Is Peanut Butter Vegan? And Where Did It Actually Come From?

Peanut butter, a popular spread, is mostly vegan as it typically only contains ingredients like roasted peanuts, oil, sugar, and salt. Its history dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, with inventors like Marcellus Gilmore Edson and John Harvey Kellogg playing key roles in its development. Peanut butter is rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and various vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to one's diet. Research even suggests that consuming peanuts or peanut butter can reduce the risk of heart disease.

While store-bought peanut butter is easily available, making it from scratch can be a simple process involving roasted peanuts and a food processor. Vegan recipes using peanut butter range from baked treats like chocolate peanut butter bars and oatmeal cookies to savory dishes like peanut stew and tempeh satay, offering delicious options beyond the classic PB and J.