Creamy Peanut Butter: What to Know

Creamy peanut butter is really just like a child’s favorite blanky – but for your mouth. It is slightly sweet and a little bit salty at the same time. In our opinion, it is one of the best comfort foods. But don’t just take our word for it – read on to see why we feel this way. 

What is the Difference Between Creamy Peanut Butter and Crunchy Peanut Butter?

On the surface, the difference between creamy and crunchy peanut butter is that crunchy peanut butter has peanut pieces mixed into creamy peanut butter. If we look at the nutritional content of crunchy and creamy peanut butter, two tablespoons (about 32g) of crunchy peanut butter has slightly less protein and fats than creamy peanut butter – but it has more carbs. Both crunchy and creamy peanut butter has about 188 calories in a 2-tablespoon serving. 

According to the National Peanut Board, women and children prefer creamy peanut butter while men like crunchy peanut butter better. They also discovered people on the East Coast prefer creamy while residents on the West Coast opt for crunchy. 

The nutritional values of crunchy versus creamy peanut butter are small, and the flavor is the same; one is just a little bit chewier than the other. Whether you prefer crunchy over creamy peanut butter really just comes down to personal preference. For creamy peanut butter eaters, the loyalty runs deep! 41% of creamy peanut butter lovers say they would never eat crunchy peanut butter.

The Invention of Peanut Butter

It is believed that the first people who used a form of peanut butter were the Inca people as far back as the 15th and 16th centuries. Several people claim to be the ‘official’ inventor of peanut butter as we know it today. Perhaps the most famous of these is Dr. John Harvey Kellogg – yes, also the guy who brought us cornflakes. Dr. Kellogg patented a process for producing peanut butter in 1895. He created this smooth peanut paste to help people without teeth to consume enough protein. The difference between Dr. Kellogg’s peanut butter and this tasty treat we enjoy today is that he used steamed unsalted peanuts instead of roasting them.

A Little Secret About Your Favorite Nut Butter

63% of people like to eat their peanut butter (creamy and chunky) straight out of the jar with a spoon. What is more, people who do this are reported to be about 20% happier than those who don’t. They also tend to take more risks in their personal and professional lives while describing themselves as ‘very confident.’ 

Ideas on How to Eat Peanut Butter and Recreate the Best Texture

We’ve established that the very best way to eat peanut butter – either crunchy or smooth peanut butter – is straight out of the jar! We know, though, that sometimes you might just want to add a little Sumthin’ Sumthin’ to change things up a bit to your peanut butter recipe, and we have a few ideas for you. 

But first: what to do if your pure, natural creamy peanut butter has gone a bit hard from being kept in the fridge? There are a few ways to heat it or melt it to make it easier to use in recipes and get back that creamy texture. 

In the microwave

This method of softening peanut butter is quick and easy. Simply put your peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and place it in the microwave set at high for around 15-30 seconds. Then, check to see whether your peanut butter is at the consistency you want. If it is still slightly stiff, feel free to stir it a bit and return it to the microwave for a few more seconds.

On your stovetop

Add some peanut butter to a saucepan or non-stick pan and place it over low heat. Slowly stir or spread the peanut butter around to encourage it to heat up evenly. You might see the natural oils separating from the solid bits as it heats up – keep stirring. This is the good oil that adds to the nutritional benefits of peanut butter. Keep stirring/spreading until your peanut butter is soft – or melted if that is what you are going for!

In a food processor

A food processor works great if you want to want to use your peanut butter for sauces, dessert toppings, or even marinades for meat. Add your peanut butter to your food processor. Make sure that the butter is as close to the blades as possible – these will mix the peanut butter and heat it slightly, helping it melt. Add some water to the mixture. The amount of water will depend on how runny you want your end product to be – start with a small amount and add more as you go. Pulse the food processor for a few seconds at a time until you get the consistency you want. 

Good old elbow grease

For a super creamy mixture, add your peanut butter to a heat resistant bowl. In a separate saucepan, heat any liquid that you wish to add to your recipe. Water, cream, milk, and nut milk are all popular choices. Once the liquid reaches its boiling point, add it to the bowl with peanut butter. Now use a whisk to incorporate the hot liquid into your peanut butter.  

If you want to add some other flavors to your peanut butter, try adding ingredients with higher nutritional values like Himalayan salt, honey, maple syrup, cocoa powder, or pure vanilla extract. You can even combine it with another nut butter, like cashew butter or almond butter, to pack in multiple flavors into one delicious mix for your taste buds.

Some Interesting Facts About YOU If You Love Creamy Peanut Butter 

The New York Post quoted a survey done by OnePoll on the characteristics of people who prefer creamy peanut butter over crunchy peanut butter. The survey found that those who prefer creamy peanut butter see themselves as being more introverted. They also appear to be more punctual for work. 

Benefits of 100 % Natural Peanut Butter Over Brands with Other Ingredients

100% natural and pure peanut butter has only one ingredient: roasted peanuts. That is precisely what you get over here at Crazy Richard’s. We only use the highest quality peanuts in our natural peanut butter products. It is free from added salt, sugar, and hydrogenated oils or palm oil that could change the peanut butter’s nutritional content.

Natural creamy peanut butter is not only good for your body but also makes you happier – especially when you eat it right from the jar!