Peanut butter has always had a special place in my heart. It’s amazing to me how the simple blend of peanuts and a hint of salt instantaneously elevates any breakfast, snack, dessert or meal. I had always loved peanut butter, but it wasn’t until my first semester of college that I realized how big of an impact peanut butter could have on a person’s life. I’m sure we all know that UC Berkeley’s dining halls don’t always hit the spot. But no matter what’s being served, there’s always that secret savior in the corner. Every time a meal doesn’t completely satisfy my hunger, peanut butter never lets me down.

Whether you eat in the dining halls or not, peanut butter has the potential to be every college student’s best friend —  assuming you’re not allergic to peanuts, that is. It comes at the relatively inexpensive price of $1.99 for a 16-ounce jar at Trader Joe’s. Though not as environmentally friendly, you can also buy single-serving packs to take with you on a busy day. Regardless of how it’s packaged, peanut butter by itself will tide you over until your next meal or add protein to your snack.

Peanut butter comes in many varieties: organic and nonorganic, salted and unsalted, crunchy and smooth. With all this variety, it’s nearly impossible to get bored of it. But just in case you manage to get bored, you can always try eating it with other foods. Peanut butter on vanilla ice cream? This might sound weird at first, but it’s just like making peanut butter-flavored ice cream! Peanut butter on waffles? Go for it! The combinations are endless once you start getting creative.

Now I’m not saying that everyone needs to become obsessed with peanut butter. Luckily, for those who are unable to enjoy it, there are plenty of nut butter substitutes out there. But there remains something so perfect about peanut butter that I think it serves us all well to take a second to appreciate all it does for us.