product review: peanut butter

There are so many choices when it comes to peanut butter these days - crunchy, smooth, organic, salt-free, chunky, etc. I have finally ventured from the everyday, chock-full of hydrogenated oils peanut butter, to try and find the perfect no-fuss all natural peanut butter. Being a vegetarian, this smooth tasty treat is a great source of protein, and who doesn't love a classic pb & j sandwich for lunch? The two contenders are:

1. Skippy Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread

• $2.99 @ your local grocer for a 15 oz. jar
• 180 calories & 16 grams of fat for 2 Tablespoons
• Ingredients: roasted peanuts, sugar, palm oil, salt
• No need to stir

2. Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Peanut Butter from Unblanched Peanuts

• $1.79 @ your local TJ's for a 16 oz. jar
• 210 calories & 17 grams of fat for 2 Tablespoons
• Ingredients: dry roasted peanuts, salt
• Do need to stir & keep refrigerated

As far as taste goes, I would say they were pretty equal. I had them both on whole wheat bread with raspberry preserves, and both sandwiches were dee-lish. The TJ's peanut butter does require stirring, but once you get past that, the texture was very comparable. So I guess it all comes down to price per ounce ($0.20 compared to $0.11), and if you don't mind taking a moment to stir before spreading. Personally, I think I'll stick to Trader Joe's. The less ingredients, the better, and you certainly can't beat the price.