Trade-Up Tuesday: Peanut Butter
Welcome to Trade-Up Tuesday, my weekly feature where I tell you about a Trade-Up I’ve made since learning about NuVal and give away free stuff to one lucky reader. Today’s Topic? Peanut Butter!
When I first came to interview at NuVal, I met with Nancy McDermott, the CEO. Nancy, who I knew from my previous jobs, introduced me to the whole concept of NuVal by walking through some slides to show how the scores worked. As we talked, NuVal seemed to be just a lot of common sense at first. Spinach gets a 100, Cheetos get a 5. Made sense to me. It was when she got to the Peanut Butter Slide that I said, “No way! Get out of town!” Well, I probably said it more professionally than that, given that this was an interview and all. But it was an “Ah Ha” moment. You see, Reduced Fat Peanut Butter scores lower than regular – by a lot. Yes, you read that correctly. Jif Creamy Peanut Butter scores a 20. Jif Reduced Fat Creamy scores a 7! Ouch!
As Nancy explained it, although the Reduced Fat Peanut Butter has less Saturated Fat, it has more Sodium (Salt), more Sugar, more Calories and less Fiber than the Regular Peanut Butter. These combined factors cause the Reduced Fat Peanut Butter to have a lower NuVal Nutrition Score than Regular Peanut Butter. Now that made sense to me. There are so many reduced fat products out there and let’s face it – it’s not magic. If the manufacturer takes out some fat, they probably need to add something else to make it taste good. My peanut butter of choice at the time was Reduced Fat Jif, although my son ate Teddie Smooth
Fast forward to now and you will find only Teddie Smooth in our household - in our refrigerator. Yes, the refrigerator. Natural peanut butters are not easy. You have to stir them up – which is hard and it makes a big mess. Then, you have to refrigerate them, so they are difficult to spread. But it’s worth the effort. Natural Peanut Butter scores much better. Teddie Smooth Unsalted scores a 49. Teddie Super Chunky scores a 38. My 6-year-old son is a huge fan of peanut butter so we go through a lot!
Tina, my new colleage at NuVal, and I talk food a lot. We’re both avid cooks (and eaters!) so we trade recipes and ideas all the time. One suggestion she had was to put peanut butter in my oatmeal. I tried it out and it is delicious!
Peanut Butter Oats definitely have some sticking power and I’m finding that I can often get from breakfast to lunch without needing a snack when I eat it.
Today’s GiveAway
One lucky ABBG (that’s our acronym for A Better Bag of Groceries – like it?) reader will win my Peanut Butter GiveAway. Included is a jar of Teddie Smooth and a jar of Teddie Crunchy so you can try them out for yourself! To enter, just leave a comment telling about a Trade-Up you’ve made since learning about NuVal. And if you haven’t made one yet, check out www.NuVal.com or www.TradingUpDowntown.com for some ideas.
Posted by: Melissa 103 comments
Posted in: Trade-Up Tuesday, peanut butter
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:17 am
I never heard of the Teddie Smooth brand! I love peanut butter; we eat a lot of it in my house!
I’ve recently been eating more almond butter, though. Haven’t checked the website yet to see if I “traded up” or not! Yikes!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:06 am
I traded up to natural peanut butters for my husband
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:16 am
Lol! I’m working on a guest post for Tina and after visiting Price Chopper I had to pick up this 49 peanut butter to give a try. It was good! I’d definitely love to win some to share with my family(because they are definitely not getting their hands on my jar
)
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:25 am
i can’t find Teddie anywhere near me, so this is a great giveaway!
i’ve traded up from an iceberg blend to romaine + spinach in my salads!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:45 am
I’m definitely trading up for Shredded Wheat from my normal Fruit Loops!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:46 am
This brand looks great, would love to try–I’ve traded up to low fat milk from my normal full fat!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:46 am
I’ve made the switch to greek yogurt
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:48 am
Thanks for this giveaway, I traded up to Shredded Wheat–love the blog by the way!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:48 am
I absolutely traded up to greek yogurt,tons of protein and a great NuVal score….This is awesome!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:01 am
This is great, my best trade up was from Iceberg to Spinach, it’s great and much more versatile
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:11 am
OJ to Trop 50…luv it!
Enjoy!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:25 am
Wow, that’s pretty ridiculous
I should switch up some of the peanut butter… I wonder how almond butter scores?? I’ve been trying to make the switch to the natural butters, I have!!
I switched my mac and cheese for a homemade version with veggies
The store bought is depressing score wise (even Annie’s!!)
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 am
I’ve seen Tina using Teddy and really want to try it!!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:06 am
I love PB, this would be great! My husband is a JIF guy, and I’m trying to break him of that! NuVal definitely helps me be more thoughtful when I’m shopping…now if only my husband would start reading this blog…..
