Press
THE LOCAL REPORTER
BIG SPOON ROASTERS
November 12, 2024
“We believe in the simple truth that our food choices matter,” Mark says, “and that food should be delicious, nutritious, and good for both people and the planet.” Peanut butter is that food, and Megan and Mark are the perfect people to bring it to us. Some dreams are so smart and simple they can fit inside a big spoon.
THE KITCHN
THE DELICIOUS NUT BUTTER I'M PUTTING ON ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING
November 9, 2024
A good carrot cake has just the right balance of spice, and is sweet but not overpoweringly so, with a thick layer of rich cream cheese frosting on top. It’s hard to imagine packing all that flavor into a jar, but this nut butter 1000% did. It truly is DELICIOUS.
EAT THIS, NOT THAT
30 BEST HIGH-PROTEIN SNACKS ON GROCERY SHELVES
October 24, 2024
Apricots, peanut butter, and pumpkin seeds—what a flavor combination! These powerful little bars offer 11g of protein and pack a serious punch when it comes to taste and texture. We're all tired of bland protein bars that offer the same flavors over and over, so why not spice things up? The best part is that these bars are gluten-free for those with sensitivities and are made with zero refined sugars, so rest assured you're only eating the best.
THE EVERYGIRL
44 UNIQUE GIFTS FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING
October 17, 2024
"I would be absolutely jazzed if someone gifted me a nut butter sampler, so yes, this is on my personal list."
EAT THIS, NOT THAT
22 HEALTHIEST PEANUT BUTTERS, ACCORDING TO DIETITIANS
Updated October 3, 2024
Sweetened with sorghum syrup and slightly salty, this peanut butter leans on two varieties of peanuts to result in a crunchy and satisfying butter that is a perfect topping for your toast," she says. "No fillers, no preservatives, and GMO-free, this peanut butter is high-quality and delicious.
THE QUALITY EDIT
LAUNCH DIGEST: PUMPKIN, KUGEL, GINGERBREAD, AND HOLIDAY BUNDLES - TIS THE SEASON
October 4, 2024
Big Spoon Roasters launched a limited batch Gingerbread Crunch Almond & Pecan Butter. Beyond how delicious that sounds, it’s also made with premium ingredients: heirloom mission almonds, organic pecans, organic Vermont maple syrup, Jacobsen sea salt, and gingerbread spices (all the hits — cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, vanilla). Just as perfect slathered on your favorite autumnal apple as it is straight from the jar.
REAL SIMPLE
THE 70 WHITE ELEPHANT GIFTS EVERYONE WILL ACTUALLY WANT
Updated August 20, 2024
The Big Spoon Roasters Classic Nut Butter Variety Pack is a delicious food gift that can transform PB&J sandwiches and overnight oats into artisanal dishes. Choose from three different variety packs, with flavors like warming Fiji Ginger Almond Butter, spicy Hot Mamba Peanut Butter, and tropical Toasted Coconut Almond Butter and Sea Salt. Each jar is made to order from scratch in North Carolina using high-quality and sustainable ingredients.
DAVIDSON.EDU
FOOD CHAIN: ALUMS FIND FULFILLMENT IN EDIBLE ENDEAVORS
May 14, 2024
Working as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Zimbabwe, Mark Overbay ’98 missed the taste of good, natural peanut butter–so he made his own. With hand-crushed local ground nuts, salt, honey and coconut oil, it was one of the best things he’d ever tasted. Back in Durham, North Carolina, he and his wife, Megan, saw an opportunity to bring their love of the rising craft food movement to the world of nut butters. In 2010, their Peanut Pecan Butter caught the attention of Bon Appetit and Food and Wine magazines, and the demand for their products began to climb. In 2012, Overbay quit his day job to focus full-time on Big Spoon Roasters.
AOL.COM
15 HEALTHIEST PEANUT BUTTERS ACCORDING TO DIETITIANS
May 21, 2024
Manaker also enjoys the Crunchy Peanut Butter from Big Spoon Roasters. "Sweetened with sorghum syrup and slightly salty, this peanut butter leans on two varieties of peanuts to result in a crunchy and satisfying butter that is a perfect topping for your toast," she says. "No fillers, no preservatives, and GMO-free, this peanut butter is high-quality and delicious."
C'EST LA VIE MAGAZINE
CHEF'S CHOICE
April 1, 2024
This C'est la VIE collection is about culinary refinement, where every detail embodies the essence of living and dining well. Bigger in Texas: Big Spoon Roasters Cowgirl Cookie Peanut Butter.
EAT THIS, NOT THAT!
15 HEALTHIEST NUT BUTTERS ON GROCERY SHELVES
March, 22, 2024
Made with organic cashews, organic coconut nectar, organic virgin coconut oil, and Jacobsen sea salt, this cashew butter is both rich and creamy. And if you are focused on only opting for Fair Trade cashews, you are in luck! The cashews used are Fair Trade Certified from a community of growers. No fillers, preservatives, or flavors are found in these jars—just quality ingredients.
BON APPETIT
WAIT, NUTS GO BAD?
March, 12, 2024
Candy your nuts for extra shelf life. At Big Spoon Roasters, every product contains a natural sweetener, like organic honey or maple syrup. The “thin layer of sugar” is stirred into the butter and creates a barrier between the fat and oxygen—keeping each jar fresher for longer. The inspiration to make them might have been practical, but they’ll reward you with pure joy.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
ALL THE WAYS YOU SHOULD BE USING MAPLE SYRUP NOW
March, 8, 2024
Even if you don't already celebrate maple-tapping season, adding the syrup's complex flavor to your late-winter repertoire could be as easy as slathering toast with Big Spoon Roasters Maple Cinnamon Pecan and Peanut Butter and laying a few thin apple or banana slices on top, or sprinkling crunchy maple sugar over your morning oatmeal.
WJHL
FOOD WITH FRED: BIG SPOON ROASTERS
March, 7, 2024
We are so grateful for Fred sharing Big Spoon Roasters with the WJHL audience. Click the title to watch his full review of our handcrafted nut butters.
SOUTHERN FLAVOR MAGAZINE
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: DISCOVER NEW PRODUCTS, TOOLS, AND INGREDIENTS FROM LOCAL LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESSES
February, 19, 2024
Known for their high-quality, top-tier ingredients, Big Spoon Roaters directly sources from local and like-minded producers who share their dedication to genuine quality and sustainability. With incredible flavors like Chocolate Sea Salt, Pistachio Crunch, Carrot Cake, and more, these good-for-you nut butters are instant family favorites. For full write-up, check out page 16 here.
EAT THIS, NOT THAT!
17 QUICK & EASY MEALS OUR DIETITIANS ARE COOKING THIS WEEK
January, 29, 2024
Not sure what to do with those sweet potatoes you have left? You can always make them for breakfast like Manaker did this week. "One of my favorite breakfast ideas is a leftover sweet potato topped with nut butter and granola. When I have it on hand, I love using Big Spoon Roaster Maple Cinnamon Pecan and Peanut Butter, but any nut butter will do," she says. "Leaning on this for breakfast helps me sneak in some vegetables right out of the gate."
TEXAS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
HEALTHY LIVING ROUNDUP 2024
January, 18, 2024
Inspired by the Cowboy Cookie, which consists of chocolate, pecans and coconut, their new vegan peanut-pecan butter adds to the classic to create a healthy and tasty option for sandwiches, snacks and more. Add to apples, bananas or pita chips for a “good fat” protein snack or breakfast. Video of roundup here.
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER
33 BEST FOOD GIFTS OF 2023
December 15, 2023
For the nut butter enthusiast, it doesn’t get much better than the creative flavors churned out by the mad geniuses at Big Spoon Roasters. The holiday trio shows off their perfectly spiced blends in combinations like carrot cake almond and walnut butter (it doesn't actually have carrots, but it does hearken to the classic dessert with maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sea salt) and the warming chai spice peanut and almond butter.
BON APPETIT
THE NUT LOVERS GIFT GUIDE
December 12, 2023
Big Spoon Roasters is for the nut butter enthusiast who firmly believes that variety is the spice of life. These small batch nut butters are made to order in North Carolina and rely on sustainably-sourced ingredients to think up some pretty interesting flavors. The variety packs of four 3-ounce mini jars offer something for everyone, from chai spice peanut and almond to hot mamba.
FOOD NETWORK
20 FOOD OF THE MONTH CLUBS THAT ARE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
December 8, 2023
Whether they choose to eat them directly out of their jars or spread them over two pieces of spongy white sandwich bread, your bestie will go absolutely nuts for this monthly peanut butter and jam subscription from Big Spoon Roasters. The North Carolina-based brand prides itself on shipping pb and jam combos that not only complement each other when eaten together but also reflect the season in which they're sent out, so each of the deliveries is sure to be a real treat!
STYLE BLUEPRINT
50 GIFTS UNDER $50: YOUR ULTIMATE SOUTHERN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
November 20, 2023
This North Carolina nut butter maker makes gifting easy with six possible combinations of their best-selling nut butters. Choose from clever flavors like maple cinnamon and pistachio crunch or chocolate sea salt! Each cutely packed gift box includes two 13-ounce jars for $29.95 at Big Spoon Roasters.
OPRAH DAILY
The Best Food Gifts to Delight Foodies of All Kinds
November 17, 2023
Big Spoon Roasters Handcrafted Nut Butter, Set of 2: If you’ve got a peanut butter fan who hasn’t been introduced to the wonders of flavored nut butters, this is the gift for them. The set comes with maple cinnamon pecan and peanut butter and chai spice peanut and almond butter, but other sets include honey peanut, coconut cashew, and Fiji ginger almond.
DUKE INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
2023 Holiday Gift Guide
November 17, 2023
Duke alumni, students, faculty, and staff are changing the world across industries—including with the products and services they create. As you shop for your loved ones this year, support fellow Blue Devils in the Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship Network who are innovating in food and beverage, learning, entertainment, home goods, apparel, health, and beauty.
Explore sustainable gifts, learning opportunities for adults and kids alike, treats for humans and pets, and beyond. Happy shopping!
EAT THIS, NOT THAT!
12 Best & Worst Almond Butters, According to Dietitians
October 26, 2023
With just 1 g of sugar, this brand of almond butter is great for folks who are watching their blood sugar or at least do not want to consume any added sugar. I am slightly obsessed with anything Big Spoon Roasters makes, and their almond butters don't disappoint, says Lauren Manaker, MS RDN LD CLEC. "Their almond butter with wildflower honey is just sweet enough and made with quality ingredients. This nut butter leans on mission almonds, which offer a rich flavor," she explains.
FOOD52
36 Best Vegan Gifts for Your Plant-Loving Friends
August 31, 2023
What's even better than one nut butter? A sampling kit of four! Included in this pack is Big Spoon's toasted coconut almond butter, the OG that drew me away from my peanut-butter-is-the-only-nut-butter-that-matters stance. My breakfasts are so much better for it (and your friends' will be, too).
EAT THIS, NOT THAT!
