Peering into the pantry could invoke a challenge almost as old as the spread itself: the great peanut butter debate. Are you team creamy, or do you stand with the crunch? On National Peanut Butter Day, Americans across the country indulge in this nutty dilemma as they celebrate a spread that's firmly sandwiched itself into our culinary identity.

The sticky situation gets a full spotlight every January 24th, when the nation pays homage to the beloved condiment. National Peanut Butter Day honors the creation that graced the world centuries ago, evolving from a more primitive paste developed by the ancient Incas and Aztecs to become a modern kitchen essential. KEN5.com reports that, while the 1904 Universal Exposition in St. Louis introduced peanut butter to audiences, it wasn't until Joseph Rosefield's innovation in 1922 that we got to more commonly enjoy the non-separating, spreadable delight we know today.

The patent that started it all, credited to Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1884, set the stage for peanut butter to become a staple on the American palate. According to NationalToday.com, the day's celebration encourages folks to temporarily put aside their digital distractions and literally spread the love. With a history drenched in innovation and beloved by generations, this creamy—or crunchy—delicacy continues to be a versatile favorite, whether slathered on bread, dolloped into recipes, or ingeniously spooned straight from the jar.

Enthusiasts have taken to social media to sling their preference in the creamy versus crunchy debate, proudly posting their peanut butter packed sandwiches under the hashtag #nationalpeanutbutterday.