Getting Around the Peanut Butter Recall

Even though peanut butter, by itself, is still OK to eat, the overall peanut butter recall has everyone recoiling from buying anything peanut related. However, Americans eat on average 3.3 pounds of peanut butter a year, so many of us are starting to have withdrawals.

If you are worried about buying peanut butter based on the recent salmonella scare, try these tasty and nutritious ways to get your nuttiness now.

1. Make your own nut spread. Although major national brands of jarred peanut butter have not been recalled, making your own nut spread is easy and fun. At certain grocery stores, such as some locations of Co-ops, Whole Foods Market or Henry's, you can grind peanuts to make fresh peanut butter. In less than one minute, you have a fresh, peanutty spread without preservatives or added sugar. You can also make fresh peanut butter at home; all you need are plain roasted peanuts and a food processor. Put ¾ cup plain roasted peanuts in a food processor; process two minutes or until smooth.

2. Get creative. Use fresh peanut butter to upgrade homemade versions of snacks that may have been recalled. For example, spread a teaspoon of peanut butter on a whole-grain cracker instead of purchasing ready-made peanut butter crackers. You might surprise yourself by creating a better-for-you treat, such as our lightened peanut buttery Swag Bars.

3. Branch out beyond peanut butter. Almond, cashew, macadamia, walnut, and hazelnut butters are unaffected by the recall. They all offer a strong nutrition profile.

To see a list of current recalled items, click here.