since those childhood years of viewing peanut butter as simple sustenance, my affinity for it has grown, as have my opinions about it.

And I get criticized for those opinions; not often mind you, but when it comes up in conversation, there is debate. (And in my circles, it actually does come up in conversation, mostly when I bring it up at parties, on the golf course or at family get-togethers.)

Why the criticism? Well, first of all, I like peanut butter sandwiches, but not PB&Js. Or PB&Bs (peanut butter and banana). And that’s touchy subject for other lovers (and mere “likers”) of peanut butter.

Full disclosure: I like peanut butter sandwiches, and I like jelly sandwiches; but they are separate entities. Admittedly, my jelly sandwich days are long over. Fact is, I can’t remember the last time I had jam or jelly in or on anything, and that’s because no fruit spread has ever measured up to my Grandma Frances’ jams and jellies from my childhood. I swear, she could have run Smucker’s out of business back in the day if she wanted.

There was nothing better than some of Grandma’s raspberry jam between two pieces of white bread. And maybe that’s what I’m not a PB&J guy; because the jam and jelly we had were so good, anything we’d add would taint that wonderful flavor.

Another peanut butter bone of contention is brand. Peanut butter people are extremely brand loyal. (At least that’s what I’ve surmised in my scattered and random “research” during those aforementioned discussions at dinner parties, on the golf course and at family get-togethers).

As I mentioned, I’m a Skippy guy … always have been. I’ve tried others, and they just don’t match up. Maybe the texture (or what foodies call “mouth feel,” a term I find creepy) is off-putting. Or it’s too sweet. Or maybe it’s a touch oily. These factors all play into how I arrived at Skippy as my gold standard … and maybe how you arrived at your brand as well. (While I may not agree with your choice, I respect and support it.)

Then, there’s the “creamy vs. crunchy” debate. I often find myself in the minority because I prefer crunchy, though to be honest, it wasn’t always so. I grew up in a creamy household and only stumbled upon the wonderful world of crunchy as an adult. (Why was my family keeping me from this revelation?)

Now, let’s talk health. Commercial peanut butter, like so many foods, is highly processed, and that’s a problem for some. And it’s not lost on me. I realize that there are healthier options (organic, non-GMO, etc.), and I’ve tried some. And I don’t like them. So, I’ve decided to stick with my Skippy as a guilty pleasure and find healthier options in other foods. (My choice, you think what you want.)

As a coda on this “crunchy” discussion, I’m tempted to tackle the issue of Uncrustables, that phenomenon that has seeped into every part of our society, from school lunches and office vending machines to NFL sidelines. But that’s really more of a bread argument, so I’ll spare you (for now).

Anyway, I guess this is all just “food for thought” (I couldn’t resist), and I’d love to hear your take on peanut butter. (Remember, I’m the guy who brings it up at parties.)

And if you don’t like peanut butter, might I suggest a nice jelly sandwich? (I wish you could have experienced Grandma Frances’ preserves.)

© 2026 David R. Haznaw