The Color Of Peanut Butter - More Than Meets The Eye

Did you know that Americans consume more peanut butter than any other country? Over 90 million jars are sold annually, one about every three seconds. About 75 percent of all American families purchase peanut butter, enough to make 10 billion peanut butter and jelly sandwiches a year. That's about 500 million pounds of peanut butter or three pounds per person every year and consumption is increasing.

Whether you always buy your favorite brand or shop for the best price, one thing you will notice – the color of peanut butter from jar to jar and from producer to producer does not vary much at all. That doesn't happen by accident. Peanut butter color is an essential factor in the ultimate determination of its final grade. For the past 50 years there have been standards for grading peanut butter established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are many factors that define the different qualities of peanut butter. There are different types, textures and styles of peanut butter outlined by the USDA. Aside from the types, textures and styles, there are three different grades that have to be determined. Color accounts for twenty percent of the total score when establishing the grade of peanut butter. The USDA has established color standards for visually establishing peanut butter that classifies as Grade A or Grade B or substandard. The process involves setting up specific lighting, viewing conditions and product application and preparation method.