Experts warn against excessive consumption of chocolate spread and recommend natural peanut butter

Peanut butter and chocolate spread have a strong presence on tables around the world, prompting consumers to constantly question which option is safer for the body’s health.

Natural peanut butter stands out as a nutritious choice thanks to its high content of plant-based protein and essential minerals. Chocolate spread, on the other hand, is mainly made from a blend of hazelnuts and cocoa, which provides some antioxidants, but it is also high in sugar and palm oil.

Nutrition experts quoted by the website Very Well Health point out that peanut butter, despite its high fat density, remains a rich source of vital nutrients such as magnesium, iron, and vitamins A and B5. This makes it a beneficial part of a balanced diet, provided consumption is limited to one or two tablespoons per day.

They also highlight the difference between natural varieties and commercial versions to which oils and sugars are added to enhance flavor, which reduces their original nutritional value.

By contrast, chocolate spread raises concerns among specialists due to its excessive calorie content and heavy reliance on palm oil and saturated fats. Although hazelnuts and cocoa support heart and skin health, the sweet taste and smooth texture of this spread make it easy to overconsume.

In this regard, experts recommend treating it as an occasional treat rather than a regular food, in order to avoid risks associated with heart disease and obesity. They also advise choosing nut butters free from artificial sweeteners and combining them with fresh fruits to increase the nutritional value of snacks.