Peanut Brittle: The History and Quality of America's Favorite Crunchy Candy

There are very few candies that can capture nostalgia and craftsmanship quite like peanut brittle.

It's the perfect combination of roasted peanuts and buttery caramel - and this golden, crunchy confection has been an American favorite for more than a century.

But have you ever wondered where peanut brittle came from? Or how to find the best peanut brittle for you or someone you love? At See's Candies, we're big believers in the power of a great snack, and we think that starts with knowing a bit more about one of our most iconic treats!

Read on to learn everything you need to know about peanut brittle: its history, what makes it exceptional, how to store it, and why See's is the best choice.

Peanut brittle is a classic candy made by cooking sugar, corn syrup, and butter into a hard caramel, then mixing in roasted peanuts and spreading the mixture to cool. The result is a crunchy, buttery confection with a balance of sweet caramel and nutty richness. Unlike soft candies, brittle is firm, and the best peanut brittle will break cleanly with a satisfying snap.

What are the first things that come to mind when you think of peanut brittle? Is it the taste? The color?

The key characteristic that defines peanut brittle is right in the name: it's brittle - meaning hard, crisp, and snappable.

Peanut brittle's texture comes from cooking sugar until it's hard - otherwise known as the crack stage which is around 300 degrees F - and adding baking soda, which creates tiny air bubbles that give the brittle its signature crunch and light texture.

The core ingredients include sugar, corn syrup, butter, baking soda, and roasted peanuts. And many believe that the best versions use real butter rather than margarine, pure cane sugar and generously portioned peanuts.

At See's Candies, Peanut Brittle is made with Mary See's original recipe, using only the highest quality ingredients and packing more peanuts per square inch than any other brittle.

Peanut brittle originated in the United States in the late 1800s, likely as a happy accident when a cook added baking soda to taffy instead of cream of tartar. The baking soda caused the candy to harden into a crisp, airy texture rather than remaining chewy. By the early 1900s, peanut brittle had become a staple at candy shops, county fairs and holiday celebrations.

The story of peanut brittle's creation is a reminder that some of the best discoveries happen by mistake.

While the exact origin of peanut brittle remains debated, most food historians agree it emerged in the American South during the 1890s. In those days, peanuts were an abundant, affordable crop in Southern states. This made them a natural choice for confectioners looking to create treats that could be made at scale.

By the 1920s, peanut brittle had become a nationwide phenomenon. It was featured in cookbooks, sold in candy stores from coast to coast, and became a cherished homemade holiday gift. The candy's long shelf life and portability made it ideal for shipping to soldiers during World War I and II, further cementing its place in American culture.

See's Candies has honored this American tradition since 1921, when Mary See first started selling her original Peanut Brittle which was always made using only the best ingredients possible. For over a century, we've remained committed to her original recipe, using time-tested techniques that respect the candy's heritage while delivering consistent, premium-quality Peanut Brittle that have earned us an average of 4.8 stars reviews from thousands of customers.

High-quality Peanut Brittle features a generous nut-to-candy ratio (typically 60% peanuts to 40% candy), a perfectly crisp texture, and rich, buttery flavor without artificial ingredients. Premium brittle uses roasted (not raw) peanuts, real butter (not margarine), and pure cane sugar.

Ingredient Quality Markers

The foundation of exceptional peanut brittle starts with choosing the best ingredients.

When buying peanut brittle, take a close look at the packaging. Look for brittle made with roasted, high-quality peanuts in generous quantities, so the peanuts dominate each piece.

The sugar should be pure cane sugar rather than relying solely on high fructose corn syrup. Real butter or a butter blend (never margarine or artificial fats) creates the rich, satisfying flavor that defines premium brittle.

Avoid additives and preservatives, as they can extend shelf life but reduce overall taste and quality.

Texture Markers

Peanut brittle's texture tells you everything about how well the brittle was made.

The brittle should snap cleanly when broken  —  never bend or feel soft. The texture should be crisp yet dissolve quickly on the tongue without adhering to teeth.

If you look closely, you'll find that the color provides visual cues: golden amber indicates proper cooking, while too dark means burnt, and too light means undercooked.

The thickness matters as well! Premium brittle is even; uneven pieces suggest poor craftsmanship or shortcuts in mass production.

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Peanut Brittle stays fresh for 4 - 6 weeks. Premium brittle made with the highest quality ingredients and without preservatives typically lasts 4 - 5 weeks before texture or flavor begins to degrade. Refrigeration is not necessary and may introduce unwanted moisture.

Peanut Brittle's impressive shelf life comes from its low moisture content and high sugar concentration, both of which inhibit bacterial growth. The candy essentially preserves itself through the same sugar-curing process used for centuries to extend the life of fruits, nuts and other foods.

But there are some signs to watch for that may signal that it's gone stale. These include:

• A soft or tacky texture (indicating moisture absorption)

• A rancid or off flavor from the nuts

• A loss of that signature snap

The good news? If stored properly, none of these issues should occur within the 4 to 6-week window.

See's Peanut Brittle is also Warm Weather Friendly — that means it maintains its signature crunch and quality, even when shipped during warmer months. This guarantees that your gift arrives in perfect condition, ready to be enjoyed or stored for weeks to come.

Store Peanut Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigeration, as temperature fluctuations can cause condensation and make the brittle lose its texture.

For gifting or long-term storage, wrap individual pieces in parchment paper, and then seal them in an airtight container — this is especially important in humid climates. You want your Peanut Brittle to last, so you'll want to make sure it's stored well!

