Peanut Butter Vs. Peanut Butter Spread | Are They The Same Or Different?

We all love to have a loaf of bread with some peanut butter spread across it, don’t we? Buying peanut butter is also not a big deal. But have you ever wondered why some are labelled as peanut butter spread and others as just peanut butter? Is there any difference between the two?

Well, yes! Peanut butter and peanut butter are two different items and have considerable differences. If you are new to this topic, I think you should definitely give this article a read. We are here to discuss these ingredients in detail.

Both peanut butter and peanut butter spread, as their name suggests, are made from peanuts themselves. But what makes them different is the amount of peanut present in these condiments. While peanut butter is 90% of peanut, peanut butter spread has a comparatively low amount of peanut in it.

This is the primary difference between peanut butter and peanut butter. However, that’s not the only difference. Most of us use these spreads regularly in our food. Thus knowing each ingredient individually is very important.

Keep reading the article to have a fair idea of peanut butter and butter. We will discuss its similarities, differences, health benefits, recipes, and more! If you are a peanut butter fan, this article is for you.

Peanut Butter Vs. Peanut Butter Spread | Difference Table

What Is Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter needs little or no introduction! Peanut butter is a nut butter paste made from roasted and ground peanuts. It is one of the most commonly used nut butter in the world. It is safe to eat and is commonly used along with bread and crackers.

Peanut butter, we can say, is one of the purest forms of nut butter. Traditional peanut butter contains nothing but just peanuts. To make this, you just need to take some peanuts and make a paste out of them.

However, that’s not practical for commercial purposes. Hence the peanut butter available in the markets does contain some other added ingredients like preservatives. However, regardless of this, for calling a product peanut butter, it must contain 90% peanut.

Peanut butter is mostly available in two forms: smooth peanut butter and crunchy peanut butter. They are differentiated based on the consistency of the spread.

What Is Peanut Butter Spread?

Peanut butter spread, just as its name suggests, is made from peanuts. It is made in a similar way to peanut butter. It is made by crushing and grinding the roasted peanuts. But the difference is that it contains a much less quantity of peanuts in it when compared to peanut butter.

Peanut butter usually contains many other ingredients like trans fat, oil, sugar, and some added fruits. These could vary from one brand to another. Some homemade brands even contain fruits and other nuts.

Thus, you must check what you are getting while buying peanut butter. Peanuts contain a good amount of fat in it. Thus many peanut butter spreads may also label the other ingredients as just fat which might not be suitable for your health. 

Peanut Butter Vs. Peanut Butter Spread | Similarities Between The Two

From a short brief, it is visible that there is a considerable difference between the two ingredients. However, regardless of all their differences, some similarities make them confusing for some people. So in this section, we are focusing on the similarities.

Both Are Made From The Same Nut

Both peanut butter and peanut butter spread are made from a single nut: peanuts. Hence there will be a lot of flavor similarities between the two.

Both Have Similar Culinary Uses

Both of these food pastes are widely used as spreads. If you are not too keen on peanut butter, you will not care to see whether it’s a peanut butter or peanut butter spread as they have a dominant peanut taste.

Other than the ingredient differences, there isn’t anything that differentiates peanut butter from a peanut butter spread. Thus both have similar culinary uses. Both peanut butter and peanut butter spreads come in handy in multiple ways.

If you love the taste of peanuts, you can have it with your fruits, served with the crackers, added to your protein/ regular milkshakes, and even mixed in your oats or granules.

A Similar Appearance 

If you are new to cooking or aren’t just familiar with peanut butter, it will be hard to differentiate between peanut butter and peanut butter spread from its appearance. (if you ever happen to be in such a situation, go for a taste test!)

Peanut Butter Vs. Peanut Butter Spread | What Are The Major Differences?

Peanut butter and peanut spread are different from each other. So in this section, we will look at all the differences in detail.

1. Origin

Gilmore Edson, a Canadian scientist, is the one who owns the patent for inventing peanut butter. That being said, there are historical records where people used to grind and use peanuts in their food.

Peanut butter spread is a commercialized version of peanut butter. Hence we cannot pinpoint it down to a person who invented peanut butter spread.

2. Taste 

Peanut butter and peanut spread have different flavor profiles. Peanut butter has a sharp peanut taste with a little salt or sweet undertone. The taste of peanut butter is more of the earthier side.

Peanut butter spread does have a prominent peanut taste to it. However, that won’t be as strong as that of peanut butter spread

3. Nutrition

Since both products are peanut-based and extremely rich in fiber and protein, the fat content in both peanut butter and peanut butter spread differs. Peanut butter contains more fat than that peanut butter spread.

 That being said, we have to note that the kind of fat present in peanut butter is a healthy fat and is good for our hearts. On the other hand, peanut butter spreads contain unhealthy fat like trans hydrogenated fatty oil, which is harmful to our bodies.

