Whether or not it is unfold on a traditional PB&J or baked into three-ingredient peanut butter cookies, peanut butter is an American traditional. It is no stretch to say that the deliciously nutty unfold is likely one of the most iconic culinary symbols of america. Nevertheless, regardless of peanut butter’s unique role in American history and tradition, the nation that consumes probably the most peanut butter shouldn’t be america. In accordance with information from Visual Capitalist, China consumed a whopping 3,958,000 metric tons of peanut butter in 2024, making the 694,000 metric tons eaten within the U.S. look moderately skimpy. In fact, China’s inhabitants is greater than quadruple that of the U.S., however even when the numbers are damaged down per capita, China has us beat. In China, the common individual polished off 2.8 kilograms of peanut butter in 2024, or over six normal 16-ounce jars, whereas the common American put away simply two kilograms (slightly below 4.5 jars) of the unfold.
Should you’re questioning precisely how China’s consuming all that peanut butter, relaxation assured that the sandwich unfold is loved in all kinds of scrumptious methods. It is a well-liked ingredient in sauces, noodle dishes, and sizzling pots. It is also regularly consumed on bread or eaten immediately from the jar with a spoon. Who wants PB&Js? Simply kidding, we love them, particularly an elevated PB&J with protein-packed cottage cheese.
Different international locations that smear the US in peanut butter consuming
Whereas China is the world’s prime peanut butter-consuming nation by a cushty margin, a number of different international locations additionally eat extra peanut butter than america. Burkina Faso got here first in per capita consumption, with a close to 6.4 kilograms per individual. 5 African international locations ranked forward of the U.S. in per capita consumption, reflecting the unfold’s standing as a staple meals, the place it is generally utilized in stews, soups, and sauces. The U.S. earned eleventh place in per capita peanut butter consumption and third in general consumption, behind China and India.
But it surely’s not all unhealthy information for U.S. peanut butter pleasure — Individuals nonetheless eat an entire lot of peanut butter, comparatively talking. Anybody who has tried to buy peanut butter in Europe will not be stunned to be taught that just one European nation, the Netherlands, topped the U.S. in per capita consumption. Moreover, Mexico’s inhabitants of practically 132 million collectively ate solely 2,000 metric tons of the nut unfold, making the 694,000 metric tons downed by the U.S. look an entire lot extra spectacular. Though the U.S. in all probability will not catch as much as China in peanut butter consumption anytime quickly, we will increase our consumption utilizing just a little international inspiration. Strive mixing peanut butter into luscious soup, or preparing noodles in nearly empty peanut butter jars. You may even give store-bought salsa a boost with the classic sandwich spread.
