Peanuts on the Menu: Breakfast
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Peanut Butter Granola Bars Pean ut Butter and Jelly Sandwich (they’re not just for lunch!) Peanut Butter and Banana Quesadillas Panc akes served with Peanut Butter as a topping San dwich Peanut Butter and jelly between waffles for a Waffle PBJ
Breakfast is an important way for kids to start the school day. Research has shown that students who eat breakfast do better on standardized tests, have better focus, more normal BMI, and fewer behavioral problems. Peanut butter can be used in many ways at breakfast. Here are some creative ideas for you to consider:
Peanuts on the Menu: Lunch
Meals at lunchtime can be fast and furious in the school nutrition program. Having go-to ingredients that are versatile and acceptable is essential. Peanuts and peanut butter fit the bill as foods that make the familiar exotic and the exotic familiar – and they can grow in versatility as your student’s tastes change. Here are some great ways to incorporate peanut butter and peanuts:
• African Peanut Stew • The Classic PBJ served with fresh fruit, veggie chips and low-fat milk • Use a Multipurpose Peanu t Sauce on the salad bar or with cut vegetables as a delicious peanut butter dip, or stir-fry with vegetables and chicken for spicy peanut noodle bowl
Peanuts on the Menu: After School
As you know, kids need good nutrition beyond classroom hours, and both parents and students want to see delicious and nutritious foods. Peanuts and peanut butter can be an ideal addition to your after-school snack program. In addition to prepared items available for service, like pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and peanut butter crackers, here are quick and easy ideas to get good nutrition into every bite:
• Peanut Butter Vanilla Yogurt Dip • Peanut Butter PCs with fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, or graham crackers • Half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Learn more about peanuts on your school’s menu as it relates to food allergies here .
Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD
Sherry Coleman Collins is a Marietta, GA based registered dietitian nutritionist with experience in food allergies, pediatric clinical nutrition, school foodservice and nutrition communications. She is a former consultant for National Peanut Board.
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