Peanut butter is a food staple in many American kitchens. Except for those with peanut allergies and the few people who don't care for the substance, everyone has a personal peanut butter preference for at least one of the many types of peanut butter available today. Sugar-free, sodium-free, smooth, chunky, organic, natural and regular are just some of the various kinds of peanut butter.

Regular peanut butter is available in many brands. The amount of partially-hydrogenated oil and sugar varies between brands, but regular peanut butter always has added oil and sugar. It doesn't separate the way natural peanut butter does. Regular peanut butter also contains preservatives to allow it not to be refrigerated after opening in most cases. There are some no or low sodium and low or no sugar added brands of regular peanut butter on the market today as well.

Natural peanut butter is made of only ground peanuts without added oil, sugar or preservatives. Many people want to choose this type because they don't want the added oil and sugar, but are put off by the inconvenience of all the natural oils going to the top of the peanut butter jar. Some people deal with this by transferring the peanut butter from the jar into a covered container to keep in the fridge and then stirring the oils into the peanut butter occasionally. Natural peanut butter needs to be refrigerated because it lacks preservatives.

Organic is the third main type of peanut butter. It's usually made without sugar, salt and preservatives, but you'll need to check the label to be sure. Organic means only that the peanuts used were grown without pesticides. Organic peanut butter is often more expensive than natural or regular, but many people prefer the idea of consuming pesticide-free peanuts. Organic peanut butter typically requires refrigeration after opening.

Regular, natural and organic peanut butters are usually all available in a choice of smooth or chunky styles. Chunky peanut butter, also called crunchy peanut butter, has some finely chopped peanuts in it. Smooth peanut butter has no chopped peanuts and is also known as creamy peanut butter.

Whatever your personal preference, any type of peanut butter provides a good source of protein at any meal. It's great on toast for breakfast, in a sandwich for lunch and in an Asian peanut sauce recipe for dinner. You can also use any type of peanut butter that you prefer to make treats such as peanut butter cookies. Peanut butter is also a popular snack and camping food since it's so convenient and portable.