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Costco Shoppers Applaud Return of Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter and Debut of Crunchy Version

Earlier this month, Costco announced its Kirkland Signature regular and organic creamy peanut butter will return to stores after its disappearance more than a year ago set off a series of complaints, hoarding and desperate pleas. There is more good news for peanut butter lovers: Kirkland Signature chunky peanut butter will make its debut alongside the creamy versions.

“I love this peanut butter! Just bought two double packs today” and “So happy its back! My fav peanut butter” are typical of the nearly 150 Facebook comments on Costco’s page.

Costco uses Valencia peanuts and the warehouse giant cites the drought and peanut shortage of 2011 as the reason the brand was discontinued in May of 2012. “The result was a peanut shortage so severe that Costco couldn’t source enough peanuts,” said Shauna Lopez, buyer for Kirkland Signature foods, in the September issue of Costco Connection. ”For more than a year we had no Kirkland Signature peanut butter to sell. I don’t know how many calls we got.”

Kirkland Signature creamy and crunchy peanut butters are sold in two-pack 40-ounce jars. Costco plans to have the product at all locations during the fall.

Consumer Craving for Peanut Butter and Chocolate Sparks New Products

The irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate has inspired new retail items from Jif, Betty Crocker, Blue Bell and Weight Watchers.

Jif has premiered Jif Whips available in three varieties: peanut butter and chocolate flavored spread, seasonal peanut butter and chocolate mint flavored spread and creamy peanut butter. “[The products] offer the delicious, fresh-roasted peanut butter taste of Jif Peanut Butter in a whipped texture perfect for dipping, snacking and spreading. Packaged in convenient, wide-mouth tubs, it’s even easier to spread the joy throughout your day on a bagel, fruit or afternoon snack,” according to the company press release.

To make your own peanut butter and chocolate creation at home, Betty Crocker launched Reese’s® Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cupcake Mix, Reese’s® Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Secret Center Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Pops.

Available in pint and half gallon sizes, Blue Bell’s new Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream has a rich chocolate ice cream base with swirls of peanut butter. “There is no fancy gimmick to this flavor,” said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and president. “It’s plain and simple creamy peanut butter surrounded by an equally creamy chocolate ice cream. Chocolate Peanut Butter is one of those flavors that you can’t stop eating because it tastes that good.”

For those who want the chocolate peanut butter taste with fewer calories, Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods has introduced Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss™, a rich-tasting brownie layered with real, creamy peanut butter topped with a chocolate-flavored coating and just 90 calories. 

Recipe: Miso Peanut Spread from the New York Times

Last week, the New York Times featured this nutritious Miso Peanut Spread that is perfect for football season. Swapping out your creamy dips, this Asian peanut spread goes great on bread and crudités.  This sweet and salty dip uses peanuts, peanut butter, miso, orange zest, mirin and honey.  To view additional recipes perfect for your party, visit the party with peanuts section on our website.

About News in a Nutshell

News in a Nutshell is a bi-weekly enews publication from the National Peanut Board with news about everything peanut. Be sure to check out the bi-monthly NPB Media Update and Grower Calendar.

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