28 Best High-Protein Store-Bought Snacks, ACCORDING TO A DIETITIAN
August 30, 2023
Apricots, peanut butter, and pumpkin seeds—what a flavor combination! These powerful little bars offer 11g of protein and pack a serious punch when it comes to taste and texture. We're all tired of bland protein bars that offer the same flavors over and over, so why not spice things up? The best part is that these bars are gluten-free for those with sensitivities and are made with zero refined sugars, so rest assured you're only eating the best.
FORT WORTH MAGAZINE
MELT Ice Cream is Going to the Dogs this Weekend
August 24, 2023
Speaking of cold treats, MELT has partnered with Big Spoon Roasters to create a small batch of two new hand-crafted limited-time flavors for humans and dogs alike. The first flavor is called Big Spoon, Big Swirls, which features a sweet cream ice cream with swirls of Big Spoon Roasters Pistachio Crunch Almond Butter and rhubarb raspberry swirls, along with house-made toffee chips scattered throughout.
"This might be the best ice cream I've ever had," says MELT founder Kari Crowe in a statement.
FOOD NETWORK
11 BEST FLAVORED NUT BUTTERS, TESTED BY FOOD NETWORK KITCHEN
August 21, 2023
Mamba is the Creole word for peanut butter, and in Haiti, the popular spread is savory and often spicy. This jar [of Hot Mamba Peanut Butter], made with peanuts, three different types of chili peppers, plus a touch of sugar and salt, is unapologetically spicy, definitely not for the heat sensitive. We love the complexity that comes from the mix of guajillo, ancho and habanero chilies, the intensity of its flavor and heat, and its bright-orange hue.
Best for: Spreading on crackers, as a sandwich spread, in sauces or marinades, on sliced fruit.
VOYAGE RALEIGH
INSPIRING CONVERSATIONS WITH MEGAN OVERBAY OF BIG SPOON ROASTERS
August 21, 2023
When Mark and I met in 2010, we shared a passion for food, transparency, and sustainability. Mark was working for Counter Culture Coffee, and we saw that there was a craft food movement happening in coffee, bread, beer, and cheese, but not in pantry goods. No one was talking about small-batch, culinary-inspired, fresh pantry products sourced and packaged with care. We decided to change the way people think about nut butter, and in doing so, we shifted an entire category of food.
TASTING TABLE
13 HIGH-END PEANUT BUTTER BRANDS, RANKED
August 15, 2023
It was so, so hard to choose an ultimate favorite peanut butter amidst such a divine array of high-end brands. Ultimately, however, we felt great about our choice to award Big Spoon Roasters with the gold medal. Everything about it is golden, from the texture that's pleasantly rustic yet indulgently luscious, to the way it tastes the way freshly ground peanuts themselves could only hope to taste.
That homemade touch is just, well, matchless. We loved the basics, but it's the vast revolving door of artisan flavors that have our hearts: Bourbon Pecan Peanut Butter, Chai Spice Peanut & Almond Butter, and don't even get us started on the almond, cashew, pistachio, and walnut butter!
EAT THIS, NOT THAT!
14 HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS SNACKS THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL FULL
August 5, 2023
Eat This! Top Pick: Big Spoon Roasters Crunchy Peanut Butter has zero grams of added sugar and is made with two varieties of real peanuts. This nut butter has a touch of added sorghum syrup and sea salt for some extra flavor, and nothing artificial.
BON APPETIT
THIS BANANA PEANUT BUTTER IS FOR DOGS BUT ALSO FOR ME
June 18, 2023
After a couple of thoughtful [Banana Flax Wag Butter] spoonfuls, I could see how this textural quality might be really appealing to a dog. It was also really appealing to me. I prefer eating peanut butter straight off the spoon as a snack (much like a dog), but I could see it adding unexpected intrigue to a PB&J, and couldn’t PB&Js stand to be a little more surprising? The lack of added sugar and salt also means it plays well with foods that have enough seasoning to share. A spoonful adds nutty friction to a bowl of ice cream or a parfait, but the best pairing may simply be on top of more banana.
FOOD NETWORK
28 BEST FATHER'S DAY GIFTS FOR NEW DADS
June 5, 2023
Stock dad’s pantry and upgrade his usual protein bar routine with this stellar Pantry Pack from Big Spoon Roasters. The bundle features three jars of small-batch nut butters that’ll make dad excited to eat a PB&J during midnight feedings and naptime wake-up calls.
VEGNEWS
31 VEGAN MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS FOR EVERY KIND OF MOM
May 8, 2023
Our Tigerwalk Espresso Almond Butter was featured in this list of extremely giftable Mother's Day treats!
THE NEWS & OBSERVER
NC FOOD MAKERS JUST COLLECTED A STACK OF TOP AWARDS
May 5, 2023
"The annual Good Food Awards, which celebrate the country’s best craft and gourmet products from small makers, recently recognized more than a dozen North Carolina treats. The awards honor food companies that operate sustainably, cultivate fair and safe work environments and create top products in their categories.
Big Spoon Roasters in Hillsborough won [a Good Food Award] for its Pistachio Crunch Almond Butter. Big Spoon has been popular in the Triangle for years and this is the brand’s first Good Food Award."
BARON MAGAZINE
MARK AND MEGAN OVERBAY, CO-FOUNDERS AT BIG SPOON ROASTERS
April 15, 2023
Ahead of our participation in SIAL Canada in May 2023, writer Leonardo Calcagno profiled our company, including details about our story, product lines, and recent accolades.
EAT THIS, NOT THAT!
17 HEALTHIEST PEANUT BUTTERS TO BUY, SAY DIETITIANS
April 3, 2023
"'Sweetened with sorghum syrup and slightly salty, [Big Spoon Roasters Crunchy Peanut Butter] leans on two varieties of peanuts to result in a crunchy and satisfying butter that is a perfect topping for your toast,' [Manaker] says. 'No fillers, no preservatives, and GMO-free, this peanut butter is high-quality and delicious.'"
WOMEN'S DAY
42 CREATIVE AND UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR THEIR 60TH BIRTHDAY
March 15, 2023
Our 3oz Mini Classic Nut Butter Variety Pack was featured in this round-up of creative and unique gift ideas. The Classic Variety Pack includes Chai Spice Peanut & Almond Butter, Fiji Ginger Almond Butter, Maple Cinnamon Peanut & Pecan Butter, and Peanut Butter with Wildflower Honey.
ROB ROSENTHAL'S ALL YOU CAN EAT PODCAST
ALL NEW SEASON 3
February 7, 2023
"At some point, I got my hands on some Peanut Butter that HUBS had done in collaboration with another company, Big Spoon Roasters. It was the best crunchy peanut butter that I'd ever had. I thought it was outstanding.
You can go to Big Spoon Roasters' website and find yourself some very interesting nut butters. Take a look at some of these flavors, they are fantastic - Chocolate Sea Salt Almond Butter, Fiji Ginger Almond Butter, Maple Cinnamon Peanut and Pecan Butter - this is some serious stuff here."
VIRGINIA LIVING MAGAZINE
PEANUT PERFECTION
February 2023
"Virginia's own Hubs peanuts take a star turn in Big Spoon Roasters' new crunchy peanut butter. One taste and all thoughts of lunchbox PB&Js evaporate. This crunchy peanut butter gets its salty sweetness from sorghum and sea salt - and it's elegant enough to serve on a cracker with cocktails."
CHAPEL HILL MAGAZINE
EDITORS' PICKS: WHAT TO DO IN ORANGE COUNTY THIS WEEKEND
February 2, 2023
Saturday, February 4, Big Spoon Roasters is hosting its first annual winter gift market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its new Hillsborough location. Sample their entire catalog of nut butters, including the new, Limited Batch White Chocolate Cinnamon Almond Butter, and take the guest-exclusive opportunity to learn how to build your own nut butter gift sets.
THE QUALITY EDIT
THE ULTIMATE VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE FOR PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE IN YOUR LIFE
January 24, 2023
Chocolate Lover's Gift Set: This indulgent gift features two decadent chocolate spreads that will delight your foodie Valentine. Formulated with roasted Mexican chocolate, these spreads can be used in recipes and taste amazing spread on toasted English muffins or crackers. Bring [this set] out ... at your next charcuterie happy hour for never-ending compliments.
VEG NEWS
5 VEGAN HACKS TO MAKE YOUR DESSERT HEALTHIER
January 23, 2023
Our Vanilla Caramel Almond & Cashew Butter is sited in this article as a delicious source of heart-healthy fats that can be used to enhance the overall nutrition profile of desserts.
SPECTRUM LOCAL NEWS
‘WAY BELOW A LIVING STANDARD': ORANGE CO. BUSINESS ADVOCATES FOR MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
January 12, 2023
“Throughout sourcing ingredients, packaging, how you sell - you have to build into your model, taking care of the human beings that make your business possible. If that model does not make that possible, then it's a flawed model,” Mark Overbay said. “I think the state minimum wage hasn't been updated since 2009 and it's still at $7.25 an hour and that's way below a living standard for anyone in this community.”
VEG NEWS
THESE 14 VEGAN CHRISTMAS TREATS SHIP NATIONWIDE
December 2, 2022
Fancy nut butter isn’t for everyone on your list, but those who get a kick at the mere mention of pistachio butter or chocolate espresso almond butter will be tickled to receive a box of these gourmet, small batch nut butters. Vegan-friendly favorites include Tigerwalk Espresso, Fiji Ginger Almond, Cashew, and Crunchy Peanut (trust us, this is the crunchiest peanut butter ever).
BON APPETIT
23 FOOD, BEV, AND ENTERTAINING GIFTS FOR UNDER $50
December 1, 2022
Who needs Netflix when you can watch your dog trying to figure out how to get frozen peanut butter out of the kong? But grocery store varieties are loaded with sugar, salt, and additives that your pooch doesn’t need. Big Spoon’s Coconut Chia Wag Butter contains just three high-quality ingredients—peanuts, chia seeds, and coconut—that are full of healthy proteins and fatty acids without the filler.
EATER CAROLINAS
THE 2022 EATER CAROLINAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
November 29, 2022
The name may be Big Spoon, but these peanut butters are made in small batches in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Founders Mark and Megan Overbay only use the best ingredients, and you can taste the difference. The new El Rico chocolate peanut butter is a collaboration with California-based Rancho Gordo — it’s lovely on toast topped with bananas in the morning or straight out of the jar.
CLEAN PLATES
7 HEALTHY STOCKING STUFFERS WHEN YOU'RE OUT OF IDEAS
November 28, 2022
When it comes to food gifts, you can’t go wrong with fancy nut butter. This handcrafted maple cinnamon nut butter is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and comes in a mini jar that’s perfect for stockings. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and made with all-natural ingredients, including fresh roasted peanuts, pecans, and a hint of Vermont maple syrup!
REAL SIMPLE
THE 57 BEST WHITE ELEPHANT GIFTS OF 2022 THAT EVERYONE WILL ACTUALLY WANT
November 1, 2022
The Big Spoon Roasters Handcrafted Mini Nut Butter Sampler can transform PB&J sandwiches and overnight oats into artisanal dishes. Choose from three different variety packs, with flavors like warming Fiji Ginger Almond Butter, spicy Hot Mamba Peanut Butter, and tropical Toasted Coconut Almond Butter and Sea Salt. Plus, each jar is made-to-order from scratch in North Carolina using high-quality and sustainable ingredients.