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:41 am
I’d love to try this peanut butter, Tina is always eating it–and as far as trading up, I have switched to more high fiber cereals and cut out the sugary stuff!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:41 am
i haven’t made a trade up yet, but i’m learning!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:42 am
I’ve started using only spinach for salads!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:42 am
I always buy natural nut butters to avoid trans fat, sugar, salts, etc. I will have to try it in my oatmeal.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:44 am
Now that I am 7 months pregnant, I find myself craving Cap’n Crunch Sweetened Corn & Oat Cereal all the time. But when I saw the score on NuVal’s website – I decided to ignore the craving and ate Post Shredded Wheat Frosted instead. I wish the stores in my area had NuVal scores, it would be a great tool.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
gonna trade up to the kashi oatmeal cookies
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:50 am
Shredded Wheat, plain & simple. Use it to add crunch and eat alone:)
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:50 am
I haven’t traded up (I eat very healthy already), but I sure would like to try this Teddy PB since I see it on Tina’s blog all the time!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
My trade up was simple…I started shopping at Meiers…a store that is involved with NuVal. (Thanks for letting me in on that!!!)
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:00 am
I would love to try Teddy’s! Its nowhere to be found here in AL!
A trade up I’ve made is incorporating more blueberries in my diet! I love fruit but didn’t know these were so highly rated!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:06 am
Love to try Teddy’s, I’ve heard such great reviews about it! I’ve switched to making my own peanut butter rather than buying the commercial kinds! What a delicious difference!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:07 am
I’ve traded to using plain greek yogurt…yum!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
I’m starting to trade up to greek yogurt too! So happy to have discovered it!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:37 am
I’ve changed from cereal to oats from Nuval!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:44 am
I had no idea about the peanut butter. I keep a jar of Reduced Fat Jif in my desk drawer at work, so when that’s empty I’ll definitely be looking to ‘trade up’ at HyVee next time (or just use the Teddie’s if I win!!)
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:51 am
trading up to greek yogurt! so filling and delicious.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
This post is too funny because I actually just traded up to Teddy Peanut butter! It’s very good….we don’t refrigerate it though…are we supposed to be? Also I’ve noticed that if you keep it level in the jar it won’t get all liquidy.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I have never heard of this peanut butter! I’d love to win this giveaway – one trade up I have made is that I have upgraded my cereal from my beloved raisin bran to kashi strawberry fields – I never knew raisin bran was so bad for you!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
brown rice and whole wheat pasta for regular!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
No Bake Peanut Buttered Cookie Recipe This simple peanut butter cookie recipe involves no baking at all. Nutrition Facts
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Whole wheat pasta for regular
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by MelisaNutrition: @runnerskitchen If you love peanut butter, you will love my GiveAway today! http://tinyurl.com/yz86wjm...
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I’ve traded to Kashi cereals and their oatmeal cookies….yum yum!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I have definitely switched to whole wheat pasta, wow what a difference it makes!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I’ve traded to brown rice rather than the white varieties!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I love peanut butter. I think I eat a jar a week. I recently traded my pb from the Peter Pan/Skippy to the all natural no added sugars. I love to go to Whole Foods or Sunflower Market and grind my own fresh.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I have recently traded eating iceberg lettuce to the more flavorful and healthier romaine and spinach. I eat them everyday now!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I’ve traded up to greek yogurt!!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I made the switch from dannon light n fit yogurts to greek yogurt. I love the thickness of Fage/Oikos/etc and they definitely keep me fuller for longer. And I love thinking up creative new ways to flavor my yogurt!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I’ve traded up from reduced-fat Skippy peanut butter to natural peanut butter!!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I have gone to yogurts artificially sweetened to greek yogurt and I too have gone from JIF peanut butter to natural peanut butter made with just peanuts and salt!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I have traded higher NuVal scoring pizza’s for Kashi pizza-yum yum!!!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I followed a tip about party leftovers: throw out the dip even if it feels like a waste. I don’t need it!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:18 pm
This is so funny because I eat oatmael every morning and on days when I have had a heavy early workout I eat a couple of tea spoons of BP (love Teddie)- never thought to mix them TOGETHER – duhh. Thanks for the new breakfast idea!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I’ve traded up my egg and cheese sandwich for oats with PB in it! I love it!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:26 pm
i’ve traded up regular sweetened yogurt for plain greek!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:27 pm
all natural peanut butter now!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I have been eating more whole grains. I would love to try teddie pb
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I’ve traded up to Kashi’s 7 Whole Grain cereal!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I have traded up to spinach, egg whites, raw sugar, natural pb, honey, and many other things. I love new peanut butter!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I still haven’t tried Teddie PB!!! And I think I need to!
