How Peanut Butter is Made: The Science, The Process, and The Love
May 2, 2025
Episode Description
In this landmark video and audio episode of The Peanut Podcast, co-hosts Lauren Highfill Williams and Ashton Pellom explore the irresistible world of peanut butter. Joined by experts Lee Zalben (Peanut Butter & Co.), Sarah Johnson (Skippy), Dr. Lisa Dean (USDA), and Dr. Gabrielle Harris (NC State), they break down what makes peanut butter so crave-worthy — from the creamy, roasted flavors created by the Maillard reaction to the journey peanuts take from farm to jar. The episode also highlights peanut butter’s nutrition, sustainability, and fun facts (like how crunchy is just smooth with chopped peanuts!). Watch or listen now!
In a flavorful new episode of The Peanut Podcast, NPB co-hosts Lauren Highfill Williams and Ashton Pellom take listeners on a delicious deep dive into one of America’s most beloved pantry staples: peanut butter. With this being the first-ever episode available in both video and audio formats, fans can now see the peanut passion in action. The hosts are joined by four leading voices in peanut butter: Lee Zalben, founder of Peanut Butter & Co.; Sarah Johnson of Skippy; Dr. Lisa Dean from USDA; and Dr. Gabrielle Harris from NC State.
Lee Zalben kicks things off with a sensory breakdown of why peanut butter hits all the right notes. “It’s that creamy texture... and that kind of roasted flavor and some kind of sweetness… a little bit of salt, a little bit of savoriness,” he explains, offering listeners a glimpse into flavor science. Meanwhile, Dr. Gabrielle Harris peels back the curtain on the Maillard reaction—the chemical magic behind that irresistible roasted peanut taste: “This produces those wonderful roasted flavors, aromas, and colors.”
The episode also uncovers the journey peanuts take from farm to jar, with Dr. Lisa Dean walking through harvesting and drying methods, while Sarah Johnson emphasizes the roasting process as a crucial first step: “It enhances the flavor of the nut itself. It makes them a little bit easier for the process.” Fun fact: crunchy peanut butter is just smooth peanut butter with chopped peanuts mixed in!
Beyond flavor, the conversation shifts to nutrition and sustainability. Dr. Harris calls peanut butter a “functional food” and swears by its staying power during long days: “A scoop of peanut butter will keep me going for a couple of hours.” Lee Zalben highlights its sustainability edge, explaining that peanuts are nitrogen-fixing, water-efficient crops. Whether you're a creamy or crunchy devotee, this episode delivers a smart, fun, and crave-worthy celebration of peanut butter.
Ready to go beyond the sandwich? Listen or watch episode 33 now and get the full scoop—smooth or crunchy—on peanut butter.