Crunchy or Creamy: The Eternal Debate

          When standing in the grocery store, one might think to them self, “I need peanut butter.” One quick look down the aisle though and instantly, there is an overwhelming feeling. There are many different brands – Jif, Skippy, Peter Pan, the local store brand, and more, all of which taste about the same. There are even similar nut butter products like Nutella or almond butter, but it is certain that the choice is peanut butter. The most important question of the day is: crunchy or creamy? How is one to decide?

          It is assumed that a decision has been made to purchase Jif peanut butter, but a decision has yet to be reached as to whether or not the kind purchased will be creamy or crunchy. Checking the nutrition facts of Jif’s Creamy and Extra Crunchy brands, a quick look shows that a serving of two tablespoons of peanut butter offers 190 calories, 8 grams of protein, 4% iron, 10% vitamin E, 2% riboflavin, and 20% niacin, regardless of which kind one chooses. In fact, the only minor difference between Jif’s Creamy and Extra Crunchy is that Creamy has twenty more milligrams of sodium (150 mg) per serving versus the crunchy version (130 mg) (Jif, 2002).

          Taking a look at price, a crossroads is once again reached. An eighteen ounce jar of Jif purchased from Amazon.com (2006) costs $2.99, regardless of whether or not one is purchasing crunchy or creamy. Because the prices are exactly the same for both products, this would not likely impinge upon one’s final choice.

          Where would one check next? How about ingredients? An inspection of the ingredient list shows that both products have the exact same ingredients (Jif, 2002). Unless a home-based laboratory is available to determine the exact levels of each, it is safe to say that they are comparably the same.

          Looking at sizes of jars, creamy or crunchy are available in sizes ranging between eighteen ounces and four pounds. Also, creamy is sold in a twelve ounce jar, while crunchy is not (Jif Product Finder, 2002). General observation shows that convenience stores typically sell smaller portions of products at a higher markup. With creamy peanut butter being the only kind sold in a twelve ounce jar, it would lead one to believe that creamy peanut butter would be the only choice available in that style of a market.

          The most noticeable difference between the two types of peanut butter is the texture. Jif (2002) describes their creamy as “hot-roasted peanuts sealed warm for creamy, smooth, fresh-roasted flavor” and their extra crunchy as “hot-roasted peanuts sealed to get the most crunch out of every peanut.” With creamy, chewing is not essential and it can run smoothly down the throat. However, when consuming crunchy, a small amount of chewing is necessary and there is a definite distinctive difference in the way that it feels in the mouth.

          Historical enthusiasts may be interested in knowing the history of peanut butter. While peanut butter has existed in some crude form for centuries, it is actually a relatively new product. Creamy peanut butter as it is known today has only been around since 1890. It was invented by George A. Bayle Jr. “as a nutritious protein substitute for people with poor teeth who couldn't chew meat” (Peanut Advisory Board (PAB), 2006). Crunchy was invented around 1935 by Joseph L. Rosfield, who introduced it under the Skippy brand name (PAB, 2006). While fans of the classics might want to go with the creamy, a forward-thinking person might prefer crunchy.

          How will the peanut butter be used? If sandwiches are made, generally the kind purchased will not matter. Many recipes though call for creamy or smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy. Crunchy peanut butter seems harder to spread compared to its creamy counterpart. If a snack such as graham crackers and peanut butter is being made, one might prefer to use creamy peanut butter because of the brittleness of the graham cracker. Where the peanut butter’s final destination is when it leaves the jar is definitely an important decision factor in which kind one buys.

          What about flavors? Right next to the creamy and crunchy versions, there is another option: Jif peanut butter & honey. This flavor of peanut butter is only available in a creamy version. (Jif, 2002) Unless one wanted to add honey to the crunchy version, a creamy version is the only choice available.

          In conclusion, which one should be purchased? Information has been given on nutrition facts, price, ingredients, size, texture, history, usage methods, and flavors. With the exception of texture and method of use, the two choices are practically the same. With the information given the means to decide is now available, and there is only one more piece of advice: “chews” wisely.

References

(2002). Jif creamy peanut butter and honey. Retrieved June 11, 2006, from Peanut butter products: flavors and varieties from jif. Web site: http://www.jif.com/products/details.asp?prodID=491

(2006). Jif peanut butter - creamy, 18 oz. Retrieved June 11, 2006, from Amazon.com: jif peanut butter - creamy, 18 oz: gourmet food. Web site: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00061ENVK/qid=1150039070/sr=1-7/ref=sr_1_7/102...

(2006). Jif peanut butter - extra crunchy, 18 oz. Retrieved June 11, 2006, from Amazon.com: jif peanut butter - extra crunchy, 18 oz: gourmet food. Web site: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00061ENZ6/qid=1150039070/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/102...

(2002). Jif product finder. Retrieved June 11, 2006, from Jif: product finder. Web site: http://productlocator.infores.com/productlocator/resources/13/JIFF/view_all_2003...

Peanut advisory board, (2006). History. Retrieved June 11, 2006, from PeanutButterLovers.com. Web site: http://www.peanutbutterlovers.com/history/

(2002). Regular jif creamy. Retrieved June 11, 2006, from Peanut butter products: flavors and varieties from jif. Web site: http://www.jif.com/products/details.asp?prodID=325

(2002). Regular jif extra crunchy. Retrieved June 11, 2006, from Peanut butter products: flavors and varieties from jif. Web site:  http://www.jif.com/products/details.asp?prodID=322