The ideal storage container for Peanut Brittle is an airtight glass jar. You can also use a plastic container with a tight-sealing lid or a resealable tin.

No matter your storage choice, the key is preventing air and humidity from reaching the candy. Store your container in a pantry, cupboard or on the countertop away from heat sources like stoves or direct sunlight.

Why avoid refrigeration? Cold environments create temperature differentials that lead to condensation — tiny droplets of moisture that will cause the brittle to lose its crisp texture. The same applies to freezing, which may seem like a good long-term solution but creates even more moisture problems when thawing.

When you order Peanut Brittle from See's Candies, it arrives in packaging designed to keep it fresh during shipping. Whether you're sending it as a gift or enjoying it yourself, our packaging ensures the brittle maintains its quality from our kitchen to your door!

Most traditional Peanut Brittle recipes are naturally gluten-free, made with sugar, corn syrup, butter, peanuts and baking soda  —  none of which contain gluten.

That said, potential gluten sources can sneak in through flavorings, additives or cross-contamination through shared manufacturing equipment. Therefore, those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities should verify with the manufacturer.

See's Candies Peanut Brittle is made with gluten-free ingredients. However, because our facilities also produce other products, we cannot guarantee zero cross-contact. For detailed allergen information, visit our website or contact our customer service team.

Peanut Brittle makes an ideal gift because it's shelf-stable (no refrigeration needed), universally enjoyed and evokes nostalgia. Its crunchy, sweet-and-salty profile appeals to a wide range of tastes, and premium versions feel indulgent without being overly rich. Packaged in decorative tins or gift boxes, Peanut Brittle works for holidays, birthdays, corporate gifting and thank-you occasions.

Peanut Brittle is Shelf-Stable

The best quality Peanut Brittle is shelf-stable and requires no special handling — so there's no melting during shipping and no refrigeration needed upon arrival.

The Flavor Profile Is Universally Loved

The flavor profile hits that perfect sweet-and-salty balance, appealing broadly, so no matter what your recipient likes, there's a good chance Peanut Brittle will hit the mark!

Peanut Brittle Is a Favorite for Sharing

Peanut Brittle is also shareable. Unlike individually wrapped candies or truffles, a tin of brittle can be broken into pieces and passed around at gatherings, making it perfect for office gifts or host/hostess occasions.

The presentation matters too — when packaged in decorative tins or boxes, Peanut Brittle looks impressive and feels special.

Holidays are a natural fit. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Easter all pair beautifully with peanut brittle's timeless appeal. Birthdays? See's offers Birthday Wishes Peanut Brittle in festive wrapping designed specifically for celebrations.

Corporate gifting represents another sweet spot. Peanut brittle is professional, universally loved and travels exceptionally well. See's offers Volume Savings for business gifting , making it cost-effective to send to clients, partners, or employees nationwide.

Peanut Brittle and toffee are both hard candies made from sugar and butter, but they differ in texture, ingredients and preparation. Toffee is cooked to a higher temperature, uses more butter and often includes chocolate or almonds. Peanut Brittle is lighter and airier (thanks to baking soda), cooked slightly lower and features roasted peanuts. Brittle snaps crisply; toffee is denser and richer.

The confusion between brittle and toffee is understandable. After all, both are hard candies, use sugar and butter and frequently include nuts.

The differences lie in the details of how they're made and how they taste.

See's Candies makes both peanut brittle and toffee, each perfected with decades of craftsmanship.

Our Toffee-ettes® feature buttery, toffee nuggets with roasted almonds, covered in milk chocolate and almond bits. Our Peanut Brittle is lighter and crunchier, with generous peanuts in every bite.

And for those who want the best of both worlds, See's Awesome Peanut Brittle Bars combine our famous brittle with creamy milk chocolate  —  a satisfying treat that bridges both candy traditions.

See's offers several Peanut Brittle options to suit every occasion and dietary preference:

Original Peanut Brittle (1 lb 8 oz) - The classic. Made with Mary See's original recipe from over a century ago, this treat is perfect for gifting or personal enjoyment. This is our most popular option, featuring the signature crunch and generous peanut portions that have made See's Peanut Brittle a customer favorite since 1921.

Sugar Free Peanut Brittle - Same exceptional taste, no added sugar. Ideal for sugar-free Peanut Brittle seekers or those managing dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.

See's Awesome® Peanut Brittle Bars - Our famous Peanut Brittle dipped in rich milk chocolate. Individually wrapped for convenient snacking or sharing. These chocolate-covered Peanut Brittle bars offer the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy.

Occasion-Themed Options - See's offers Birthday Wishes Peanut Brittle in festive birthday-themed packaging, as well as limited-time sleeves for different holidays.

Browse the complete See's Peanut Brittle collection to explore all varieties, including sugar-free options, bars and seasonal packaging.

Peanut Brittle has remained a cherished American candy for over a century because it delivers something increasingly rare: nostalgic simplicity, paired with satisfying crunch.

Whether you're enjoying it as a personal treat, gifting it for the holidays or sharing it at a celebration, quality Peanut Brittle — made with care and premium ingredients — makes the experience simply unforgettable.

At See's Candies, we've honored Mary See's original recipe for over 100 years, crafting every batch with the highest quality ingredients and packing more peanuts per square inch than any other brittle.

Our commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship and American—Made Deliciousness has earned us 4.8 stars from nearly 4,000 customers. That's proof that when you start with the best ingredients and time-tested techniques, the results speak for themselves.

Explore our full collection of Peanut Brittle gifts — including sugar-free options, candy bars, and occasion-themed packaging — and discover why See's has been America's trusted confectioner since 1921.