thanks for all the suggestions. It comes down to this: p-nut butter costs me very little and is nutricious - those alternatives are going to be much more expensive than generic p-nut butter is at $1.40 for two weeks of lunch. Money is a huge problem in my house. Working Middle class on paper - living in poverty due to debt, student loans, underemployment, etc. This little issue just adds to my already stressed out life.

My son is very picky. He only eats certain things, and I won't force him to eat food that makes him gag. Maybe it's a discipline issue, but we have many issues with him. He causes a lot of problems in my house. He argues, he bargains, he fights, he stays in trouble at school because he won't follow directions, won't stop talking when he has something to say no matter what anyone says...etc. He's also extremely bright. At 10 years old, he reads on a 10th grade level. He's extremely loving and sweet and caring. I suspect chemical imbalance, but as I can't even afford to treat myself...I don't get him tested - what's the point? He is not ADD/ADHD - I've had him tested for this. Yet, he can't stand still when he is talking and he will stay up all night if you let him and then not even nap the next day. I do the best I can, but my best is often not good enough.

So the p-nut butter just kind of set me off. I'm sure I'll figure out a solution. I just don't have the energy to deal with it in a rational place right now.