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The most hated product in Europe
6 years agoPeanut butter! I did not realize it was such a big deal until I lived outside the United States. As an American, peanut butter has always been a normal part of my diet. We ate peanut butter and jelly/jam sandwiches as children. As an adult, I eat it on my toast or with oatmeal in the morning. In California I would go as far to say that it is even considered a health food. People put it in smoothies, and on all kinds of foods (such as bananas - yum!), and boast about it's high levels of protein.
However, in Europe it is whole different story! I can only speak from my own experience, but it seems to me that peanut butter has been demonized. It is hated. It is considered extremely unhealthy and VERY American. I was made fun of incessantly for purchasing peanut butter in France. They asked how I could be alright with eating such an unhealthy product. (This coming from people who eat cheese after every meal!)
Of course I can understand the perspective. Peanut butter is high in fat. And often times very processed. It is also sometimes made with oils that are not good for the environment.
However, I am still a fan of my beloved peanut butter, even if I am living out a stereotype. I try to purchase natural, unprocessed peanut butter, without any added chemicals or hydrogenated oils. It is a good source of protein, and a great way to make a meal more filling. Also it is just plain delicious!
What do you think of peanut butter?
Note:
I do not mean to be at all disrespectful to any groups here. Of course not all Americans love peanut butter and of course not all Europeans hate it. Not all French people eat copious amounts of cheese either. Please take no offense, I just mean to humorously shed light on what I see as a cultural difference in perspective.