RALEIGH MAGAZINE
BAUTUMN'S UP!
November 1, 2022
If you’re nuts for fall, try a jar of handcrafted nut butter from Durham’s Big Spoon Roasters. With a few fall flavors served all year (think chai spice and maple cinnamon) and some batches showing up only during autumn—we’re looking at you, apple pie spice!—each nut butter is created with care, craft and fresh local ingredients (like NC peanuts and honey!). … So you’d butter believe it’s delicious.
BON APPETIT
WHAT'S NEW OCTOBER '22
October 26, 2022
“Marni x Uniqlo, Run DMC x Aerosmith, Martha x Snoop—I live for a collaboration. Add to the list this joint effort from Big Spoon, which makes some of our favorite nut butters, and Rancho Gordo, best known for its beans. For this chocolate peanut butter, Rancho Gordo works with a cooperative of female cacao farmers in the state of Guerrero who blend their roasted beans with piloncillo and cinnamon to make traditional Mexican chocolate. Eat it right out of the jar or as a base for a savory mole. —M.C.F."
TASTE
WHEN DID PEANUT BUTTER GET SO COOL?
July 26, 2022
“So many foods, and their ingredients, are treated like commodities,” says Mark Overbay, cofounder and president at Big Spoon Roasters, a North Carolina–based nut butter purveyor that has helped reshape the nut butter market. “We exist because we believe nut butters don’t have to be commodity-grade foods.” The brand is emblematic of the explosion in artisan nut butter, and as an early adopter of the model, they’re majorly responsible for its growth.
CHAPELBORO
BIG SPOON ROASTERS READY FOR MOVE TO NEW HILLSBOROUGH HOME
July 26, 2022
While production on Big Spoon Roasters products has increased in recent years, the small-batch nut butter business looks forward to the expanded space in their new location.
SPECTRUM NEWS
DURHAM'S BIG SPOON ROASTERS CRAFTS PRODUCTS FOR PEOPLE AND PUPS
July 14, 2022
Mark and Megan offer a glimpse inside the Big Spoon Roasters story, process, and expansion into our new space in Hillsborough.
SOUTHERN FORK
MARK OVERBAY - THE SOUTHERN FORK
JUNE 10, 2022
“Supply chain” is a buzz phrase right now, but let’s not forget that one, there isn’t just “one chain,” and two, that it’s not a faceless thing -- it’s people. Mark Overbay of Big Spoon Roasters in Durham, NC was inspired by the unavailable supply of peanut butter when he was stationed in the Peace Corps, and it led him down plenty of paths to sweet success. Big Spoon’s philosophy is based on the belief that food matters when it comes to health, happiness, and the well-being of our planet, and that planet includes all those who are working to produce his product. Simply by doing what they love, the company, which Mark named in homage to his dad Gary, has created numerous product innovations, including being the first to incorporative creative ingredients --from chai spices to freshly toasted coconut -- in nut butter recipes, being the first to offer membership clubs, and currently still the only nut butter company with a completely transparent supply chain. Big Spoon Roasters is available in close to 800 US retail outlets, and Mark? He’s still eating peanut butter on the daily.
WRAL
BIG SPOON ROASTERS ANNOUNCES MOVE TO HILLSBOROUGH
June 8, 2022
Local nut butter company Big Spoon Roasters is growing.
The Durham-based company has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help with its move to a new, larger facility in Hillsborough later this summer.
DURHAM MAGAZINE
MADE IN DURHAM | BESTSELLING PRODUCTS FROM OUR READERS' FAVORITE LOCAL BRANDS
June 1, 2022
Marketing and Communications Manager Elise speaks with Durham Magazine to share some customer testimonials and the story behind Pistachio Crunch Almond Butter to celebrate our Best Durham-made Product win in Durham Magazine's "Best of Durham" awards.
BUDDY RUSKI
HEALTHY EATING, MAINTAINING YOUR VALUES AT-SCALE, AND PEANUT BUTTER BY THE SPOONFUL WITH MARK OVERBAY | THE BUDDY RUSKI SHOW (EP. 26)
May 31, 2022
Co-founder Mark speaks with Justin Laidlaw of the Buddy Ruski Show about his and Big Spoon Roasters' origin stories, maintaining values, and growing a business based on passion, intention, and sustainability.
EPICURIOUS
DO YOU NEED TO REFRIGERATE PEANUT BUTTER?
June 1, 2022
Mark Overbay, cofounder of small-batch nut butter brand Big Spoon Roasters, contends that widespread use of stabilizers found in most nut butters has led to a belief that peanut butter does not have to be stirred, and if it does, you need to refrigerate it. He says that this isn’t always true, and that refrigeration isn’t necessary for his products even though they forego preservatives. Like Yam, Overbay asserts that especially if you’re consuming it quickly, you can keep your jar in a cool, dry place rather than refrigerating it.
EAT THIS, NOT THAT
THE BEST FATHER'S DAY GIFTS 2022 FOR THE DAD WHO DESERVES IT ALL
May 24, 2022
If dad is unsure where to begin, Hive makes the process seamless for the consumer with their lists of new arrivals, best sellers, and Hive team picks. (We must say, if dad loves getting his peanut butter fix, both the Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets by Quinn Foods, which also comes in a peanut butter-chocolate-filled version, and the Maple Cinnamon Peanut + Pecan Butter by Big Spoon Roasters are to die for!) Be sure to encourage dad to shop across brands in an effort to support various causes such as poverty and hunger, animal rights, and more.
TASTING TABLE
20 BEST PEANUT BUTTER SNACKS, RANKED
May 12, 2022
3. Figgy Chai Peanut Butter Bar. What a delightful set of words. First of all, figs are some of the most underrated and divine fruits ever. There's nothing like biting into a juicy fresh fig in the summertime, and they are naturally candy-like with a sun-ripened sweetness. If your only association with figs came long ago when rebelling against bland, fake-dessert Fig Newtons, you're in for a delicious surprise. Now, if you're someone who already respected the mighty fig and even enjoyed a Fig Newton every so often, you're probably pretty darn excited about pairing it with peanut butter.
Big Spoon Roasters makes handcrafted nut butters and bars all from scratch with high-quality and locally-sourced ingredients. They're curious and creative, with a journal page on their website that houses useful information like, "Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?" which, being the peanut butter nut that you are, might be of service. Obviously, these bars are portable gold, combining sweet figs, gourmet peanut butter, gluten-free whole grains, and, oh yes, chai.
THE SKIMM
18 EVERYDAY PRODUCTS THAT MAKE GOING GREEN SIMPLE
April 20, 2022
A nut butter bar variety pack made with whole ingredients: the bars are handmade in a roastery in Durham, North Carolina, with a nearly waste-free production process. Ingredients are sourced from ecologically sustainable and organic farmers. The bars are gluten-, soy-, and palm-free. A delicious snack that’s also good for planet Earth? Yes, please.
VANITY FAIR
DR. BECKY'S PICKS FOR THE BEST MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS THAT MOMS REALLY WANT
April 21, 2022
If you love peanut butter as much as I do, there’s no better stash for your pantry than this set. Big Spoon’s flavor profiles are surprising, delicious, and just adult enough that you don’t have to share with the little peanut butter lovers in your house.
VEGNEWS
8 BEST TYPES OF NUT BUTTER
JANUARY 24, 2022
More than just a name, you’re going to want a big spoon every time you tap into one of these artisan nut butters. The flavors are unique and irresistible, so be warned before you click below, as every jar will tempt you to “add to cart.” Options that immediately caught our eye include the Hot Mamba Peanut Butter, Chocolate Sea Salt Almond Butter, Espresso Almond Butter, and Carrot Cake Almond & Walnut Butter. With tastes so inventive, the only proper way to consume these nut butters is straight from the jar.
FEAST AND FIELD
JOY IN A JAR: BIG SPOON ROASTERS' NUT BUTTER CELEBRATES A SUSTAINABLE MISSION
JANUARY 10, 2022
The 11-year-old Durham, North Carolina-based company turns almonds, cashews, pecans and peanuts into a “phenomenal, delicious food experience” with ethical values.
SOUTHERN KITCHEN/USA TODAY
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS: SOUTHERN-MADE FOOD GIFTS PEOPLE WILL ACTUALLY LIKE
DECEMBER 14, 2021
The Durham-based Big Spoon Roasters makes delicious hand-crafted nut butters in micro-batches, which means this is the place to turn for the folks on your list who eat peanut butter out of the jar. Big Spoon has a huge catalog to choose from, so I reached out to headquarters to get the skinny.
Recommended: The Staff Picks Trio, curated by operations manager Kevin Drake. Included is cashew butter with coconut nectar, almond butter with wildflower honey and a blend of peanut and pecan butter flavored with maple and cinnamon.
WRAL
GIFT GUIDE FOR PETS: WHERE TO SHOP AND WHAT TO BUY FOR YOUR PET
DECEMBER 15, 2021
In addition to their human nut butters, [Big Spoon Roasters has] a special dog line featuring Banana Nut Flax, Coconut Chia, and Pumpkin Spice flavors. Each jar costs just under $10. You can buy them on their website. I also found them at Deco in downtown Raleigh! Pair the butter with a Boredom Buster (™) mat to keep your pup occupied and from chewing on what he or she isn’t supposed to chew.
FOOD52
36 PERFECT GIFTS FOR THE VEGAN IN YOUR LIFE
DECEMBER 14, 2021
What's even better than one nut butter? A sampling kit of four! Included in this pack is Big Spoon's toasted coconut almond butter, the OG that drew me away from my peanut-butter-is-the-only-nut-butter-that-matters stance. My breakfasts are so much better for it (and your friend’s will be, too).
CONDE NAST TRAVELER
16 GIFTS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE ALL THINGS SPICY
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Inspired by mamba, a spicy peanut butter that’s a staple in Haiti, Big Spoon’s Hot Mamba peanut butter packs a tongue-tingling punch thanks to guajillo, ancho, and habanero chiles combined with fresh-ground peanut butter. The result is thick and creamy with a slight crunch. It'll take lunch sandwiches to the next level (and yes, works in a PB and J) and makes a great addition to savory dishes that call for peanut butter.
WHO WHAT WEAR
32 AMAZON GIFTS YOU'LL DEFINITELY GET IN TIME
DECEMBER 5, 2021
I think we all know someone who's obsessed with nut butter. This [Maple Cinnamon Peanut & Pecan Butter] is delicious.
BON APPETIT
17 FOOD, BEV, AND ENTERTAINING GIFTS UNDER $50
NOVEMBER 15, 2021
Who needs Netflix when you can watch your dog trying to figure out how to get frozen peanut butter out of the kong? But grocery store varieties are loaded with sugar, salt, and additives that your pooch doesn’t need. Big Spoon’s Coconut Chia Wag Butter contains just three ingredients—peanuts, chia seeds, and coconut—that are full of healthy proteins and fatty acids without the filler.
