What is "peabutter"

Peabutter is a food spread made from brown peas and functions as a substitute for peanut butter.

The product was first prepared by Alberta farmer Joe St. Denis in July 2002 who noted that the brown pea had certain similarities to peanuts. Oils such as Canola and cottonseed are combined with icing sugar and mixed with crushed Solido brown peas to form the spread. Besides the absence of peanut material, Peabutter is devoid of gluten and cholesterol. A small amount of hydrogenated oil, a trans fat, is present.

NoNuts Golden Peabutter is currently produced by Mountain Meadows Food Processing at Legal, Alberta. Distribution has extended throughout Canada, reaching 3000 outlets and all national grocery chains. The Peabutter product was also distributed to the United States Armed Forces which requested alternative products for those allergic to peanuts.

The use of substitute spreads such as Peabutter has concerned some observers such as Jane Salter, a doctor representing allergy support group Anaphylaxis Canada. She cautioned that children who are susceptible to peanut-triggered anaphylaxis may not properly distinguish between Peabutter and peanut butter. Some schools have also banned Peabutter, fearing potential confusion with peanut butter.