Skippy Peanut Butter Arrives in the UK

Okay, I realize this may not make the headlines in the United States, but it’s big news for American peanut butter fans living in the UK! For decades, American ex-pats have experienced a famine of certain “comfort foods” when living abroad; and our British friends look with horror when we talk about eating peanut butter sandwiches since childhood. And for good reason…their peanut butter tastes like coarsely-ground peanut paste: the kind you would normally get in health food stores with oil floating on the top and requiring you to mix it every time you open the jar. No additives at all! Disgusting stuff!!

We discovered Skippy at the grand opening of Wales’ first Costco store last weekend, located in an industrial park just west of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. It was worth the 15-mile drive and the £20 annual membership fee just to buy this wonderfully smooth taste of home. Although Jif is my favorite peanut butter, this stuff tastes so good that I’m not complaining! We also found several other American items, including Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, Oberto Beef Jerky, and bakery cakes made with American-style frosting (confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and vegetable shortening). We felt like kids in a candy store, delighted that a Costco has opened within reasonable driving distance.

Now if we could just get grits and cornmeal…