Can We Use Peanut Butter And Peanut Butter Spread As Each Other Substitutes?

Now that we have looked into peanut butter and peanut butter spreads, one thing is clear. Besides the difference in its nutritional profile, there is not much difference between the two. Hence we could say that peanut butter and peanut butter spreads can be used as substitutes for each other.

However, there are a lot of people out there who are allergic to peanut butter. If you are one of them, then peanut butter and peanut butter spread won’t work for you. In that case, look for good peanut butter/ peanut butter spread substitutes.

Sunflower butter, almond butter, soy butter, and pea butter are great food pastes that work as great as peanut butter and butter spread substitutes. However, if you are allergic to nuts, go for sunflower butter.

Easy Food Recipes That Can Be Made With Peanut Butter And Peanut Butter Spreads

Now that we have talked about peanut butter and peanut butter spreads, I’m sure you must want to try some recipes with either. Peanut butter and peanut spreads are regular items in our pantry.

Therefore, each person would have their own way of including peanut butter in their food or diet. However, here are some of our recipe recommendations which you can make with either peanut butter or peanut butter spreads.

1. Peanut Butter Cookies

Whatever the season, you cannot go wrong with some cookies. Peanut butter cookies, I would say, are one of the easiest yet most flavorful cookies you can make this holiday. The ingredients needed for making this recipe are pretty basic.

You will need some all-purpose flour, a pinch of baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, some butter, sugar, peanut butter, or peony butter spreads (unflavored). Just mix all of this in a bowl in the right proportion and bake it.

2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake 

Chocolate and peanut butter go hand in hand. If you are into cake making, you should try this easy peanut butter chocolate cake recipe! The best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t require flour!

3. Peanut Sauce 

If you are someone who loves peanut butter, then this peanut sauce is going to be your favorite dip! This sauce is a perfect mixture of peanut flavor along with some herby taste. Use it as a dressing or a dip.

For making this recipe, peanut butter/ peanut butter spread, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and some crushed peanuts. Just mix all of this in a bowl. If you think it’s too thick, loosen it with some water.

4. Peanut Butter Tofu Stir Fry

If you are of the idea that peanut butter is just for sweet dishes, that is wrong! You need to try this peanut butter tofu stir fry recipe if you are of that opinion. I’m sure this will be a pleasant surprise for you. To make this recipe, first, sauté tofu in a pan.

In another pan, saute chopped onion, garlic, and cabbage. Add salt and pepper to taste and saute them until they are soft. Once it is done, mix it with prepared tofu. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Give it a good whisk and add it to your tofu!

5. Overnight Oats 

If you are too busy to prepare breakfast in the morning, overnight oats must be your go-to meal. It is so easy and convenient to make. That being said, it tastes almost like a dessert and never disappoints your taste buds! What more to ask from a dish, right?

For making this recipe. Just pour two spoons full of rolled oats into a bowl. Add some honey and peanut butter (unsalted) into it and refrigerate it overnight. Have it with some extra honey and fresh fruit cuts of your preference.

Peanut Butter Vs. Peanut Butter Spread | Which Is Healthier?

The peanut butter and peanut butter spread use peanuts as their main ingredients. However, peanut butter has 90 % of peanut and less added flavor. It also contains a high amount of healthy fat. Hence we could say that peanut butter is healthier than peanut butter spread.

Peanut Butter Vs. Peanut Butter Spread | Which Is Tastier?

If you are a fan of peanut taste, choosing between the two could be a little hard. Both taste almost similar. However, peanut butter has a strong peanut taste and no added flavors.

Thus it might not be of everyone’s liking. On the other hand, peanut butter spreads don’t have an intense peanut taste. Some of them could even be flavored. Hence we could say that peanut butter spread is tastier than peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Vs. Peanut Butter Spread | Which Is More Versatile?

Peanut butter is nothing but ground peanuts. This, in a way, is the product from which we make peanut butter spreads. Thus we can say that peanut butter is more versatile than peanut butter spread.

Peanut Butter Vs. Peanut Butter Spread | Which Is Better?

Considering the flavor and nutrition, we could say that peanut butter is better than peanut butter spread. Both peanut butter and peanut butter spread can be used in almost similar ways and can be used as each other’s substitutes. Hence when given a choice, go for the healthy version, which is peanut butter!

Conclusion

Now that we have reached the end of this article, I hope all your queries regarding peanut butter and peanut butter spreads are resolved. Both peanut butter and peanut butter spreads are great and have very few differences.

However, considering its nutritional profile, we could say that peanut butter is far better than peanut butter spread. They almost taste and look the same, and their culinary benefits are similar. Thus while given an option, prioritize your health over anything else!

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