THE SKIMM
GIFTS TO HELP THE HOME CHEF STEP UP THEIR KITCHEN GAME
NOVEMBER 1, 2021
This decorative gift box comes with your choice of four handmade nut butters. It’s got a variety of irresistible flavors to pick from — like chocolate sea salt almond butter with wildflower honey, peanut pecan butter, Fiji ginger almond butter, and more. All they need now is a spoon.
OUTSIDE MAGAZINE
HOW TO MAKE YOUR LEAF-PEEPING HIKE TASTE LIKE FALL, TOO
OCTOBER 26, 2021
There is no fall flavor as scrumptious and subtle as Big Spoon Roaster’s Apple Pie Spice nut butter. For years, the North Carolina company has been making top-shelf butters and dense energy bars, earning the attention of Oprah and Bon Appetit alike. Its new harvest-time collaboration with pantry-supply connoisseur Spicewalla is perfect, with the spice of green cardamom and ginger offering the supreme foil for chunks of sweet apple and maple syrup. That’s all held together with almonds, pecans, and fancy salt supplied by Jacobsen.
AIR MAIL
BEST SPREAD - BIG SPOON ROASTERS
OCTOBER 16, 2021
The question that keeps me up at night is not which brand of nut butter is the best, because it is, without a doubt, Big Spoon Roasters. The question that keeps me up is: Which Big Spoon Roasters flavor is the best? Mark and Megan Overbay, a husband-and-wife duo, started the small-batch nut-butter company in Durham, North Carolina, in 2010 with just four flavors—simple blends such as peanut pecan and peanut almond. Now they sell about a dozen rotating flavors at a time. Their current offerings range from lemon-coconut cashew butter to crunchy sorghum peanut butter to apple-pie spice. Every batch is handmade, as you can tell from the texture, which is somewhere between creamy and chunky. I even recommend their Wag Butter, which is technically made for dogs. Its ingredients—just peanuts, organic chia seeds, and organic virgin coconut oil—are better than most you’ll find in peanut butters sold for humans.
TEXAS MONTHLY
THE MOST FESTIVE FALL FOODS COMING TO TEXAS GROCERY STORES
OCTOBER 5, 2021
Currently available at Central Market locations is Big Spoon Roasters’ limited-batch almond and pecan butter, made seasonal with spices designed to call to mind a warm apple pie. Described by the company as “coziness in a jar” that “warms from the inside out, just like a slice of homemade pie,” the combination nut butter with almonds and organic pecans is blended with apple pie spice from beloved chef Meherwan Irani’s company, Spicewalla. Added to the mix are apple chunks, touches of organic maple syrup, and Jacobsen sea salt.
TASTE OF HOME
19 FOOD OF THE MONTH CLUBS WORTH JOINING
OCTOBER 4, 2021
Jam clubs may never be as exciting as, say, a pool (just ask Clark Griswold), but we found a spin on this classic that comes pretty close. Big Spoon Roasters offers a PB&J of the month subscription, which includes a jar of featured jam perfectly paired with a nut butter.
DOMINO
WE TESTED DOZENS OF DIFFERENT PANTRY ITEMS TO SEE IF THEY TASTE AS GOOD AS THEY LOOK
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Here are the products that check all the boxes—pretty enough to keep on display, but tasty enough to warrant buying them on repeat...
Real talk here: All of these items are so delicious, I would (and actually have) consumed them straight from their containers. They’re also great on toast (here’s looking at you, Rustic Cafe Jam and Big Spoon Roasters’s Chocolate Sea Salt Almond Butter), crumbled over vanilla ice cream (hi there, Seed + Mill Halva), or eaten alongside any other number of conventional pairings. But no judgment here if you just dive right in.
FOOD NETWORK
10 GIFTS YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER WILL LOVE TO RECEIVE
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
For a gourmet, grown-up take on the ubiquitous school lunch classic, give the gift of Big Spoon Roasters, a Durham, North Carolina based company beloved for their small batch nut butters. In this PB&J-inspired gift set, they’ve teamed up with award-winning, Washington jam purveyor Girl Meets Dirt to create an irresistible mix of nut butters and jams.
THE INFATUATION
43 BEST GIFTS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE REALLY INTO FOOD
SEPTEMBER 13, 2021
Variety is the spice of life, and that’s also the case with nut butter. Give the gift of not just one, but four unique spreads — from Fiji ginger almond butter to wildflower honey-infused peanut butter.
THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
STOCK UP: THREE WAYS TO ENJOY PISTACHIOS
AUGUST 31, 2021
Big Spoon Roasters in Durham, North Carolina, makes several kinds of nut butters — cashew, almond, pecan and peanut — in a wide array of imaginative flavors. We think they are masters of all things crunch, and their limited-batch Pistachio Crunch almond butter is our latest crush. Whole roasted California pistachios are blended with coarse-ground almond butter and flavored with a bit of maple syrup. Even the fragrance of this pistachio butter is rich and enticing, and every spoonful has big chunks of roasted pistachio. Half a jar went in minutes, as our testers spread it on crackers of all sorts. What’s next in seasonal flavors? Apple pie spice almond and pecan butter, made in collaboration with Spicewalla, the spice brand from Meherwan Irani’s Chai Pani. We can’t wait.
USA LOVE LIST
BEST FOODIE GIFTS, ALL AMERICAN MADE
AUGUST 13, 2021
Big Spoon Roasters makes handcrafted nut butters from scratch with ingredients sourced directly from like-minded producers who share a dedication to authentic quality. Select any two nut butters to build a customized gift for someone you know who loves nut butter. The Custom Two Jar Gift Box from Big Spoon Roasters makes for the perfect gift. We love the Chai Spice and Toasted Coconut Almond Butter best! Crunchy, flavorful, with the perfect amount of sweetness, any of these nut butters pair perfectly with crispy, juicy fruits like pears and apples.
BUZZFEED
20 THINGS FOR ANYONE WHO CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH PEANUT BUTTER
AUGUST 11, 2021
Big Spoon Roasters Chai Spice Peanut & Almond Butter: It's my absolute favorite and turns my morning toast into morning treasure. A promising review: "Wow. I anticipated that it would be good, but I underestimated how delicious it would be! What a fabulous mingling of flavors, not to mention the satisfying crunch in the texture. Big Spoon Roasters absolutely nailed it, and I’m so glad I came across this product on Amazon...Get you some!"
THE KITCHN
10 OF THE VERY BEST FOOD GIFTS FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES TO COOK (OR EAT)!
AUGUST 14, 2021
No offense to the nut butters you get in a grocery store — they have their place, too. But once you try flavors like Chai Spice Peanut and Almond Butter and Maple Cinnamon Peanut and Pecan Butter, it’s going to be hard to go back to topping your oatmeal with anything else. Try some for yourself and then get your favorite flavor for everyone on your gift list.
TOWN & COUNTRY
17 GIFTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
AUGUST 19, 2021
Upgrade the PB&J doldrums with a variety pack of kid-and-adult-friendly peanut butters.
WRAL
NOT YOUR AVERAGE PB&J: GET TO KNOW DURHAM'S BIG SPOON ROASTERS
AUGUST 11, 2021
Co-Founder Mark Overbay shares the story and mission of Big Spoon Roasters with WRAL's Kathy Hanrahan on WRAL's Out and About podcast.
USA LOVE LIST
10 THINGS WE LOVE, MADE IN NORTH CAROLINA
AUGUST 5, 2021
This brand makes the best handcrafted nut butters from scratch. They use ingredients sourced directly from like-minded producers who share a dedication to authentic quality. Each flavor option is unique and lets you discover nut butters in a way you never thought possible. These are next level! Surprise and excite with this ultimate gourmet gift.
GOOD GRIT
SMALL BATCH, BIG SPOON
AUGUST 2, 2021
Making all products in-house, Big Spoon aims for its production to be a “point of pride” within the community and a skilled and valuable job for its family of employees. In addition to remaining true to small-batch quality, Big Spoon is working to debunk and redefine employment stereotypes and foster healthy eating practices within North Carolina and beyond.
The Overbays also seek to give back to hunger-related causes within their local community, aim for a zero-waste company, offer generous employee benefits that are nearly unheard of for small businesses, and provide profit sharing. Creating delight for customers through their better-for-you nut butters and bars, Big Spoon is simultaneously changing the game and raising the bar for competitors and peers alike, and making the world a better place.
VEGOUT
13 FLAVORED NUT AND SEED BUTTERS YOU NEED TO TRY
JULY 29, 2021
Made in small batches with premium ingredients, Big Spoon Roasters is the epitome of artisan nut butters. While it may be difficult to justify $14 for yourself, these make for a tasty and thoughtful gift. Vegan-friendly flavors we love include Go Get ‘Em Tiger Espresso Almond Butter (made exclusively with Go Get ‘Em Tiger Minor Moments Espresso), Fiji Ginger Almond Butter, Hot Mamba Peanut Butter, and Maple Cinnamon Peanut & Pecan Butter. The company even sells “Wag Butter”—a peanut butter made for dogs, so you can each have your own jar.
ALLRECIPES
ESSENTIAL PANTRY INGREDIENTS FOR QUICK MEALS WHEN PRODUCE IS AT ITS PEAK
JULY 19, 2021
Big Spoon Roasters Hot Mamba Peanut Butter is the secret weapon you never knew your produce needed. This organic, non-GMO peanut butter is blended with Guajillo, Ancho and Habanero chiles for a savory spicy peanut butter that is the ideal basis for everything from peanut satay sauces for grilled vegetable skewers, to spicy peanut salad dressings to amp up your garden greens, to adding to salsa verde or chimichurri sauces to add both richness and heat. My favorite use is to make chilled peanut noodles with cucumber and radishes.
MINDBODYGREEN
THE 10 HEALTHIEST NUT BUTTERS: FROM PEANUT TO PISTACHIO (AND BEYOND)
JUNE 14, 2021
Cashews are something of a culinary wonder—you can blend them into vegan cheese, dairy-free ice cream, and so much more. And, of course, the copper- and magnesium-rich nut makes for a delectably creamy nut butter. This Big Spoon Roasters offering takes it to the next level, with a touch of coconut nectar for natural sweetness, coconut oil, and Jacobsen sea salt (is your mouth watering, yet?)
WHOLE FOODS
WHOLE FOODS MARKET ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF NINTH ANNUAL SUPPLIER AWARDS
MAY 24, 2021
Big Spoon Roasters awarded Whole Foods Market's South Region Supplier of the Year.
Award recipients span all product categories and were selected by Whole Foods Market leaders, category experts and buyers who work closely with suppliers every day.“It is Whole Foods Market’s honor to celebrate our suppliers who have demonstrated fantastic cooperation, resilience, creativity and commitment to quality, rising to excellence in a year unlike any other,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Whole Foods Market.
