Interest in peanut butter has recently risen as more people choose apple-and-peanut-butter combinations to help prevent blood sugar spikes and stay full longer.
Peanuts are known to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids, plant protein and antioxidants, which are said to help support cardiovascular health and blood sugar control. They are also high in dietary fiber, which helps promote satiety. However, because they are a high-calorie food, the recommended intake is only about one handful, or 25 to 30 grams, per day. Since that is not always easy to manage, and mold toxins called aflatoxins can develop if peanuts are stored for a long time, many consumers choose processed products such as peanut butter instead of peanuts.
As a result, a wide range of peanut-based processed foods are now being introduced in South Korea. Peanut butter, in particular, is seeing a growing variety of ingredients and flavors. Various events and promotions aimed at the MZ Generation are also continuing.
OLHGOK, a brand specializing in domestically grown peanut products, launched a promotion offering discounts of up to 71 percent and unveiled a new product lineup to mark its appearance on Nego King.
After intense price negotiations in the Nego King episode released on the 11th, the company agreed to sell its flagship products, including "Peanut Butter Smooth & Crunch," "three types of Pistachio Spread," "two types of Peanut Crunch Granola," "peanut yakgwa," "low-sugar plum syrup," and "hazelnut chocolate spread," at discounts of up to 71 percent through Kakao Tock Deal until the 17th.
To commemorate its appearance on Nego King, OLHGOK is also introducing a new spread lineup called "Marron Spread." Made by finely grinding domestic chestnuts to deliver a deep flavor, the product uses allulose instead of sugar to significantly reduce its sugar content.
Fontana recently introduced two 100 percent nut spreads made with only almonds and peanuts: "Almond & Peanut Spread" in Crunch and Smooth versions. The products were designed to improve spreadability by reflecting consumer feedback from refrigerated storage, where nut spreads often became too hard or too thick to spread easily on bread. The company said it focused on reducing the dry texture typical of 100 percent nut peanut butter while creating a smoother and nuttier flavor. The Crunch version preserves the texture of coarsely chopped nuts, while the Smooth version offers a finely ground, silky consistency.
Daesang, which has exclusively distributed major Skippy products in South Korea since 2013, took part last month in a pop-up store held at Understand Avenue, a complex cultural space in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.
Under the concept of a spring outing-themed "Skippy-nic," the space was decorated with tents, bean bags and other props to create the feeling of a real picnic while offering a comfortable place to relax. The event also featured a wide range of food and activities using Skippy peanut butter, including gimbap, tarts, popcorn, yeot and misutgaru.
An industry official said, "Peanut butter is gaining attention as it is being recognized not simply as a spread for bread, but as a high-protein functional health ingredient that helps manage blood sugar," adding, "A variety of products targeting younger consumers are being launched one after another."
Kim So-hyeong, Sportschosun compact@sportschosun.com
