Agricultural News
Protein Packed Peanuts Perfect Match for Today's Healthy Consumer
Wed, 08 Apr 2015 18:34:02 CDT
Healthy living has become a big motivator for consumers. As Americans look to eat healthier, the National Peanut Board is promoting the health and wellness benefits of eating peanuts. Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Ryan Lepicier said in every meal consumers are moving toward a more plant-based diet, while focusing on protein.
"So peanuts fit the bill perfectly," Lepicier said. "We have more protein than any nut. Peanuts have more than 30 essential vitamins and nutrients. Peanuts are just a wonderful overall nutrient-dense food."
Peanuts offer a easy solution to eating healthier and it's an easy transition as 94 percent of Americans have at least one jar of peanut butter in their pantry. The grocery store shelf used to only offer creamy and crunchy peanut butter, but that is changing. Lepicier said peanut butter sales are growing incrementally with new specialty peanut butter varieties like salted caramel, chocolate peanut butter or cinnamon raisin peanut butter.
Radio Oklahoma Network Farm Director Ron Hays caught up with Lepicier at the recent Oklahoma Peanut Expo. Click or tap on the LISTENBAR below to listen to the full interview.
The National Peanut Board is also aiming to get more Americans to think about peanut butter outside of lunch time. Canadians eat more peanut butter than Americans and most of their peanut butter is consumed at breakfast. Lepicier said that has lead the National Peanut Board to start a new initiative urging consumers to start their day with peanut butter on toast, in oatmeal, or in a smoothie. There is also a big growth in powdered peanut butter sales. He said that's almost like consuming peanut butter, but instead of peanuts, it's made with peanut flour, salt and sugar. In looking at the future of the industry, he recommends continued focus on the health and wellness benefits of peanuts, as that remains to be a big consumer driver.
"We know peanuts are nutritious, we know that they are affordable," Lepicier said. "We need to capitalize on that and make sure that consumers understand that peanuts are every bit as good as tree nuts."
The National Peanut Board also continues to research peanut allergies. The National Peanut Board funds research to understand what causes food allergies and what can be done to help people that already have food allergies.
To learn more about the National Peanut Board, including recipes, click here.
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