A few weeks ago a marketing agent representing Planters Peanut Butter asked me in I’d be interested in trying the company’s new “Energy Mix” Peanut Butter. Obviously I said yes, even though I already have about seven jars of Peanut Butter in reserve in the family pantry. But hey, even though I had a jar of Peter Pan Natural Honey Chunky and a couple of flavors of Peanut Butter and Co. products, I didn’t have any jars of Cinnamon Raisin Granola Nut Peanut Butter. Clearly, I’ve been most spoiled.
The marketing sheet Planets sent me has health buzz words like “wholesome,” but I could honestly care less about the nutritional angle the company is going for. Peanut Butter is, at worst, decent for you in moderation, even when it has hydrogenated oil blends (an interesting read, btw, for those who live in fear of the label). As far as this stuff goes, the sample I was sent has some pros and cons.
On the plus side, the peanut flavor is well represented. A thick, stick-to-the-roof-of-your mouth roasted peanut flavor and texture permeates, which combines the best elements of chunky (whole peanuts) and smooth (spreads great). I find it less gritty than Peanut Butter and Co.’s Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter (a plus) but not quite as sweet (but minus) The Cinnamon blend is definitely assertive, but it’s a bit spicy given the level of added sugar, which seems a bit low given the intensity of roasted flavors. Likewise, the raisins are a bit dull and don’t necessarily ”pop” at you. I wasn’t a big fan of the granola. Actually, I have no idea why it was included. I felt like the crisp rice pieces detract from applications of the Peanut Butter, taking away the option of the steady and reliable P&J, and my personal favorite, the PB&DP&PC (Peanut Butter and Dill Pickle and Potato Chip.)
If you like thicker and really peanuty peanut butters to eat with fruits like apples or pears, I’d say this new line of Peanut Butter is worth a shot. It actually spreads pretty well (in my case, on Monk’s Cinnamon Raisin Bread) and has a good amount of Cinnamon mixed in. That being said, I’ll be passing on this flavor at the store. The 12 ounce container runs about four ounces smaller than most Peanut Butters, while the granola just isn’t memorable. If you’re that crazy about the coronation to begin with, I’d think you’d probably be already mixing your favorite Peanut Butter and favorite granola as it stands.
As for me, I’ll stick with topping my slices of Monk’s Bread with a Peter Pan.
- Price: $3.99 retail (Sample provided from Planters)
- Ranking: 5/10
- Chances I’d Buy: 10%
I have a question about the granola component of the spread. You said it was made of rice crisps does that mean its lacking oatmeal clusters? I saw this in Walmart on clearance and nearly bought some because I thought that little oat clusters might be neat in peanut butter. Rice crisps seem weird to include and that would mean its not really granola. I would be disappointed if that were the case and I had bought some.
Also I am one those shoppers who has to investigate the ingredient labels, I try to buy simple/natural and normally its cheaper… I just give in to my vices when it come to cereal and snack bars.lol
The first ingredient is “rice flakes” for granola, then there is a seperate entry for “crisped rice.” It’s very similar to rice krispies, which I dislike the texture of. I agree. Actual oatmeal clusters would have been better.
I realize a lot of people get freaked out by “hydrogenated,” but some the realty is that many commercial foods which have it have it in dietary insignificant levels. PB is a great example. It serves it purpose. Moderation, I guess.
Thanks for reading Sharon!
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