What’s one of the biggest food staples in America? Peanut butter. With that said, it’s crazy peanut butter isn’t a worldwide staple — it’s actually pretty hard to find it abroad. We’re talking about kids who lived their childhood without PB&J or “ants on a log” snacks. Not only is it hard to find, but to some, peanut butter is even considered weird and gross.
Here are 11 countries that don’t seem to believe in the greatness of creamed peanuts:
1. France
France, you have great taste. Wine and cheese is your perfection, but really, no peanut butter? However, I’ll give you a few bonus points because you do have Creme d’arachides, which is similar in form to peanut butter. And, you understand the importance of Nutella. Next time, throw in some peanut butter jars next to the Nutella section, though. The two aren’t that different from each other.
2. Italy
Pasta, gelato, and cannolis are to die for. But so is peanut butter! While it’s not found in most cafes, restaurants or even recipes, you may be able to find a version of it at the market if you’re lucky. Nevertheless, you most definitely will not find your preferred American brand. Similar to France, Italians seem to think Nutella is better.
3. Spain
Spain is less surprising. I mean, how often do you go for authentic Spanish cuisine and find something that even contains peanuts on the menu? I can’t imagine peanuts in my paella.
4. Sweden
No peanut butter for this small European region. Instead of having savory PB&J’s, they use leverpastej. That is, liver pâté. Liver pâté can definitely be more of an acquired taste… just like peanut butter is to some people too, I guess.
5. Israel
While you can’t find peanut butter in Israel, they do have peanuts. Their famous peanut snack is Kabukim, which are cracker coated peanuts that make for a crispy snack. You’ll have to forgo the creaminess of PB, but Kabukim doesn’t sound too bad, either.
6. Brazil
While they don’t have real peanut butter, Brazil actually has a slight knock off. Don’t be confused, though, because it’s certainly not the same thing. Amendocrem, or Pacoquita Cremosa, tastes more like the fillings of a Nutter Butter compared to the real deal.
7. Indonesia
It’s nearly impossible to find a jar of Skippy in Indonesia. However, you can still satisfy your PB cravings with Bumbu Kacang, which is a peanut sauce made from ground roasted or fried peanuts — sounds pretty good to me!
8. Ecuador
Ecuador doesn’t have much real peanut butter to offer, and if you can find some, odds are it’ll be rather expensive. Yet, they do have Salsa de Mani, another type of peanut sauce similar to Indonesia’s. This sauce can probably do the trick.
9. Greece
As beautiful as Greece is, it’s missing one crucial thing: peanut butter. They do have Tahini, which is made from ground sesame seeds, and can be used as a spread, sauce, or dip. But it’s not the same as a spoonful of sweet, gooey peanut butter.
10. Japan
The Japanese are rumored to be appalled by peanut butter. They do have peanut cream or peanut whip, and while this might sound like peanut butter, it apparently tastes more like peanut flavored frosting.
Next time you’re thinking about traveling outside the U.S., bring your own jar of peanut butter with you. You won’t regret it. Everyone needs it.