Facts about Peanut Butter

1. 09

   Consuming 3.5 ounces of peanut butter daily reduces heart disease risk by approximately 21 percent according to a Harvard School of Public Health study of 120,000 participants over 20 years.

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2. 08

   China produces approximately 60 percent of the world's peanut butter supply, surpassing the United States as the largest manufacturer by volume since the early 2000s.

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3. 07

   The largest peanut butter cup ever made weighed 10,500 pounds and was created by Reese's in 2014 to set a Guinness World Record.

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4. 06

   During World War II, peanut butter was included in soldiers' rations because it provided 1,500 calories per pound and remained shelf-stable for extended periods without refrigeration.

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5. 05

   Aflatoxins, carcinogenic compounds produced by mold contamination in peanuts, are monitored so strictly that the FDA allows only 20 parts per billion in peanut butter products.

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6. 04

   Peanut butter's creamy texture comes from grinding peanuts at approximately 190 degrees Fahrenheit, which releases their natural oils and creates the spreadable consistency.

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7. 03

   Two tablespoons of peanut butter contain approximately 8 grams of protein, making it comparable to a serving of meat in nutritional value.

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8. 02

   In 1895, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented a process for creating peanut butter as a protein substitute for people without teeth.

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9. 01

   Americans consume enough peanut butter annually to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon, approximately 700 million pounds per year.

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