When it comes to peanut butter, we all have our favorites—but what happens when professional chefs all point to the same brand? We interviewed three top chefs from across the country and discovered their unanimous pick: Skippy. From nostalgic comfort foods to gourmet innovations, they each rely on the same trusty jar. In this article, we explore the rich history of peanut butter in America, why chefs swear by Skippy, and how peanut butter plays a flavorful role around the globe.

America’s Creamy Obsession: The History of Peanut Butter in the USA

Peanut butter holds a uniquely beloved place in American kitchens. Its origins date back to the late 1800s when Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the cereal guy) patented a process for making peanut paste as a protein option for those with chewing issues. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s and 30s that peanut butter became a pantry staple, thanks to mass production and the advent of brands like Peter Pan and Skippy.

Why is peanut butter so popular in the U.S.? Convenience and comfort play major roles. Spreadable, affordable, shelf-stable, and kid-approved, it fits seamlessly into school lunches, quick snacks, and emergency meals. According to the National Peanut Board, Americans consume more than 700 million pounds of peanut butter each year.

The Chefs Have Spoken: Skippy Wins in Kitchens Nationwide

When asked about their go-to peanut butter brand, chefs Laura Calderone, Nate Anda, and Terry Wong all agreed—Skippy reigns supreme.

Their criteria included flavor, texture, and performance in both hot and cold applications. Calderone of Relish Catering in Maryland loves the no-sugar-added Skippy for its pure roasted peanut taste. She uses it in Chinese-style peanut noodles, breakfast bites, and snacks for her kids.

Nate Anda of Hi/Fi Tex Mex BBQ in Virginia prefers Skippy’s Super Chunk variety. “It doesn’t separate when it hits a warm tortilla,” he says. His Elvis-inspired taco features smoked pork belly, fried plantains, and crunchy Skippy—an umami-sweet masterpiece.

Terry Wong of Houston’s Blood Bros BBQ uses Skippy in smoothies, desserts, and savory dishes. His famous Sticky Ribs, glazed with a Thai-style peanut butter sauce, are a Friday favorite. Though he’ll sometimes reach for Smucker’s, Skippy still tops his list for its consistency and taste.

Want more recipe ideas? Check out these 40 creative peanut butter dishes from around the world:

🔗 Tinky Weisblat’s Peanut Butter Favorites

Global Spread: Peanut Butter’s Role Around the World

Though peanut butter is a symbol of Americana, peanuts themselves are used globally in culinary traditions—from West African stews to Southeast Asian sauces.

In West Africa, groundnut stew made with peanuts and tomatoes is a household staple. In Thailand, peanut sauces elevate dishes like satay or noodle bowls. And in China, peanut butter is used in cold noodle dishes and buns.

Interestingly, even sneakers have taken inspiration from this iconic spread—check out the new Air Jordan 5 Low “Peanut Butter & Jelly”.

However, peanut butter isn’t without controversy. Peanut allergies continue to rise, and researchers are hard at work to help kids overcome them. Learn more about cutting-edge treatments on Science Friday:

🔗 Treating Peanut Allergies in Kids

Takeaway: Celebrating a Nutty National Treasure

Peanut butter isn’t just a nostalgic sandwich spread—it’s a protein-rich, nutrient-dense food that’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. It’s a kitchen MVP for chefs and home cooks alike, proving both versatile and dependable.

Whether you’re blending it into a smoothie, swirling it into a sauce, or pairing it with jelly on toast, peanut butter continues to surprise and delight across continents and cultures. And with chefs confirming Skippy as their top pick, it might be time to give your pantry staple a gourmet upgrade.