I learned from the site that my favorite Kashi (Go Lean Crunch) should probably be consumed in moderation… sad, but I think I can do it!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
I have traded up to cereals with more fiber and whole grains, and fewer sugar. They’re just as tasty!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Not all yogurts are created equally!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I have traded up to brown rice, whole wheat pasta, natural peanut butters – but we don’t have teddie pb in our area – would love to try it!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I read about this give away from Tina over at Carrots n cake! I’m so excited .. Hope I win !!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Traded up to Greek Yogurt. It’s more expensive in my grocery store, but it’s so worth it!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I’ve traded up to brown rice!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:03 pm
I’ve started eating more apples instead of going for applesauce!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
regular chocolate for dark chocolate..not much of a sacrifice =P
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
i switched to chickpeas and almonds after visiting Nuval , i am a regular reader of Tina’s Blog.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:17 pm
On Hanukkah, we had Greek yogurt with our latkes instead of sour cream!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
fruit instead of snacky things. although i have been doing this for forever! :]
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I’ve traded up to fresh and frozen vegetables as a side dish versus plain iceberg lettuce!!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I’ve traded up my cereal. We’re now a Shredded Wheat family.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
switched to plain greek yogurt
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Have a change of heart about cereal, they most definitely are not all created the same, especially the ones that claim they are healthy.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I am a huge Teddie peanut butter fan. If there was a fan club, I’d be in it. I try to make most of my food from scratch and on the outside aisles of the supermarket.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I love PB!!! I traded up white potatoes for sweet potatoes!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I traded up to a Ruby Red Grapefruit for my snack today, NuVal score of 99!!!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I just learned about NuVal, but I think it’s genius. I’ve recently decided to upgrade from refined flour to only whole-grain flours!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:54 pm
I’ve traded up to greek yogurt from sweetened, permanently!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I learned about trading up from Pilsbury chocolate chip cookie dough to homemade cookies from Tina.
I’ve never tried Teddie PB, so I would love to win!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:03 pm
I can’t find teddies anywhere!!!! I only eat nutbutters that are nuthin but nuts!:)
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Traded over to Greek yogurt
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I’ve been eating organic greek yogurt instead of the cheap non organic stuff!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
All natural peanut butter on whole grain english muffins… I’d love to try Teddie’s!!!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I’ve started using wheat flour in my pizza dough and noodles, instead of all white flour. Also, natural almond butter or peanut butter instead of the normal peanut butter I used to always eat (both are good, but natural tasted better to me!).
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I’ve made the switch from white rice to brown rice.
I’d love to try Teddie’s! I haven’t been able to find it around here, and I’m always on the hunt for good natural peanut butter.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I have always loved Greek yogurt over regular. After reading Trading Up I have made it a necessity to have Greek yogurt all the time and completely forgo the others
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I love your blog, just discovered it recently. I’ve made a few trading up choices, such as white rice to brown and instant oatmeal to steel cut or shredded wheat cereal.
I would love to try Teddie’s peanut butter! You definitely cannot find it where I live. I’ve been hearing a lot about it and am always looking for an all natural peanut butter that taste good and that is also healthy.
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Yogurt! I pay more attention to the ingredients in it now
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
I have traded regular yogurt for greek yogurt!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
I have traded up for sweet potatoes and greek yogurt!!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I’ve traded up to all spinach in my salad. I get lots of greens in at lunch! And I love Teddie peanut butter; it’s the best!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
i’ve traded up to greek yogurt!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:31 pm
I’ve traded up to whole wheat pastry flour in homemade baked goods, and whole grain breads.
The teddie jar is just the cutest thing!
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Fat free fruity yogurt for plain or vanilla GREEK yogurt!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 12:23 am
Light and Fit yogurt for plain nonfat greek yogurt! the extra protein keeps me full all morning long!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 12:51 am
oatmeal for breakfast and shredded wheat cereal for snacking!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 3:49 am
I’ve traded up to more whole grains instead of processed foods – love rolled oats for breakfast!!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 4:01 am
I traded over to Greek yogurt…loving it!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 8:54 am
Hi,
Interesting, I`ll quote it on my site later.
Socco
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 9:55 am
I actually stopped buying reduced fat peanut butters – and stick to the natural stuff, since it’s good fat!!!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 10:51 am
Thanks so much for the opportunity! I’ve swapped regular fruit yogurt for plain, but I add my own fruit!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I’m paying more close attention to my cereal!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I use almond butter to go with my oatmeal now instead of peanut butter. It tastes so good!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Greek yogurt instead of regular is a great swap. It fills me up for much longer!
on Dec 23rd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Fish over chicken in my salads!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 3:51 am
Mmm.. I’d love to try some natural peanut butter. My trade-up DOES include butter actually. I recently gave up regular peanut butter for natural cranberry-apple butter, pumpkin butter, and almond butter. ALL of which are tasty in oatmeal!