The idea for Americano Peanut Butter and Almond Butter came about while Jeff Malkoon, our Head Nut, was volunteering with TECHO, a non-profit poverty relief agency, in the South American country of Uruguay. Although the peanut was first cultivated in that region over 3,000 years ago, Jeff noticed a bizarre incidence that would in turn inspire the idea for an all-natural peanut butter. Peanuts grew abundantly in Uruguay, yet children and adults preferred to consume spreads such as dulce de leche, which are much sweeter, but lack in nutritional value. Plain peanut butter was simply not tasty enough.

In 2013, after much trial and error, broken equipment, and taste testing a natural peanut butter company was born in the Malkoon family kitchen. Jeff and Denise set out to local farmers markets. The Americano peanut and almond butter line has since expanded to represent in over 300 retail locations, including Sprouts and specialty grocers.

Our mission is to create happiness and reduce poverty. We are thrilled to serve taste buds and needs around the world!

The origins of Peanut Butter Americano were never forgotten. To continue bettering communities both in the US and in countries across the Americas, we created our Fund for the Americas® initiative. To date, Americanos have sent over 30,000 PB&J sandwiches worth of PB to hunger-relief organizations, funded emergency housing fo 22 families and directly supported a dozen U.S. economic development programs. Read our full Giving Report for more information on our giving mission!