CUPCAKES AND CASHMERE
WHAT OUR TEAM LOVED IN APRIL
APRIL 30, 2021
Our puppy Toast is extremely active, which means he's the world's best trail buddy, but also prone to bursts of energy every afternoon while Jonah and I are finishing up work. Enter, the savior of dog owners everywhere: peanut butter. Every morning, I add peanut butter to this West Paw puzzle and freeze it to give him when he gets antsy, but I recently learned that some peanut butter can be bad for dogs due to ingredients like xylitol (an artificial sweetener that's dangerous for pups) and added sugar. Granted, most of the peanut butter we buy for ourselves has no added ingredients, but because Toast also goes nuts for pumpkin purée, we recently bought this dog-safe peanut butter from Big Spoon, which has peanut butter, pumpkin (extremely nutritional for dogs), cinnamon, and ginger (which is good for their stomachs too!). Toast is obsessed with it. - Leslie
THE DAPPLE
WE TRIED IT: OUR REVIEW OF WAG BUTTER
APRIL 26, 2021
Wag Butter is a special small-batch peanut butter created with dogs’ needs in mind. The unique blend of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, pre-biotic fiber, and Vitamin C promotes healthy muscles, joints, skin, and coats. We got to try out some of Big Spoon Roasters’ Pumpkin Spice Wag Butter, as well as their Banana Flax Wag Butter—and no surprise, both were a huge hit in our house! Each blend is formulated to be healthy for both dogs and humans, which I loved because they both smelled SO good.
The best part is that I love that Big Spoon Roasters is a company I can feel good about shopping from—they source their organic and GMO-free ingredients from ecologically-sustainable farmers, pay their employees a living wage, and make all their nut butters in small batches at their headquarters in North Carolina.
I think Wag Butter has become a new must-have product in our house, and I can’t wait to try more of Big Spoon Roasters’ nut butters for humans when I order more. (I’m coming for you, Chocolate Sea Salt Almond Butter!) I’m thrilled to have found a peanut butter that I can feel good about feeding the dogs—both for their health and for the planet. 🐾
CRAVINGS BY CHRISSY TEIGEN
CHRISSY AND PEPPER'S MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE
APRIL 27, 2021
Nothing distracts and delights a dog more than when you fill a toy with peanut butter. This peanut butter from Big Spoon Roasters is made with good-for-pups ingredients: just peanuts, organic chia seeds, and coconut oil! This pack comes with a fancy nut butter for you, too—either peanut or almond butter with wildflower honey & sea salt.
BLOOMBERG
THIS MOTHER'S DAY, BRING THE RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE HOME FOR MOM
APRIL 23, 2021
Founded by Brooklyn-based Ashley Rouse and named for the street she lived on in Charlotte, when she created the brand, Trade Street offers a handful of singular flavors, including smoked yellow peach, as well as strawberry, chipotle, and fig. For Mother’s Day, Rouse, a former chef, has teamed up the nut-butter specialists Big Spoon Roasters. The combo package evokes the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches—one potential pairing is blackberry mulled Merlo[NOT MERLOT?] jam with chocolate sea salt almond butter.
THE SKIMM'
THE LAZY PERSON'S GUIDE TO GOING GREEN
APRIL 21, 2021
The bars are handmade in a roastery in Durham, North Carolina, with a nearly waste-free production process. Ingredients are sourced from ecologically sustainable and organic farmers, with packaging that uses nontoxic materials and is 60% lighter than the industry standard. The bars are gluten-, soy-, and palm-free. A delicious snack that’s also good for planet Earth? Yes, please.
MY RECIPES
THE BEST NUT BUTTERS TO BUY RIGHT NOW
APRIL 20, 2021
When it comes to having a flavor for every occasion, you cannot go wrong with Big Spoon Roasters, from their handcrafted basics like peanut butter sweetened lightly with sorghum or honey to specialty flavors like lemon coconut cashew butter, carrot cake almond walnut butter, or espresso almond butter. Big Spoon even makes a line of peanut butters especially for your dogs, and we all know a pooch who could use a special treat! Even better, they also sell their products in mini sizes perfect for exploring flavors or for giving as gifts and party favors.
THE INFATUATION
THE BEST ALMOND BUTTERS TO BUY ONLINE, ACCORDING TO AN OBSESSIVE
APRIL 14, 2021
If you’re committed to peanut butter but consider yourself almond-curious, stick your spoon in a jar of Big Spoon Roasters Chai Spice. It’s a decadent blend of almonds and peanuts, with a dash of chai spice and it basically tastes like dessert. Add a spoonful to vanilla ice cream or if you want something lighter, pair with apple slices.
CUPCAKES AND CASHMERE
7 ACTUALLY CUTE PET ACCESSORIES TO SPOIL YOUR PUP WITH
APRIL 11, 2021
Before we adopted Toast, his foster mom gave us the helpful advice that he's obsessed with pumpkin everything. We fill his Kong with pureed pumpkin, but have also been using pumpkin-nut butter from Big Spoon since coming across it (many peanut butters aren't great for dogs, since big brand butters can be made with Xylitol).
ESQUIRE
30 GREAT (AND CHEAP) FATHER'S DAY GIFTS FOR $50 OR LESS
MARCH 26, 2021
We cannot express enough how much these specialty nut butters elevate any PB&J.
PS.
21 GAME-CHANGING ADDITIONS TO YOUR KITCHEN FROM FOOD52
MARCH 7, 2021
I bet this Big Spoon Roasters Mini Nut Butter Sampler Box is delicious.
WHOLE FOODS
FOCUS ON FREE-FROM FOODS
FEBRUARY 19, 2021
Our co-founder, Mark Overbay speaks with WholeFoods Magazine about natural foods, labeling trends, and the critical role of retailers as the gatekeepers for end consumers.
WRAL
WRAL DOCUMENTARY: MARYANN
JANUARY 13, 2021
Big Spoon Roasters founders Megan and Mark Overbay discuss Project Search, a program created by MaryAnn Black to help young adults with developmental disabilities find fulfilling employment opportunities.
THE SPRUCE EATS
THESE CONDIMENTS, SAUCES, AND BUTTERS ARE THE PERFECT FOODIE STOCKING STUFFERS
DECEMBER 14, 2020
The palm-oil free nut butters by Big Spoon Roasters are now available in TSA-friendly three-ounce minis, available individually or in perfectly packaged variety packs.
APARTMENT THERAPY
THE (NON-CHOCOLATE) GOURMET GIFT I’M GETTING EVERYONE THIS YEAR
DECEMBER 2, 2020
This 13-ounce jar of gourmet almond butter might just be the perfect Christmas gift.
THE BEET.
STOCKING STUFFERS: THE BEST GIFTS FOR $5 AND UP, FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
DECEMBER 12, 2020
This isn’t your average nut spread! Big Spoon Roasters’ maple cinnamon peanut and pecan butter with sea salt will have you thinking of cinnamon rolls or pecan pie, rather than ho-hum peanut butter.
WRAL
OUT AND ABOUT'S FAVORITE FOODIE GIFTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2020
This Durham-based company serves up delicious nut butters! While the jars will cost you more than the average container of JIF, they are so worth it!
PG
SHOP HOLIDAY: GIFTS FOR HOME CHEFS AND FOODIES
NOVEMBER 27, 2020
Nothing beats a sandwich for a quick meal or snack. With a PB&J of the Month subscription from Big Spoon Roasters, you’ll enjoy variety.
YOUR TANGO
BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HIM 2020: 52 GIFTS FOR DADS, SONS, HUSBANDS FROM A-Z
NOVEMBER 25, 2020
For the PB&J lover, why not gift regular shipments of monthly featured PB&J pairings from Big Spoon Roasters, which include a jar of featured jam paired with a recommended fresh-roasted peanut butter.
TOWN & COUNTRY
18 GIFTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
NOVEMBER 19, 2020
Upgrade the PB&J doldrums with a variety pack of kid- and adult-friendly nut butters.
ENTERTAINMENT
YOUR 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: EW'S PICKS FOR THE SEASON'S BEST PRESENTS
NOVEMBER 11, 2020
Almond butter is so last year — try flavors like Chai Spice and Maple Cinnamon.
CNN
18 OF THE SWEETEST TREATS TO SEND YOUR LOVED ONES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
NOVEMBER 11, 2020
Handmade in North Carolina and with savory sweet flavors, these editor-favorite nut butters are packed with flavors from fresh Vermont maple syrup, organic honey and fresh roasted peanuts.
FOOD NETWORK
18 EDIBLE GIFTS FOR THE PERSON WHO TAKES THEIR PANTRY VERY SERIOUSLY
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Yes, you’ll have to stir it, but that’s the beauty of Big Spoon Roasters’ exceptional nut butters. Durham, NC-based co-founders Mark and Megan Overbay are adamant about letting the flavor and nutrition of their small-batch nut butters shine without added stabilizers.
SPRUDGE
EAT YOUR FEELINGS WITH THESE COFFEE NUT BUTTERS
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Big Spoon Roasters is no stranger to coffee nut butters.... For their latest iteration, Big Spoon tapped Go Get Em Tiger, who provided their Minor Monuments Espresso blend to be included with heirloom mission almonds, coconut nectar, coconut oil, and sea salt.
MY RECIPES
7 DELICIOUSLY NON-TRADITIONAL NUT BUTTERS WE’RE LOVING RIGHT NOW
SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
When a nut butter is made to order, you know it’s going to be good. Headquartered in Durham, NC, this nut butter is all handcrafted with premium ingredients like Jacobsen sea salt and heirloom almonds. We are partial to the Fiji ginger variety, made with crystalized ginger from Fiji, spread on crisp apple slices.
AJC ATLANTA NEWS
BUY THIS: SUMMER SNACKS WE THINK YOU SHOULD TRY
MAY 25, 2020
When you take a bite of their bars, you get the satisfying whole grain/nut texture experience, just a tiny bit of sweetness from the figs and honey and the last sensation is just enough chai (cloves and other warm spices) to provide a delicious finish.
BEAUTY NEWS NYC
KITCHEN BEST BETS: BIG SPOON ROASTERS
MAY 23, 2020
With unique flavors such as Figgy Chai, Apricot Pepita, Cranberry Cashew, and Cherry Pecan, these fresh and flavorful bars boast ingredient-integrity, are made from scratch, and contain raw honey, organic virgin coconut oil, peanuts, quinoa, gluten free oats and other goodness. They’re also soy free, palm free, and gluten free.
BARK
A SPREADABLE DOG TREAT
MAY 20, 2020
We love nut butters ourselves, so we were delighted to discover Wag Butter—peanut butter for dogs, made by Big Spoon Roasters, a small North Carolina company making handcrafted, fresh-roasted nut butters and snack bars.
VEGNEWS
WE'RE EATING IT STRAIGHT FROM THE JAR WITH A SPOON.
MAY 10, 2020
This Big Spoon Roasters nut butter is so good we’re eating it straight from the jar with a spoon.
EAT THIS, NOT THAT!
THE 9 BEST MEAL REPLACEMENT BARS, RECOMMENDED BY NUTRITIONISTS
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Made with wholesome ingredients like quinoa and wildflower honey, these bars are as close to homemade as you can get.
