Peanut Power: How This Versatile Nut Makes Awesome Candy!

If you love roasted peanuts and peanut butter in your candy, then you’re in for a real treat! This article you’ve stumbled across has been packed with all of the peanut power that a sweet and salty treat has to offer! November is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month, and we are going to take a look at some of the most popular candy bars and sweet treats that contain this awesome, versatile nut.

But first, did you know that peanuts aren’t actually nuts? In fact, they’re a legume, as peanut plants are more closely related to chickpeas and beans, rather than to other tree nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts. But that hasn’t stopped anyone from loving them though, not in the slightest!

Peanuts: A Nutty History Worth Cracking

Peanuts may be small, but their history is anything but. They’ve had a colossal impact on our world, both in the science of agriculture, and in our candy aisles! These versatile legumes (yep, as we mentioned before, they’re not technically nuts, but we don’t want to get bogged down in semantics) have been cultivated for at least 3,500 years, first in South America, where ancient civilizations like the Incas and Aztecs recognized their nutritious potential. Fun fact: they even used peanuts in some religious ceremonies. Talk about some holy legumes!

When Spanish explorers brought peanuts back to Europe, they set off on a world tour, eventually landing in North America, where they became a staple crop in the southern states. One pivotal figure in peanut history is none other than George Washington Carver. Often called the "The Peanut Man," Carver developed over 300 uses for peanuts, including peanut oil, peanut-based plastics, paint, shampoo, and even axle grease. Forget your Swiss Army knife – Carver proved peanuts were nature’s ultimate multi-tool!

Though Carver didn’t invent peanut butter, his groundbreaking research made peanuts a cornerstone of American agriculture. His work also advanced the science of crop rotation and soil health, ensuring peanuts could be grown sustainably for generations to come.

Another notable figure in peanut history is perhaps America’s most famous peanut farmer, President Jimmy Carter. His family farm in Plains, Georgia, helped make him an iconic symbol of the crop's cultural and economic importance. On October 1, 2024, President Carter celebrated his 100th birthday, and we would like to take this opportunity to wish him a heartfelt happy birthday! His leadership and advocacy for rural farming communities has left a lasting legacy that will endure for many generations to come.

When it comes to peanuts grown in the United States, our farming techniques help showcase the innovation and technology that makes our annual peanut harvest so successful. While the U.S. accounts for only 3% of the total acreage of peanuts farmed globally, we grow nearly 10% of the world’s peanut supply.

This impressive output is made possible by advanced farming practices that deliver higher yields per acre, proving that innovation and success in agriculture go hand in hand. Peanuts tend to thrive in the warm climates of the southern U.S., particularly in states like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, making these regions powerhouses of peanut production.

For the global peanut industry, the majority of peanuts come from India and China, where more than half of the world’s crop is grown. Other major producers include Senegal, Sudan, Argentina, and Nigeria. But when it comes to efficiency and quality, the United States punches far above its weight – something peanut farmers from Georgia to Texas can take great pride in.

Beyond candy, peanuts play a vital role in agriculture and the economy. With their high oil content, they’re a key ingredient in producing cooking oils and are also used to make a variety of nut butters, which have become a pantry staple worldwide.

Additionally, peanuts and their byproducts, like peanut meal, serve as valuable sources of protein for animal feed, supporting livestock and poultry farming. This versatility solidifies peanuts as an agricultural MVP – not just a treat for us, but a resource for many other industries as well.

The Wide Use of Peanuts in the Candy World

From the smooth and creamy to the crunchy and nostalgic, peanuts have long been a cornerstone of candy innovation. These protein-packed powerhouses are the perfect complement of salty to add to the sweet in many of today’s most popular candy items. Here’s just a few amazing products where the humble peanut takes center stage!

Reese’s Take 5

No conversation about peanut candy can begin without mentioning the undisputed champion of nutty goodness: Reese’s Peanut Butter. Their quintessential blend of chocolate and peanut butter that has captured hearts (and taste buds) worldwide. The Reese’s Take 5 candy bar takes their iconic peanut butter and milk chocolate combination to a whole new level with the addition of creamy caramel, crunchy pretzels and roasted peanuts.

Peanut M&M’s

A colorful classic that needs no introduction, Peanut M&Ms blend whole roasted peanuts with a layer of creamy milk chocolate, all encased in a crunchy candy shell. While some may argue that Peanut Butter M&M’s (1991) are better, you simply can’t beat the OG Peanut M&M’s (1954) for their long lasting and timeless appeal. Whether you’re sorting them by color or tossing them by the handful, these little gems never fail to bring huge amounts of joy!

Goo Goo Cluster

Hailing from the heart of Nashville, the Goo Goo Cluster is the ultimate Southern comfort food, in a delectable candy form. With a decadent mix of caramel, marshmallow nougat, roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate, this treat has been charming candy lovers since 1912. It’s a mouthwatering medley that deserves its official candy status in Music City USA!

Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll

A salty-sweet masterpiece, (and one of my grandma’s favorites) Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll is a roll of soft, creamy vanilla nougat coated in a layer of golden caramel and rolled in a crunchy coat of salted peanuts. Perfectly portable and deliciously satisfying, it’s the ideal high-protein pick-me-up snack for any occasion, from road trips to your occasional snack attacks!

Sophie Mae Peanut Brittle

A true taste of tradition, Atkinson Candy Company’s Sophie Mae Peanut Brittle is crafted with just five simple ingredients for that homemade from-scratch flavor. With its buttery crunch and roasted peanut goodness, this timeless treat has been winning hearts since 1932. Every bite is a nostalgic nod to simpler times and classic candy perfection.

Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews

This old-school favorite is a masterclass in chewy, nutty deliciousness. Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews pair roasted peanuts with rich dark chocolate and a hint of molasses for a uniquely sweet-and-savory flavor you won’t forget. It’s a candy with history, offering a taste as enduring as its reputation.

Beer Nuts Original

Beer Nuts are the ultimate snack time MVPs. Coated in a perfect blend of sweet and salty seasoning, these roasted peanuts are packed in a playful, beer-bottle-shaped bag for maximum fun and flavor. No bottle opener needed – just tear it open and enjoy the crunchy, satisfying snack that’s been making customers happy and full since 1957.

Goodart’s Texas-Shaped Peanut Pattie

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the flavor of Goodart’s Peanut Patties. Shaped like the Lone Star State, these peanut-packed confections are as BIG and unforgettable as the state they represent. Nostalgically delicious, these patties are a really big treat that brings even bigger smiles!

Circus Peanut Candy

Ah, Circus Peanuts – the candy that sparks debates at family gatherings. Despite their misleading name, these banana-flavored marshmallow confections contain exactly zero peanuts, but we thought it would be fun to mention them here. Love them or hate them, they’re an iconic (if puzzling) member of the peanut candy family… even if their only connection to peanuts is a name that makes you do a double-take!

At Redstone Foods, we know peanuts are more than just a snack – they’re a key ingredient in some of the world’s most beloved candies. As the Southwest’s largest candy distributor since 1966, we’re proud to bring you a diverse selection of peanut-inspired treats, from nostalgic classics to modern favorites.

Whether you’re looking for the sweet crunch of a Sophie Mae Peanut Brittle, the salty-sweet perfection of Beer Nuts, or the timeless flavor of Reese’s Peanut Butter, Redstone Foods has you covered! We’re committed to providing the highest quality products and exceptional service to candy shops and retailers alike.

Explore our extensive inventory of candy, snacks, and beverages today. Sign up for an account online or give us a call and discover why Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy distributor!

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