Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a thick spread made from peanuts. It can be smooth or have little pieces of peanuts in it. Many kids love peanut butter on bread or crackers. It is full of protein and gives you energy. Peanut butter is a favorite food in the United States.

How It Is Made

Peanut butter starts with peanuts. First, the peanuts are roasted to make them crunchy and tasty. Then they are put in a machine that grinds them into a paste. A little salt and oil are often added. The paste becomes smooth and creamy peanut butter.

An open jar of smooth, creamy peanut butter.
An open jar of smooth, creamy peanut butter. (Famartin / Wikimedia Commons)

Ways to Eat It

The most famous peanut butter food is the PB and J sandwich. That stands for peanut butter and jelly. People also dip apples and celery in peanut butter. It can be used to make cookies and candy. Some people even add it to smoothies.

Fun Facts

  • It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12 ounce jar of peanut butter.
  • November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month in the United States.
  • Peanuts are not really nuts. They are a type of bean called a legume.

Did You Know?

Americans eat about 3 pounds of peanut butter per person every year. That is a lot of sandwiches!