When I think back to my childhood, I can't help but think of some of my favorite foods: Grandma's peanut butter cookies, Ants on a Log (celery filled with peanut butter and dried cranberries), and peanut butter and honey sandwiches. I was a very picky eater as a child and if it wasn't for our trusty jar of brand name peanut butter, I probably would have starved! My palate has matured over the years and now I eat a wide variety of foods, but the smooth, creamy texture of the peanut butter I grew up on still remains a favorite.
Like Old Fashion Peanut Butter
Unfortunately, that peanut butter I grew up on is filled with refined sugar and partially hydrogenated oils, so I'm not really eating too much of it these days (or should I say at all). All-natural peanut butters are free from those offenses, but many people don't like the super-sticky, mealy texture many of the natural products have due to the separation of the oil. Luckily, not all natural peanut butters are created equally; Earth Balance Natural Peanut Butter is 100% natural, but with the familiar, creamy texture of the stuff we grew up on!
Vegan Friendly
Earth Balance is committed to the authentically delicious flavor of natural foods, and strives to make products that are fresh-tasting, convenient, and nutritionally superior. When it comes to their peanut butter, you would never know that they've added flaxseed as a vegan-friendly source of omega-3 fatty acids until you read the label as there's no noticeable flavor or texture from them. It is easy to spread, shelf-stable (no refrigeration required), and the oil won't separate (no stirring required, either). Earth Balance makes both creamy and crunchy varieties, so no matter how you like your peanut butter, you're bound to be pleased.
Crunchy vs Creamy
We were able to try both the crunchy and creamy varieties of Earth Balance Natural Peanut Butters and all of our Savvy Kids loved them. One Naturally Savvy team member has been trying to convince her husband to make the switch from his beloved big name peanut butter to a natural version. Though initially resistant to trying Earth Balance Natural Peanut Butter, he changed his mind when he found out that it was "no stir" and could be stored in the cupboard. "This peanut butter has potential, but I'm not convinced until I put it through a taste test," he said. So for lunch he made two slices of one of his favorite sandwiches – peanut butter and banana. He used his brand name crunchy peanut butter on one, and Earth Balance's natural crunchy peanut butter on the other. The two sandwiches looked identical, but would they taste identical? "I can't tell the difference. The texture, the taste, and the way it sticks to the roof of my mouth – I'd never know there was natural peanut butter in here if I didn't put it in myself!" Though he would never admit it, the empty jar of Earth Balance Natural Peanut Butter tells us we've convinced another skeptic!
Thanks to Earth Balance Natural Peanut Butter, there is no excuse to continue eating the conventional peanut butters that are filled with refined sugar and partially hydrogenated fats. For this reason, Earth Balance natural peanut butter earns The Naturally Savvy Seal of Approval.
Earth Balance products are available at natural foods stores nationwide including Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Natural Food Coops. To learn more about Earth Balance, visit EarthBalanceNatural.com.
