National Peanut Butter Day (January 24)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

National Peanut Butter Day is celebrated on January 24th, a time to indulge in one of the most beloved spreads in the world.

Whether you enjoy it in a classic sandwich or as an ingredient in your favorite dessert, this day is all about celebrating the versatility of peanut butter.

From its ancient origins to modern-day favorites, there’s so much to explore on this weird January holiday.

When is the Holiday?

National Peanut Butter Day is celebrated annually on January 24th. It’s a fun opportunity to enjoy this beloved spread in various ways.

Who Invented It?

No one knows exactly who created the holiday, but peanut butter itself has a rich history.

The ancient Aztecs and Incas were among the first to grind peanuts into a paste.

Centuries later, people like George Washington Carver and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg helped popularize it in the U.S.

The History of the Holiday

Peanut butter has been around for centuries.

The Aztecs and Incas made an early version of it, using roasted peanuts ground into a thick paste. It wasn’t sweet, but it was packed with protein.

In the 19th century, peanuts were mostly used as animal feed.

That changed when Marcus Gilmore Edson created peanut paste in 1884. Later, Joseph Rosefield perfected a process to keep peanut butter smooth and creamy.

By the early 1900s, peanut butter sandwiches were a household favorite. They remain a staple in kitchens across the country today.

Top 5 Facts About Peanut Butter

  1. The first PB&J sandwich recipe was published in 1901.
  2. A jar of peanut butter typically contains about 540 peanuts.
  3. The world’s largest peanut butter jar weighed over 3,000 pounds.
  4. Peanut butter must contain at least 90% peanuts to be labeled as such in the U.S.
  5. Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter were both peanut farmers.
teenage boy using peanut butter on his sandwich

Activities to Celebrate

  • Make edible peanut-butter playdough for kids. Use simple ingredients like powdered milk, and honey to create a fun and tasty sensory activity for little ones.
  • Enjoy peanut butter on toast, crackers, or as a dip. Try pairing it with fruits like apples and bananas, or even spreading it on celery for a crunchy treat.
  • Host a recipe contest. Invite friends and family to create their best peanut butter dish, from savory satay sauces to indulgent desserts.
  • Share fun facts about peanut butter on social media. Use hashtags like #NationalPeanutButterDay.
  • Try making your own homemade peanut butter. Blend roasted peanuts with a touch of honey or salt for a creamy, fresh spread without preservatives.
  • Organize a peanut butter-themed picnic. Pack a variety of treats and enjoy them outdoors with friends and family.

Related Recipes

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Links to Resources

  • Peanut Butter and Cupcake book. A delightful children’s book by Terry Border that follows a nutty sandwich looking for friends. It’s a great read-aloud story that introduces themes of friendship and kindness.
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly a Play Rhyme. This engaging book by Nadine Bernard Westcott brings a playful twist to the classic peanut butter and jelly theme, perfect for young readers who enjoy sing-along stories.
  • Peanut Butter: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner. A cookbook filled with creative recipes that showcase peanut butter in every meal, from savory dishes to sweet treats.

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