When I was a kid, lots of my friends ate peanut butter and jelly for lunch every single day. I'd mix things up with peanut butter on carrot and celery sticks, or PB and banana. But no matter how we ate it, peanut butter was a constant.
Today, there are far more nut (and bean, and seed) butter choices. Whether your child likes tried-and-true PB&J, has an adventurous palate, or even goes to a nut-free school, these spreads put a new twist on that classic, nonperishable, eco-friendly lunchbox pleaser.
1. Sweet Ella's Organic Peanut Butter
Image Courtesy of Koeze Company Archives
Peanut butter connoisseurs have long prized Koeze's Cream-Nut Natural Peanut Butter. Now Koeze is outdoing itself with Sweet Ella's Organic Peanut Butter. Made with nothing but organic Spanish peanuts and sea salt, this peanut butter is made in small batches using vintage machinery. Koeze takes the time to carefully de-skin and slow-roast its peanuts, which enhances their natural sweetness (hence the name). It's available in creamy or crunchy styles, and is certified USDA Organic. Buy online at koeze.com. Price: $6.49/12.5 to 13 oz.
2. Justin's Almond Butter Packs
Image Courtesy of Justin's
If your kid is a do-it-yourself type, Justin's nut butter packs are just the ticket. Each 1.15- ounce pack is the perfect size for little hands to squeeze onto crackers, celery, carrots, bread or apples. With classic, honey, maple, and chocolate almond butters to choose from, you'll spare your little darling from lunchtime boredom. Justin's also makes peanut butters and a chocolate hazelnut spread. There's a small selection of 0.5-ounce packs, and the full line is available in jars. At Whole Foods and Wegman's, or shop online at justinsnutbutter.com. Gluten Free. Dairy Free. Certified Kosher. Price: Varies by product; $9.95/10 1.15-oz almond butter packs.
3. Once Again Cashew Butter
Image Courtesy of Once Again
If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, cashew butter from Once Again is a nice option. Dry roasted, naturally sweet cashews are ground with just enough expeller-pressed oil to produce a smooth, easy-to-spread nut butter. It's great on morning muffins, as a sandwich spread, or swapped for peanut butter in savory sauces or cookies. Available in regular and certified organic versions. Gluten Free. Certified BVK Kosher. Available by the case at onceagainnutbutter.com, or buy individual jars online at monksbread.com. Price: $8.30/16 oz regular cashew butter; $10.20/16 oz organic cashew butter.
4. Simple Food Organic Soynut Butter
Many schools have gone peanut-free or even tree nut-free in the wake of allergy concerns. It can be tricky to find non-perishable sandwich spreads, but there are some kid-pleasing options out there. Soynut butter is one good choice, and Simple Food offers several tasty, protein-rich flavors. Purist lunch packers may reach for the totally unembellished soynut butter, but my guess is that most kids will vote for the cinnamon sugar- or chocolate-enhanced spreads. Gluten Free. Vegan. Certified QAI Organic. Certified Shield Star K® Kosher. Available at Whole Foods, or buy online at peanutfreeplanet.com or from simplefood.com. Price: $4.99/9 oz jar; $7.99/16 oz jar.
5. Sunbutter
If your kids love sunflowers, they'll get a kick out of eating this yummy sunflower seed butter. Sunflower seeds are generally considered safe for those with nut allergies, and Sunbutter is made in a peanut and tree nut-free facility. It's also a great source Vitamin E, Magnesium, and Copper. Sunbutter comes in several varieties, including Creamy, Natural Crunch, and Organic Unsweetened. Peanut-free. Tree nut-free. Gluten Free. Certified O-U Kosher. In grocery and health food stores nationwide, or buy online at sunbutter.com. Price: Varies; from $4.99/16 oz regular Sunbutter to $8.59/16 oz organic Sunbutter.