Travelling for business – or pleasure – can take a toll on healthy eating habits. Factors at play are lack of sleep, high-calorie, grab-and-go restaurant meals, and hectic schedules. And, when you’re away from home, temptation is sure to set in.

Nutritious, delicious and sustainable – that’s what U.S.-grown peanuts are. Recently, the National Peanut Board, a farmer-funded national research, promotion and education check-off program, developed an insightful PowerPoint presentation that provides the retail industry with an overview of peanut growing in the US, including the types of peanut, different peanut oils, flours and nutrition information. Part of the NPB’s Perfectly Powerful Peanut campaign, the all-mighty peanut is portrayed as a nutrition powerhouse.

Recently, researchers in Australia have produced promising results that a possible cure for peanut allergies is on the way. Their research study consisted of 28 children and involved giving children with a diagnosed peanut allergy a small dose of the peanut protein along with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus.  This particular bacteria is commonly used in yogurts, semi-hard cheeses, and pasteurized milk.

By Dr. Andrew Craig, American Peanut Council Health Consultant

Nobody in the peanut industry likes “may contain” precautionary stickers which are too often plastered all over products just in case they may be contaminated by traces of peanut protein. Peanut allergic consumers dislike them too and the evidence is that overuse is confusing, anxiety-producing and, worse, encourages disregard and risk-taking.

When it comes to retail marketing and merchandising, the American Peanut Council (APC), has some great tips to share to help maximize returns. Canadians love their peanuts and Canada remains the largest single country importer of quality U.S. peanuts.

Social media has become a preferred method of communication for many – and it’s here to stay. In fact, recent research shows that 70% of Canadians use social media and 59% use the various platforms more than once a day.

As reported on February 23, 2015, a new study suggests that introducing products containing peanut protein, such as snacks or peanut butter, early in life might prevent peanut allergy. The landmark study was conducted by lead researcher, pediatric allergy professor Gideon Lack, and was included in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

According to recent consumer market research, Canadians’ love of peanuts and peanut butter is continuing to “spread.” As the largest single-country importer of quality U.S.-grown peanuts, Canadians can’t seem to get enough. Whether it’s the taste, nutritional value or pure love of this pantry staple in homes across the country, Canadians believe in the power of peanuts.

Written by: Dr. Andrew Craig, APC Health Consultant

It’s called LEAP – Learning Early about Peanut Allergy – and it has been five long years in the making. Now this ground-breaking study has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. LEAP’s lead investigator Dr. Gideon Lack, Professor of Paediatric Allergy at King's College, University of London, presented the study’s findings simultaneously at the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) meeting in Houston on February 23, 2015.

Trends to the foodservice industry are what peanut butter is to jelly – they go deliciously hand-in-hand. In March 2015, the Restaurants Canada Show welcomed foodservice professionals from across the country to Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre, and delivered insights into culinary trends and innovations that are shaping the industry.

When it comes to peanuts, the culinary possibilities for the foodservice industry are endless, especially when you consider the cost-effectiveness of this healthy nut. The versatility of peanuts and peanut products lends not only to cooking with the powerful legume, but also cooking with peanut oil (refined and aromatic roasted), peanut butter and peanut flour.

Nutritious, delicious and sustainable – that’s what U.S.-grown peanuts are. Recently, the National Peanut Board (NPB), a U.S.-based industry-funded national research, promotion and education program, developed an insightful presentation that provides the foodservice industry with an overview of peanut growing in the U.S.

When it comes to sustainability, U.S. peanut farmers have dramatically improved their environmentally favourable crop production practices over the years. The result? A nutritious and delicious crop that Canadians have come to know and love.

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There is no sandwich quite as versatile and cost-effective as the peanut butter sandwich. Did you know that the first recipe for the PB&J was published in 1901? Still adored by kids and kids at heart, there are many more ways to enjoy this convenient classic. Check out these creative ways to rethink the peanut butter – or PB&J – sandwich.

Celebrate in style - and on budget - with a buffet. To get the most bang for your buffet buck, see our top tips to save money, reduce food waste and cut down on time.

The Canadian Medical Association Journal has released a research review that supports introducing babies to peanut products (peanut protein), and other foods that may cause an allergic reaction at four to six months of age.