Peanut butter craze spreads from apples to 'doenjang' in Korea

A specialty cafe in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, is gaining attention for its unique focus on peanut butter. The PCafe offers a variety of peanut butter products, including a 100 percent peanut butter option freshly ground in front of customers.

A staff member said, "Some customers buy up to 30 jars at a time," adding that about half of their customers are middle-aged, in addition to younger patrons.

A woman in her 50s visited the cafe on Feb. 18 with her daughter. She said, "It’s trendy to spread peanut butter on apples these days, so we thought we’d give it a try," and purchased a jar to take home.

Peanut butter, once considered unfamiliar in Korea, has now become a kitchen staple. The trend began last year when TV personality Choi Hwa-jung appeared on a YouTube channel and demonstrated eating apples with peanut butter for breakfast.

In the United States and other countries, this combination is popular because the sweetness and tartness of apples complement the nutty richness of peanut butter.

The growing perception of peanut butter as a healthy food has significantly increased demand.

An official from the online shopping platform Market Kurly said, "Peanut butter sales last year were about five times higher than the previous year (2023)," adding that its potential to help regulate blood sugar has driven consumption, aligning with health trends like blood sugar diets and the "healthy pleasure" lifestyle.

"In particular, products made from 100 percent peanuts without additives are experiencing rapid growth," the official added.

Source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2025/02/199_392953.html

Comprehension

What is unique about the specialty cafe in Seongsu-dong?
What types of products does PCafe offer?
Why do some customers buy up to 30 jars of peanut butter at a time?
How did the trend of eating apples with peanut butter start in Korea?
Why is the combination of apples and peanut butter popular in other countries?
How has the perception of peanut butter changed in Korea?
What health benefits are associated with peanut butter?
According to Market Kurly, how have peanut butter sales changed recently?

Discussion

Have you ever tried peanut butter? If so, how do you like to eat it?
Why do you think certain foods become trendy in different countries?
What are some traditional foods in your country that have become more popular recently?
Do you think social media and celebrities influence food trends? Why or why not?
How important is health when choosing what to eat?
Why do you think natural peanut butter (without additives) is becoming more popular?
What other food combinations do you think might become popular in the future?
Would you visit a cafe that specializes in one type of food? Why or why not?
How do marketing and online platforms affect food trends?
What are some foods that you think should become more popular for health reasons?

Vocabulary

Specialty – A unique or specific type of product or service.
Tartness – A sharp or slightly sour taste.
Complement – To enhance or go well with something else.
Staple – A commonly used or essential item.
Demonstrated – Showed or explained how something is done.
Perception – The way something is understood or viewed.
Regulate – To control or adjust something to maintain balance.
Consumption – The act of using or eating something.
Additives – Substances added to food to improve taste, appearance, or preservation.
Aligning – Matching or fitting well with something.