It’s a well-known fact to grocery shoppers that inflation has had its grip on our wallets the past few years. Rising food costs have been among the biggest drivers of inflation since 2020. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumers are paying nearly 23% more for a basket of common grocery items than they did before the pandemic. One household staple has remained steady during inflation — the humble peanut.

Peanuts and peanut products have tremendous value with rich flavor, nutritional benefits and culinary versatility. Cultures across the globe integrate the treasured legume into stews, sauces, salads and desserts, to name a few. Two key components central to the universal appeal of the peanut is its affordability and its accessibility to shoppers. Peanut butter is an excellent example of this. At less than $0.03 per gram of protein, peanut butter has incredible value when compared to meat, tuna, dairy and tree nuts. The price of peanut butter, when adjusted for inflation, cost the consumer 25% less in 2020 than it did in 1995.

According to the 2023 Food and Beverage Flavor Trends Report, 57% of U.S. consumers say that inflation has led them to cut back on eating out. During these uncertain economic times, shoppers are getting creative with their meals and sharing them online. Emerging social media trends, like the viral social media trend “Girl Dinner” — meals consisting of a random assortment of foods easily found in the fridge and cupboards — showcase the power of quick and easy meals that are forgiving on the wallet. This snack-plate-supper trend is rooted in convenient nourishment that is customizable for each partaker. Peanuts and peanut products fit into the trend with delicious and affordable recipes, like Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip and Sweet and Spicy Peanut Trail Mix that take little preparation and satisfy all nutty cravings.

As shoppers continue to battle prices at their local grocery store and look to stretch their meals, no matter how unconventional they may be, retail dietitians can recommend peanuts and peanut products to ease the inflationary blows to their bank accounts.

Check out additional delicious and easy-to-make peanut inspired recipes from The National Peanut Board: