In an earlier edition of In a Nutshell you read all about Canadians’ love for peanuts – but what about peanut butter? This protein-packed spread was the focus of a recent survey from Erickson Research, in collaboration with the American Peanut Council, to find out how peanut butter stacks up again other spreads and pantry staples.

Even the most health-conscious and diet-driven can struggle with temptation come the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party or already have a packed social calendar for December, making smart choices can help you to eat healthy during a time of appetizers, gravy and goodies galore. Follow these quick tips to avoid holiday weight gain, while enjoying the season’s festivities.

Believe it or not, the holiday season is nearly upon us, with the celebrations starting in October and going strong through to the New Year. And, while some may have a knack for it, holiday entertaining can be anything but effortless. Being the hostess with the mostess (or host with the most) can require a hand at mulled wine-making, turkey-roasting and centerpiece-arranging. Follow these quick tips to help pull off the next holiday dinner that guests will rave about.

Fats tend to get a bad reputation – the health-conscious tend to avoid them and they’re one of the first things consumers look to eliminate when battling the bulge. But, fats are important to overall health, though they’re certainly not equal.

Peanuts are not only loved by Canadians, but these nutrition-packed dynamos are good for you, too! When it comes to nutrient density, you can’t beat peanuts – a serving is an excellent source of magnesium, manganese, niacin and Vitamin E, a good source of folate, as well as a source of fibre, iron, zinc and more.

In February, we shared a special edition of In a Nutshell all about the landmark Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) study, which made headlines worldwide. On behalf of the National Peanut Board, one registered dietitian recently caught up with study lead Dr. Gideon Lack to discuss additional insights on the study, as well as implications and future considerations.

If you needed another reason to snack, a new study reveals a link between eating nuts or peanuts and lower mortality rates. The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology confirms – and builds upon – earlier results from American and Asian studies on the relationships between nut or peanut intake and cardiovascular deaths. However, this is the first study to show such wide-ranging benefits, beyond heart health and weight management that we’d known about – and championed – for years.

Penny pinching, tech-savvy and last (but certainly not least) health-conscious. This is the modern consumer, as indicated by trends uncovered in Brandspark’s 2015 Shopper Study. Surveying more than 65,000 Canadians coast to coast, they learned how Canadians shop – and what they shop for.

Summer has arrived and so have our appetites! Consumers are already thinking everything outdoors – barbeques, sporting events, camping and much more. Summer is a high-traffic shopping time of year when retail customers are out to browse and buy. To be prepared for the summer rush (and heat!), check out our merchandising tips to help put some sizzle in your sales.

If you're nuts for peanuts, you're in good company! In a recent article for People Magazine, Harley Pasternak shared why peanuts are a nutritional powerhouse. Here's a recap of what the celebrity trainer and nutrition expert said about our favourite legume.

In a previous issue of In a Nutshell, you read about the love Canadians have for peanuts and peanut butter. Canadians enjoy peanut butter for a variety of resons such as taste, convenience and health attributes, but there's more to the story!

What happens when peanut butter lovers take on New York? In April, the National Peanut Board "spread" the peanut butter love in New York City, with activities including social media-fueled PB&J deliveries, nutrition sessions and delicious recipes.