Understanding peanut consumption patterns and consumer perceptions in mid- and lower-income urban South Africans

Peanuts ( Arachis hypogaea ) are a nutrient-dense, affordable food with the potential to support nutrition security and mitigate diet-related health risks in South Africa. Despite their widespread availability, little is known about consumer knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding peanut consumption among lower- and mid -income urban populations. This cross-sectional study assessed peanut and peanut butter consumption patterns, purchasing drivers, cultural perceptions, and product knowledge among 214 adults (≥ 21 years) in Gauteng province. Data were collected via a pre-tested, face-to-face questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, thematic coding, and Pearson’s chi-square tests. Peanut butter was identified as a widely consumed household staple, driven by taste, affordability, convenience, and perceived health benefits. Whole peanuts were consumed in roasted or boiled forms and predominantly sourced from informal vendors, while peanut butter was primarily purchased from supermarkets, highlighting retail segmentation. Taste and price were the main drivers of consumption, whereas textural preferences and eating experience influenced non-consumption of certain peanut forms. Although peanuts were frequently consumed across age groups, many participants did not perceive them as part of their cultural eating patterns, despite intergenerational exposure during childhood. Consumer awareness of nutritional information and food safety issues, including aflatoxins, was limited, and exposure to marketing or educational messaging was low. These findings underscore the potential of peanuts as a culturally familiar, affordable, and nutritionally valuable food that can contribute to public health objectives. Targeted interventions, including culturally relevant messaging, recipe-based guidance, and nutrition education, could enhance consumer knowledge, support healthier dietary practices, and strengthen food system engagement within economically vulnerable urban populations.