If you’ve ever visited a farmers market in the Phoenix area, you may have heard of this all-natural, local nut butter brand.
When Peanut Butter Americano sold its first jar of peanut butter five years ago at a Phoenix farmers market, founder Jeff Malkoon had little idea the nutty idea would spread across the state so quickly. Jeff, who comes from three generations of Phoenix natives, started experimenting with peanut butters in his mother’s kitchen after an inspirational volunteer trip to South America—the region where the peanut was first cultivated thousands of years ago.
Realizing the crop mostly was exported abroad to make sugary peanut spreads, rather than for local consumption, Jeff wanted to make a line of nut butters as healthful as it was delicious. More than 1,000 farmers markets and festivals later, Arizona’s very own all-natural peanut and almond butter brand can be found in more than 300 retail locations across the state and in Canada.
The current product line includes vegan-friendly, sugar-free and non-gluten options, catering to an increasingly health-conscious consumer base. Cinnamon Roasted Almond Butter and Cinnamon Honey Peanut Butter take the lead as the most popular flavors, but Choco Blanco (PB Americano’s take on white chocolate peanut butter), Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter and both the classic nut butters come close behind.
Part of PB Americano’s mission remains to give back to poverty relief efforts and community development, both locally and across the Americas, to honor the company’s founding idea. Through the company’s giving arm, Fund for the Americas, the company’s contributions to date add up to the equivalent of enough nut butter to make more than 12,000 PB and J sandwiches. Nearly a quarter of contributions have aided organizations abroad, while the rest has assisted projects nationally in the United States and in the Phoenix area.
For years, the self-proclaimed Head Nut ran the company as a one-man show. However, the small team has since grown to include sister, Denise Malkoon, and even two Las Sendas residents. This year, the company celebrates its five-year anniversary and shows no signs of slowing down. This notable milestone has come with a host of exciting changes, including a move into a new facility in Tempe, as well as an expanding national presence.
“Five years ago, I stood in front of my mom’s food processor with nothing but a pound of peanuts and the idea that I could add value to the world,” said Jeff. “Since then, we’ve experienced an overwhelming amount of support from the community. Their support has been humbling, inspiring and encouraging. We’re eager to set new goals and fulfill our mission of creating delicious products that are great for the world.”
First to carry PB Americano products in the East Valley was Queen Creek Olive Mill. Las Sendas residents now can find the all-natural peanut and almond butters just a few minutes from home at the newly opened Sprouts Farmers Market, located at Recker Road and the 202. Just look for the Local tab in the peanut butter aisle. This location joins the dozens of other Sprouts across Arizona where you also can find the Arizona-made brand.
For more information on Peanut Butter Americano, visit pbamericano.com, like PB Americano on Facebook, or follow @pbamericano on Instagram.