November 16, 2023 – ATLANTA – November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month, and high consumption and menu versatility are two reasons to celebrate. Per capita consumption of peanut butter reached an unprecedented 4.4 pounds in 2023, according to recent data from USDA and the U.S. Census Bureau. Total peanut per capita consumption remains high and stable at 7.7 pounds.
“Increasing demand and consumption of US-grown peanuts is a priority for the National Peanut Board,” said NPB President and CEO Bob Parker. “The entire industry has played a role in achieving these remarkable levels and should be proud.”
“NPB’s marketing and promotion work has focused on instilling a love of peanuts and peanut products in younger generations, making headway against barriers like peanut allergy and investing in production research for growers to produce more peanuts with fewer inputs,” said NPB SVP and CMO Ryan Lepicier. “As we see the high per-capita consumption levels reached during the pandemic continue to hold steady, and exceptional peanut butter growth this past year, demand for U.S. peanuts is as strong as it’s ever been.” Lepicier will serve as NPB’s president and CEO beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
In-shell peanuts also experienced significant growth, up 13% since 2022. “This is one of the first crop years that nearly all ballpark, Virginia-type peanuts grown are high oleic, resulting in a longer shelf-life and a more positive experience for the consumer,” Parker said.
This strong showing for peanuts and peanut butter reaffirms the enduring love for peanut products in American diets. But peanuts and peanut butter are not just snacks; they are versatile ingredients that are making waves in foodservice across the nation. As the demographics of the United States continue to evolve, with an increasingly diverse and multicultural population, peanuts have become an essential component in serving on-trend dishes that cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers.
For college and university foodservice programs, peanuts are key to crafting exciting and diverse dining experiences. For example, the University of Massachusetts–Amherst recently celebrated "All About Peanuts Day," which featured an array of peanut-infused dishes, including African Chicken Peanut Stew and Spicy Thai Noodles with Shrimp and Peanut Sauce. As Garett Distefano, director of dining services at UMass, highlights, "Peanuts have become an integral part of our culinary approach. Their versatility and the authentic flavors they bring to our dishes resonate with our diverse student body."
For more ways to use peanuts and peanut butter during National Peanut Butter Lovers Month and beyond, visit nationalpeanutboard.org/recipes.
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About the National Peanut Board
The National Peanut Board represents USA peanut farmers and their families. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. For more information about the Board, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.