REAL SIMPLE
WE TRIED 182 SNACK BARS—HERE ARE OUR 5 FAVORITES
JANUARY 28, 2020
Big Spoon’s small-batch nut butter has a cult following, and these luscious, cranberry-sprinkled bars are loaded with the stuff.
AJC ATLANTA NEWS
BUY THIS: THREE SPREADS YOU HAVE TO TRY
JANUARY 27, 2020
This may be one of the simpler combinations in their line-up but it’s just right for fans of crunch. The chunks of toasted almonds are recognizable, the big flakes of toasted organic coconut are crisp and the organic coconut nectar adds just a tiny bit of sweetness.
BON APPETIT
20 WAYS TO FEEL BETTER IN 2020
JANUARY 15, 2020
As someone who’s eaten peanut butter on the subway (the train was stalled and I was starving, okay?!), I am very down with this whole nut-butter-bar trend. And the bars from Big Spoon Roasters, the staff-favorite nut butter company out of Durham, North Carolina, are at the top of my pile.
NY SPORTS DAY
2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
DECEMBER 20, 2019
Big Spoon Roasters out of Durham, North Carolina makes nut butters, healthy snack bars, and jams from scratch and have gift sets of their various products.
THE ATKIN REPORT
PERFECT PRESENTS FOR ALL IN OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
DECEMBER 17, 2019
Want them to go nuts over your gift? Choose two gourmet nut butters ranging from almond butter to cashew butter and of course, peanut butter, all handcrafted in Durham, North Carolina with the highest quality ingredients from local producers dedicated to sustainability.
WRAL
GIFT GUIDE: OUT AND ABOUT'S FAVORITE FOODIE GIFTS
DECEMBER 4, 2019
This Durham-based company serves up delicious nut butters! While the jars will cost you more than the average container of JIF, they are so worth it!
CINCINATTI.COM
2019/2020 WINTER RUNNING GUIDE: HOW TO STAY WARM, SAFE AND HEALTHY
NOVEMBER 28, 2019
Other great snacking options include having an apple smeared with nut butters like Big Spoon Roasters, which has a variety of peanut and almond butters in various flavors. Maple Cinnamon Peanut & Pecan Butter with Sea Salt is reminiscent of pecan pie spiked with maple and cinnamon.
WALTER
AN A TO Z GUIDE TO LOCAL, GIFTABLE FOOD IN RALEIGH
NOVEMBER 23, 2019
Big Spoon Roasters offers more flavors of peanut, cashew and almond butter than you would have thought possible, plus jams and bars and their gift sets online come in earthy, attractive packaging. They even offer a monthly PB&J subscription!
BON APPETIT
THE UNDER $25 GIFT GUIDE FULL OF GIFTS YOU’D NEVER GUESS WERE UNDER $25
NOVEMBER 21, 2019
For the nut butter nut: This heavenly mixture of peanuts, almonds, cardamom, sugar, honey, clove, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, vanilla, and Jacobsen sea salt is so straight-out-of-the-jar good.
HEALTHYISH
THAT NUT BUTTER BAR YOU'RE OBSESSED WITH IS EASY TO MAKE AT HOME
SEPTEMBER 10, 2019
Inspired by the nut butter bars we love from Big Spoon Roasters, this just-sweet-enough, chewy-but-firm bar is bound together by peanut butter and honey.
FARM FLAVOR
10 DELICIOUSLY ADDICTIVE CRAFT NUT BUTTERS
AUGUST 22, 2019
Unlike many big brands that have added sugar, oils and preservatives, however, a new crop of companies is producing craft nut (and nut-free) butters using only the best ingredients.
FOODBORO
MUST-WATCH FOOD AND BEVERAGE MAKERS IN EVERY U.S. STATE
JULY 10, 2019
Companies across the country are constantly and creatively changing how we find, share, and eat our food. This is our list of must-watch makers.
VACATIONIDEA
BIG SPOON ROASTERS - ALL NATURAL, HANDCRAFTED NUT BUTTERS
JUNE 3, 2019
Big Spoon Roasters is a brand specializing in handmade nut butters and other nutty products, all produced from natural ingredients in safe and sustainable ways.
BON APPETIT
I HATE MYSELF FOR SPENDING $14 ON PEANUT BUTTER, BUT DAMMIT, BIG SPOON ROASTERS OWNS ME
APRIL 2, 2019
Basically, this is the chunky peanut butter equivalent of fairies and cloudless 74° days and rainbows, but like…the indie, small-batch version of those things (the fairies definitely wear naturally dyed linen jumpsuits).
BUSTLE
THIS PB&J OF THE MONTH SUBSCRIPTION FROM BIG SPOON ROASTERS GIVES YOUR CHILDHOOD LUNCH A MAKEOVER
MARCH 18, 2019
Not only do PB&J of the month clubs exist, but — even better — the PB&J Of The Month subscription from Big Spoon Roasters will provide you with the makings for the fanciest PB&Js you’ve ever tasted each month.
HEALTHYISH
TOO MANY LINES, NOT ENOUGH TACOS
MARCH 14, 2019
The best bar? Big Spoon Roasters’ cherry pecan, by a mile. It’s all about that salty-sweet.
THE COASTAL TABLE
MEET THE MAKER
MARCH 13, 2019
Big Spoon Roasters stirs up rich and nourishing nut butters for elite athletes and toast-lovers alike.
RUNNER'S
4 RECOVERY SECRETS FROM THE MAN WHO JUST RAN THE FASTEST 10 MARATHONS IN 10 DAYS
FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Wardian is a vegetarian, but he always makes sure that he’s eating a balanced diet. That means enough protein. Some of his favorite sources? Eggs, hummus, and almond butter, as he told Runner’s World previously when talking about how he fuels his ultras.
“I usually have pretty good nutrition. This time involved a lot of airplane food, but I packed some bars and love Big Spoon Roasters,” he said.
INDYWEEK
HOW DURHAM’S BIG SPOON ROASTERS TOOK ITS NUT BUTTERS AND BARS FROM FARMERS MARKETS TO AMAZON
FEBRUARY 13, 2019
Big Spoon’s ethos is built on meticulous ingredient sourcing, environmental and social responsibility (it’s also part of Durham’s Living Wage Project), and quality without cutting corners.
PEOPLE
EDITOR'S PICKS: THE BEST FOODS WE'RE EATING RIGHT NOW
JANUARY 31, 2019
Big Spoon Roasters‘ super-nutty spread is flecked with chewy chunks of ginger, making it ideal for slathering over a hunk of crusty bread or, you know, just eating it straight from the jar. We don’t judge.
PELOTON
THREE COOL BITS TO EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY
JANUARY 1, 2019
It's rare that an energy bar brings something new -- and tasty -- to the table. Made with simple ingredients, Big Spoon Roasters' nut butter bars have done just that.
THE PRODUCE BOX
INSIDE DURHAM'S BIG SPOON ROASTERS
DECEMBER 21, 2018
We wanted to sit down with Mark to share the story of his company with our members.
RUNNER'S
HOW MICHAEL WARDIAN FUELED A 184-MILE RUN ON A VEGETARIAN DIET
DECEMBER 12, 2018
"My sources of protein now come from hummus—one of my favorite foods—and almond butter. I only knew peanut butter growing up, but now I have a relationship with Big Spoon Roasters’ hand-crafted nut butter, especially the almond ginger flavor."
THE NEWS & OBSERVER
UNC HEALTH CARE BOOSTS THE PAY OF 9,000 EMPLOYEES AS IT RAISES MINIMUM WAGE
DECEMBER 11, 2018
Overbay said Big Spoon Roasters doesn’t have to cut back on hiring or on employee hours, because the company’s values are part of what it sells. The commitment to a living wage, health insurance and other employee benefits is intended to appeal to customers, who are supporting a shared value system by buying Big Spoon Roasters’ handcrafted nut butters, Overbay said.
CHOWHOUND
CHOWHOUND GIFT GUIDE 2018: GIFTS FOR PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS
NOVEMBER 26, 2018
Keeping in touch with friends and relatives in other cities can be hard. But buy them a subscription to a peanut–butter-of-the-month club and they’ll receive a monthly reminder of how much you care. Big Spoon Roasters offers subscriptions that range from three months to six months to ongoing.
TRIATHLETE
IS PEANUT BUTTER GOOD FOR YOU?
JULY 8, 2018
These peanut butter products make it easy to skip over Skippy.
MEN'S JOURNAL
THE 10 HEALTHIEST, ALL-NATURAL NUT AND SEED BUTTERS
JUNE 28, 2018
This classic peanut butter will satisfy your cravings. It’s made with a touch of honey and sea salt. Do yourself a favor and spoon out the correct serving size: If you spoon from the jar, it’s going to take a Herculean amount of self-control to stop.
SPRUDGE
BIG SPOON AND EQUATOR COFFEES JOIN FORCES FOR AN ESPRESSO NUT BUTTER
MAY 1, 2018
Like with all of Big Spoon’s edible spreadables, the new collab is light on ingredients; it’s made up of only “fresh-roasted heirloom California Mission almonds, Oregon Barcelona and Clark variety hazelnuts, [raw organic] coconut crystals, [organic Madagascar] vanilla, [Vietnamese] cinnamon, and sea salt with Equator Coffees & Teas’ flagship Tigerwalk Espresso,” per a press release.
VEGNEWS
GO NUTS
MARCH 1, 2018
Inspired by mamba, a popular Haitian peanut-pepper condiment, this intensely fiery spread blends fresh-roasted peanuts, organic sugar, and sea salt with guajillo, ancho, and babanero chilies for a unique PB you won't soon forget.
REFINERY29
KEEP THESE PRODUCTS AT YOUR DESK FOR BETTER OFFICE LUNCHES
FEBRUARY 27, 2018
Forget a regular old PB&J. Go bigger with an unexpected flavor blend for spreading on bread or crackers in a breakfast or lunchtime pinch.
TRAILBLAZERGIRL.COM
BIG SPOON ROASTERS HANDCRAFTED NUT BUTTER BARS
JANUARY 25, 2018
Big Spoon Roasters Handcrafted Nut Butter Bars are a definite must on your next TrailblazerGirl hiking adventure!
MY RECIPES
5 HIGHLY GIFTABLE FOOD ITEMS THAT WE WOULDN’T BE MAD TO RECEIVE (HINT HINT)
DECEMBER 4, 2017
As if Big Spoon Roasters nut butters couldn’t get any more delicious, they recently announced a new (limited batch!!!!!!!) collaboration with Jacobsen Salt Co. and Bee Local. The final product? Well, let’s just say, any nut butter lover in your life definitely needs a spoonful of this. Make that happen for them, okay?
THE WANDERING EATER
THE WANDERING EATER: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017
NOVEMBER 20, 2017
The North Carolina-based artisan nut butter brand, Big Spoon Roasters released a limited batch Jacobsen Salt Co. + Bee Local Nut Butter 2-Pack collaboration set. Both nut betters are delicious on its own or on anything from toast to fruit to cake.
