Despite a cult-like frenzy for all things Nutella, peanut butter still seems the enduring choice for both children and adults alike. Now, PB fiends can get their fix from a lot more than just a quick piece of toast.
Making it a mission to educate customers on the benefits of nut butters that are free from refined sugar and preservatives, , opening today on Norton Street in Sydney, is a dessert spot with a difference.
Although the sweet, sticky gloop (and its usual array of indulgent accompaniments) is often seen to be at odds with health and fitness, husband-and-wife owners Christine and Nagib Elbakht are determined to counter this way of thinking with their new project.
“I have personally been obsessed with peanut butter from a very young age,” co-owner Christine tells SBS Food. “It has always been my go-to staple when I’m wanting a treat, or need to satisfy hunger pains on the run.”
With a solid base of vegan treats on the menu – from shakes to puddings and everything in between – they’ve promised customers that 90 per cent of their treats will be free of gluten and refined sugar, with less than ten per cent of goodies classified as “overindulgent”.
“The Peanut Butter Bar stands for indulgent wellness and for passion,” Christine explains. “We believe in determination, self-belief and body positivity.”
In addition to puddings with inventive bases of sweet potato or chia seeds, the couple have another secret: their use of a Californian-brand butter, Buff Bake. The US-based brand prides themselves on creating spreads that have an increased portion of protein, as well as being free from artificial flavours and gluten, with organic virgin coconut oil in place of the oft-used vegetable oil.
Believing wholeheartedly in the nutritional power of peanut butter and its high protein, unsaturated fat content, Christine and her husband created Peanut Butter Bar to bridge the gap between indulgence and healthy eating.
A further reminder of their efforts to create desserts that aren’t a deep dive into excess, the space is designed like a boxing studio, inspired by Sylvester Stallone’s boxing film franchise, the Rocky movies.
Although this is the first time the couple have worked together, after an extended development period – including a year-long effort to develop their high-protein, low-sugar gelato recipe - the pair are already on the road to success, if the “overwhelming” response is anything to go by.
“We didn’t realise there were so many peanut butter addicts out there!” Christine, who comes from a 20-year background in the corporate sphere, tells us. “We have always known that Aussies are totally obsessed with being fit and at the same time totally addicted to all things sweet. We have simply brought the two worlds together and found a happy medium for all [with our ethos of] indulgent wellness. The amazing response we have received affirms our strong belief for this segment.”
