Why I Think Peanut Butter is the Most Overrated Camping Food

So, here’s the deal: these Halved Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash & Onions are a surprising companion for camping. While they’re not peanut butter, I found myself in a pinch and threw them into a one-pot meal. The sprouts are tender yet have that satisfying crunch, while the butternut squash adds a sweet note. If your kids are obsessed with chips, good luck sneaking these in! They certainly don't taste like candy, but they roasted nicely over the fire. If you can manage to camouflage them among your other camping snacks, they do add a nice veggie balance, kind of like a forest adventure in a bowl.

The Natural Peanut Butter Crunchy is a camping staple! It’s rich, creamy, and the crunchy bits add an unexpected texture that keeps things interesting. I love slathering it on whole grain crackers for a quick snack or spreading it on a banana (the kids think that one’s a treat!). With only 6 grams of sugar, it’s got enough sweetness to keep little ones happy without turning them into mini sugar monsters. Just be cautious: the jar can get a little messy when you’re out in the wild, but hey, that's camping for you!

This Peanut Butter Spread Creamy is exactly what it claims to be: creamy! While not exactly gourmet, it spreads beautifully on anything and can quickly cover those nutty flavors that kids can sometimes be picky about. Its 6 grams of sugar also makes it a good choice when you need a quick energy boost on a camping hike. Just beware of the likelihood of some kids turning their noses up, thinking peanuts are 'gross'. But hey, if you slap it on a graham cracker, it might just go down easier.

Peanut Butter Chips are a total wild card for camping. They are loaded with sugar (a whopping 40 grams!), but when you're out there in nature, sometimes you just need that sweetness to uplift your spirits. They don't really serve as a peanut butter alternative on their own, more like dessert in your trail mix! The texture is perfectly melty when warmed, making them fun to mix into oatmeal — just don’t expect a nutritious powerhouse. This isn't exactly peanut butter for camping, but it's a good alternative because it definitely adds excitement to s’mores!

Salted Butter, while not peanut butter, can be a lifesaver when camping! With 0 grams of sugar, it provides an efficient way to keep things from sticking and adds a creamy richness to the campfire meals. It can’t replace the nutty flavors kids might be looking for when they hear 'peanut butter', but it definitely won’t hurt to bring it along to enhance your cooking. Honestly, I use it for everything from cooking eggs to slathering on toast. Just keep it cool and don’t be surprised if it melts!