USA LOVE LIST
17 AMERICAN MADE PEANUT BUTTER, AND OTHER UNIQUE SEED AND NUT BUTTERS WE LOVE
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
Chai spice isn’t just made for lattes anymore. Big Spoon Roasters offers you the chance to eat your favorite chai spices.
BABELY
BABELY // SPONSORED GOODIES: PART I">BABELY // SPONSORED GOODIES: PART I
NOVEMBER 5, 2017
Because we all a little nutty on the Babely squad, it seemed appropriate to team up with the kings of nut butter- Big Spoon Roasters. We were so excited to receive a big ol' box filled with what I believe to be the best flavor combo ever - their almond ginger nut butter.
FOOD52
THE SPICY-HOT PEANUT BUTTER YOUR PB&J IS LONGING FOR
SEPTEMBER 21, 2017
I first heard about mamba from Mark Overbay, who first heard about mamba from a friend who grew up in Haiti. Mark is the guy behind Big Spoon Roasters, a little company in Durham, North Carolina that makes the best nut butter you’ll ever find in a jar. They start with raw nuts that they roast until toasty and colorful and then mill through custom steel plates.
INTERACT
THE GROWTH OF NUT AND SEED BUTTER
APRIL 5, 2017
Inclusions and unique flavors set brands apart in this ever growing category. Big Spoon Roasters also offer various nut butter flavors, like Espresso and Vanilla Peanut Sorghum.
TRIATHLETE
THE CASE FOR PEANUT BUTTER
JULY 1, 2017
Big Spoon Roasters Peanut Butter: Small batch, made-to-order peanut butter made with roasted heirloom peanuts and wildflower honey.
SOUTHERN LIVING
HOT PEANUT BUTTER: 2017 SOUTHERN LIVING FOOD AWARD WINNER
MAY 30, 2017
Inspired by his experience with spicy peanut butter in Haiti, Mark Overbay adds ancho, guajillo, and habanero chiles to this signature Hot Peanut Butter. Smear with strawberry jam on crusty bread for a grown-up PB&J, or warm it up and drizzle over a noodle bowl.
PEOPLE
10 LAST-MINUTE FOOD GIFTS YOU CAN STILL GET IN TIME FOR MOTHER'S DAY
MAY 17, 2017
This super-nutty spread is flecked with chewy chunks of ginger, making it perfect for slathering over a hunk of crusty bread or, you know, just eating it straight from the jar.
FOODTRAILY
ENERGY BAR REVIEW: BIG SPOON ROASTERS APRICOT PEPITA BAR
MAY 17, 2017
As soon as you tear open Big Spoon Roasters’ Apricot Pepita bar, the aroma of the hand-roasted nut butter fills the air. The roasting concentrates the flavors, giving it complexity and body beyond that of other peanut butter flavors we’ve tasted. The bar itself is very soft, but with each bite, you notice the coarseness of the peanuts, roasted pumpkin seeds, and quinoa.
CLEAN PLATES
NEW HEALTHY ENERGY BARS WE LOVE
MARCH 11, 2017
The eco-chic compostable packaging is what caught our eye at first, before being drawn in by the bars’ two unique flavors: Apricot Pepita and Cherry Pecan. Even the nut-butter base of these bars is homemade. We love their texture; it’s a combo of melt-in-your mouth creamy with a bit of crunch from puffed quinoa and cacao nibs. They’re great snacks on their own, of course, but we also love crumbling a bar over yogurt or a smoothie bowl.
SPOON UNIVERSITY
BIG SPOON ROASTERS IS CHANGING THE NUT BUTTER SCENE WITH ARTISANSHIP IN MIND
MARCH 6, 2017
Mark Overbay, founder of Durham-based Big Spoon Roasters, speaks to not only the texture of his nut butters, but also what his company stands for as a whole. Last month, Meredith Davin and I visited Big Spoon Roasters' facility, met Mark, and fell further in love with this company.
WASHINGTONIAN
WHAT A NURSING MOM GETTING READY FOR PAGEANT SEASON EATS IN A DAY
MARCH 1, 2017
These gluten and soy-free treats are all handcrafted and you can taste all the whole natural ingredients they use!
INDYWEEK
COOK THIS: BIG SPOON'S LATEST PEANUT BUTTER SPICES UP SWEET AND SAVORY RECIPES
FEBRUARY 15, 2017
Mark Overbay has been thinking about Hot Peanut since he started Big Spoon Roasters in 2011. He stumbled upon the flavor more than a decade before that—in 1999 in Zimbabwe, where he lived and worked as a Peace Corps volunteer. There, his local neighbors roasted peanuts over an open fire, smashed them into butter by hand, and stirred in any number of ingredients. Some went the sweet route with coconut oil or meat. Others, savory with avocado. And others still, fiery with bird's eye chili. The last, especially, had Overbay wide-eyed.
GRUB STREET
12 FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU BE AT LEAST A LITTLE HEALTHIER IN 2017
JANUARY 5, 2017
Noted nut-butter producer Big Spoon is behind these apricot-pepita bars, made with roasted peanuts plus oats, quinoa, cocoa, and wildflower honey. It’s certainly a better way to start your day than a bacon-egg-and-cheese or a Clif bar.
MSN
THE BEST ARTISANAL FOOD GIFTS OF 2016
DECEMBER 31, 2016
Based out of Durham, North Carolina, Big Spoon Roasters makes a mean nut butter. Made with all-natural ingredients and none of those fillers and preservatives that you'll find in the grocery store, these nut butters are no joke. With nontraditional flavors like hot peanut, almond cocoa, and chai spice, this variety pack is sure to make your loved ones go nuts!
COOKING LIGHT
HOW TO COOK A NUT: GRIND THEM
NOVEMBER 1, 2016
There's no comparison between homemade nut butter and store-bought for Mark Overbay, founder of the handcrafted nut butter company Big Spoon Roasters, as long as you follow his rules of the road.
SOUTHERN LIVING
SOUTHERN LIVING 2016 FOOD AWARDS
MAY 13, 2016
Over the past year, our editors have canvassed the South, from Atlanta to Austin, sipping and sampling hundreds of artisan-made products; we've finally narrowed it down to one delicious list. Here are our favorites: Big Spoon Roasters' Vanilla Peanut Sorghum Butter. Coarsely ground with rum-like sorghum syrup, this is grown-up peanut butter.
BON APPETIT
AN ACTUALLY USEFUL GUIDE TO RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
MARCH 24, 2016
My favorite vendor, Big Spoon Roasters, based out of Durham, sells peanut and nut butters. I love the almond cashew and cashew peanut butters. They also have these neat little protein bars—in flavors like Apricot Pepita—that I order by the case.
TEEN VOGUE
12 ENERGY BARS THAT ARE BETTER THAN STARBUCKS
FEBRUARY 23, 2016
Most commercial nut butters are made with hydrogenated vegetable oils, which is why it’s best to go with brands like Big Spoon Roasters, whose products not only taste fantastic, but are actually good for you. They’re handmade Nut Butter Bars are made in small batches with their own fresh-roasted nut butter, are naturally sweet, and loaded with fiber and protein to keep you full longer.
MOUF
11 QUESTIONS WITH MARK OVERBAY OF BIG SPOON ROASTERS
FEBRUARY 22, 2016
To say that Big Spoon Roasters‘ nut butter is better than the smooth or chunky peanut butters found on the shelf of most super markets is not only an understatement in flavor, but an epic understatement in inspiration.
SPOON UNIVERSITY
20 UNIQUE NUT BUTTERS THAT WILL PUT SKIPPY TO SHAME
FEBRUARY 5, 2016
No. 1: Big Spoon Chai Spice
Big Spoon’s handcrafted nut butters like Chai Spice and Almond Ginger have some zing. The strong cinnamon and cardamom spices in chai make this an awesome butter to pair with anything apple, like this delicious cinnamon apple quinoa breakfast bowl.
TASTING TABLE
TASTING TABLE 2015 HOLIDAY PANTRY
DECEMBER 14, 2015
Keep the chai spices out of mulled wine this winter and try them spun into nut butter instead. Every batch of this textured peanut-and-almond spread is hand-roasted and packaged in Durham, North Carolina. Pro tip: While you're at it, tack a cherry pecan nut butter bar (or five) onto your order. Go nuts.
EXIT EVENT
WITH NEW JARS & BARS, BIG SPOON ROASTERS READIES FOR NUT BUTTER EMPIRE EXPANSION
AUGUST 28, 2015
“We’ll never compromise quality for any reason, as doing so would defeat the whole purpose of our business, which is to create the best possible version of every food we make,” Overbay wrote. That mission is so unique and inspiring, that the national Good Food Awards added its first “Pantry” category this year just to include Overbay and entrepreneurs like him.
INDYWEEK
TRY BIG SPOON ROASTERS' NEW ENERGY BAR
AUGUST 26, 2015
"It’s soft and chewy, with pockets of crunch. It’s sweet, with the apricots sitting alongside bits of chocolate, and a little spicy, as though a dab of pepper had been dropped into the mixer. I wanted to keep working out just so I could have another."
REAL SIMPLE
NEED IN YOUR PANTRY: BIG SPOON ROASTERS ESPRESSO NUT BUTTER
AUGUST 11, 2015
A partnership with Counter Culture Coffee gave rise to this not-too-sweet offering made from espresso, fresh-roasted almonds, raw wildflower honey, and sea salt. Slather on a toasted English muffin to get a jump on your daily grind.
COOKING LIGHT
GOOD FOOD: BIG SPOON ROASTERS ALMOND COCOA BUTTER
AUGUST 13, 2015
Amongst recipes like Peanut Cashew and Chai Spice Nut Butter, the Almond Cocoa Butter stands out as a mix of Mission almonds and roasted cacao nibs, with a touch of North Carolina wildflower honey, organic dark chocolate and sea salt.
MEN'S JOURNAL
THE BEST ALL-NATURAL PEANUT BUTTERS
MAY 26, 2015
Perhaps the current king of small batch nut roasters, Durham, NC’s Big Spoon makes a peanut butter that is heavy on the roast and just about perfect on the honey and sea salt. The small, charmingly designed jars of must-stir butters are packed with a butter the consistency of brownie batter, crunchy and sweet but with the spotlight shining straight on a perfectly roasted peanut.
CULTURE
PAIRING NUT BUTTER AND CHEESE
JUNE 2, 2015
Big Spoon Roasters’ Chai Spice Nut Butter: Ready to take your pairing prowess to the next level? A variety of nut butters featuring the piquant notes of ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves make a playful bite alongside especially fruity and creamy cheeses.
SOUTHERN LIVING
THE SOUTHERN LIVING FOOD AWARDS
JUNE 1, 2015
Mission Almond Butter: A three-ingredient nut butter that blends wildflower honey and sea salt with heirloom Mission almonds, which are creamier and richer than regular almonds.
TASTING TABLE
FIVE TOAST TOPPINGS TO TRY NOW
MARCH 30, 2015
Big Spoon Roasters Chai Nut Butter: Adding the warm spices of chai (cardamom, clove, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla) to hearty peanut and almond butter may seem like it’s going to be overkill, but it works: Each of the components is present in each bite, but they don’t overpower one another. Every jar is made to order, so give the Durham roasters a week to send yours to your door.
IMBIBE
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
NOVEMBER 1, 2014
Coffee Nut Butter: The classic PB&J gets a caffeine boost with this Counter Culture bean-infused butter from North Carolina-based Big Spoon Roasters.
BON APPETIT
HOW BIG SPOON ROASTERS MAKES SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S BEST NUT BUTTER
NOVEMBER 11, 2014
Welcome to Out of the Kitchen, our ongoing exploration of America’s coolest food artisans. Over the next few months, we’re apprenticing with the best knife forgers, cider brewers, and spice blenders, then bringing their knowledge and expertise back to our home kitchens—and to yours. Our first profile is Durham, NC’s Mark Overbay and his Big Spoon Roasters.
BON APPETIT
ALL-STAR ALMOND
NOVEMBER 1, 2014
Our favorite almond butter, Big Spoon Roasters Mission Almond Butter has intense flavor and crunchy-creamy texture. It’s subtly sweet and salty, so it works equally well in a sandwich with banana or alt-hummus.
FOOD & WINE
10 OBJECTS OF OUR OBSESSION
SEPTEMBER 1, 2014
Almond Ginger Butter… My favorite new morning snack; slices of Honey Crisp apple dipped into Big Spoon Roasters’ almond butter studded with candied ginger.
PREVENTION
HOTTEST PACKAGED FOOD TRENDS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
Big Spoon Roasters’ Almond Brazil Butter: Outside of the mixed nut tin, the Brazil nut hasn’t had an outsized influence. But we’re loving its new all-spread-out look.
TASTE OF THE SOUTH
TASTE 50: THE BEST IN SOUTHERN FOOD
AUGUST 1, 2014
These handcrafted, small-batch nut butters are ground in Durham, North Carolina, and use ingredients from local farmers. Trust us: Your PB&Js will never be the same.
SPIRIT: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
THE FOOD NETWORK: ART AND CRAFT AREN’T THE ONLY WAY TO BE CREATIVE
MARCH 1, 2014
While working in marketing, the North Carolinian Mark Overbay decided to create made-to-order nut butters inspired by what he’d tasted as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zimbabwe. “Freshness is paramount,” Overbay says.
COOKING LIGHT
LOCAL FINDS: CAPTURING “FRESHLY GROUND”
MARCH 1, 2014
Mark Overbay first tasted minutes-old nut butter un the rural Zimbabwe village where he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Back home in North Carolina, Overbay began roasting fresh peanuts, then grinding them between custom-made plates to mimic the texture of African nut butters.
MEN'S HEALTH
SPREAD ‘EM!
MARCH 1, 2014
Big Spoon Roasters Peanut Cashew: Big Spoon’s handcrafted nut butters are carefully blended to have a creamy texture while retaining the crunchy bits. The North Carolina company also sells killer peanut-almond and peanut-pecan blends.
THE LOCAL PALATE
A LA CARTE: GIFTS FOR THE SAVORY SET
JANUARY 1, 2014
Big Spoon Roasters Peanut Pecan Butter: We don’t know what to suggest with this since we eat it out of the jar, but rumor is it makes a mean peanut sauce.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
BUILD YOUR BEST-EVER PB&J
SEPTEMBER 13, 2014
More adventurous flavors include the spectacular chai, laced with cardamom and clove, and a peanut butter spiked with stone-ground chocolate. The silky handmade spreads are dotted with irregular nutty chunks. Sweetened with wildflower honey and seasoned with sea salt, they showcase the taste of the nuts themselves: rich, roasty and most certainly memorable.
O: THE OPRAH MAGAZINE
THE FIND: WE’RE NUTS FOR IT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
Chai lovers can enjoy the Indian spice blend in everything from cupcakes to coffee, but the latest – and we think greatest – incarnation is Big Spoon Roasters Chai Spice Nut Butter. Laced with piquant ginger and warm cardamom and cinnamon, the mix of peanut and almond butters is perfectly salty and just enough sweet. We like it straight from the jar.
BETTER HOMES
WHAT WE’RE LOVING: BETTER SPREAD
SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
Dozens of nut butters are popping up on grocery stores, and some of the tastiest come from Big Spoon Roasters in North Carolina. Their Secret? A short, simple ingredient list of the highest quality.
WELL + GOOD NYC
GET OUT YOUR SPOON FOR THESE NEXT GENERATION NUT BUTTERS
AUGUST 28, 2013
Founder Mark Overbay discovered the incredible flavors of handcrafted nut butters as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zimbabwe, and decided to try to whip them up back home in North Carolina. His creations (he literally hand makes each jar) combine peanuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans, and then add a touch of sea salt and local wildflower honey. The result is an all-natural culinary product that tastes utterly amazing.
THE HERALD SUN
BIG SPOON ROASTERS FOUNDER LOOKS TO BOOST NUT BUTTER PRODUCTION
JULY 27, 2013
Overbay started the business out of a passion for food, its ability to connect people, and agriculture, he said. “I want Big Spoon to help support farmers and other people participating in sustainable agriculture that contribute to the products we make.”
SOUTHERN LIVING
RALEIGH AND DURHAM
JULY 1, 2013
Get the best of both towns on your next trip to the Triangle: Big Spoon Roasters Peanut Almond Butter.
THE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER GALLERY
A TASTE OF DURHAM
JUNE 10, 2013
Big Spoon Roasters tastes great, it’s natural, and it’s made with high-quality ingredients in small batches. It’s run by a very nice guy named Mark Overbay who cares deeply about flavor, nutrition and sustainability, among other things. You should read the inspiring tale behind Mark’s line of nut butters and peek at his unique flavors so that you can understand my enthusiasm for them.
SEMI-SWEETNESS
BIG SPOON ROASTERS
FEBRUARY 18, 2013
There isn’t a spoon in the world big enough to shovel in the amount of Big Spoon Roasters Peanut Cashew Butter that I desire to consume into my face. I’m also keen on consuming a substantial amount of their Peanut Pecan, Peanut Almond and plain ol’ Peanut Butter – and by substantial I mean a sickening amount by most people’s standards.
THE SPOON FEED
BIG SPOON ROASTERS: MARK OVERBAY
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Big Spoon Roasters prides themselves on flavor, craftsmanship, and their pursuit of redefining how the production of a food product should be handled. At the foundation of each jar is flavor.
BRIDES
FOODIE FUN
Send your guests home with a savory – and unexpected – surprise: Big Spoon Roasters Peanut Cocoa Butter.
ENDURANCE MAGAZINE
BIG SPOON ROASTERS PEANUT BUTTER
NOVEMBER 1, 2012
Big Spoon owner Mark Overbay works with local and regional peanut farmers to be a positive force for sustainable peanut agriculture and transparent marketing.
WHOLE LIVING
ON OUR WISH LIST: BIG SPOON ROASTERS PEANUT PECAN BUTTER
NOVEMBER 1, 2012
No Jam Required: We like to eat this salty sweet mix of peanuts and pecans straight from the jar.
NONA BROOKLYN
WHAT’S GOOD TODAY: BIG SPOON PEANUT BUTTER AT GREENE GRAPE PROVISIONS
SEPTEMBER 26, 2012
The best day yet for me here at Greene Grape was when the first samples of Mark’s peanut butter came in. I made everyone working in the store that day taste it. I’m a peanut butter geek, and I am really excited about this peanut butter. It’s the best all-natural peanut butter I’ve ever had.
VALET
THE ULTIMATE MAN’S FOOD
AUGUST 16, 2012
A Better Butter: Creamy, with just a hint of crunch, Big Spoon Roasters in Durham, North Carolina, produces a top notch spread made from freshly-roasted local peanuts, wildflower honey, organic coconut oil and sea salt.
SF WEEKLY
THE ARTISANAL IRONY
At Big Spoon Roasters in Durham, N.C., Mark Overbay, a veteran of the fair-trade coffee business, makes every batch of his locally sourced nut butters by hand.
TASTE OF THE SOUTH
PIGTASTIC PICKS… WHAT WE’RE LUSTING AFTER
JUNE 1, 2012
We can’t get enough of these peanut butters from Big Spoon Roasters in Durham, North Carolina. They’re handcrafted using local wildflower honey and peanuts.
DAILY CANDY
SNACKS TO GET YOU FROM MORNING TO MIDNIGHT
MARCH 6, 2012
Turn the blank canvas of sliced fruit or toast into a masterpiece with Big Spoon Roaster’s Peanut Almond Butter.
GARDEN & GUN
PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY GROWS UP
FEBRUARY 28, 2012
Big Spoon owner Mark Overbay spent a decade searching grocery shelves for the perfect peanut butter before deciding he could do better. The resulting nut butters (classic peanut and blends of peanut–pecan, almond, and cashew) are roasted and ground by hand, using local peanuts, wildflower honey, organic coconut oil, and sea salt.
BON APPETIT
THE DIXIE PANTRY: OUR FAVORITE SOUTHERN FOOD PRODUCTS
FEBRUARY 1, 2012
Local runner peanuts, wildflower honey, organic coconut oil, and sea salt make for a pitch-perfect peanut butter care of Big Spoon Roasters in Durham, NC.
FOOD & WINE
TRENDSPOTTING: SMALL-BATCH PRODUCTS
JANUARY 1, 2012
From the hundreds of new small-batch products we taste every year, these are some of our recent favorites. These North Carolina nut butters are ground with local wildflower honey and nuts.
EDIBLE PIEDMONT
LOCAL ENTERTAINING
Mark Overbay has put together handcrafted nut butters with nuts and honey from local and like-minded farmers. You do in fact want to grab a big spoon and eat it out of the jar.
INDYWEEK
DO YOU FEEL LIKE A NUT (BUTTER)?
DECEMBER 7, 2011
Overbay buys his nuts from local farmers and includes local wildflower honey (honey contains medicinal elements unique to its environment) along with a minimal amount of salt in his basic nut butter recipes.
BON APPETIT
PEANUT PECAN OATMEAL COOKIES
NOVEMBER 1, 2011
The big flavors of Mark Overbay’s artisanal Big Spoon Roasters nut butters inspired his partner, Megan Lynam, to create this instant favorite. The complex nuttiness comes from the addition of ground pecans to the mix.
VICTUS POPULI
TWO GREAT NEW REASONS TO VISIT THE CARRBORO FARMERS’ MARKET
APRIL 22, 2011
Locally crafted nut butters blended with a beautifully brief ingredient list. Vic Pop fave, Peanut Cashew, contains peanuts, cashews, wildflower honey and sea salt. We already need a new jar.
BON APPETIT
NUT BUTTER REVOLUTION
APRIL 20, 2015
Mark Overbay launched Big Spoon Roasters, handcrafted nut butters made from scratch in Durham, North Carolina.
INDYWEEK
NOW SERVING: BIG SPOON
MARCH 2, 2011
Overbay plans to use only the freshest ingredients in his spreads, including North Carolina honey and peanuts.