TIFTON – Bell Plantation and its employees have a lot to be proud of. Located in Tifton, the company makes products unlike anything else on the market, and the facility recently underwent a third-party audit and received a score of 98.

“This is a biggie in the food industry and our score is very hard to earn, especially for the first time to be inspected. I’m so proud of our employees and the team effort in preparing for this event,” said Debbie Layfield, chief operating officer at Bell. “We are really Tifton’s hidden jewel.”

Bell Plantation was founded in 1991 by J.C. and Jo Bell as an agricultural research company. The company is dedicated to rethinking the uses of traditional farming products – in this case, peanuts. That thinking outside the box led to one of the more popular products produced at Bell – PB2.

PB2 is the company’s answer to a significant peanut surplus. It comes in a regular flavor, as well as chocolate, and can be reconstituted with any liquid. As a powder, it can be used in cooking and baking, eaten as a powder, or as an ingredient in smoothies or shakes. PB2 has 85 percent less fat calories, and is the perfect add-in for many recipes.

In fact, Layfield said the company produced a cookbook using the products they produce, and are in the process of producing a second one as well. The cookbook can be purchased alongside Bell’s complete line of products at area stores like Wal-Mart, Publix and Adcock Pecans, and they just added Costco as well, which was the reason for the audit.

The audit for Costco included inspections of every area of the facility, including quality, processing, receiving/storage/shipping, sanitation, grounds and equipment, employee practices, pest control and food defense.

PB2 comes in bags and in jars of various sizes, and an be purchased on the company’s website. You can also purchase roasted peanut oil, PBthins, which are peanut butter crackers, and 1883 brand peanut butter in creamy or crunchy.

You will also find recipes using the products, including such items as cheesecake, Thai noodles, cookies, smoothies, brownies, soups and meat dishes, all using PB2. Layfield says the employees enjoy the benefit of being able to experiment with PB2 and the other products, and try new recipes as well. Those that get the thumbs-up are shared.

One of the greatest benefits of PB2, Layfield said, is that it is such a healthy product, like all of Bell Plantation’s product line. The products are all preservative free, and contain no artificial sweeteners. According to Bell’s website, customers who have previously sworn off of peanut butter due to its fat content are again able to enjoy peanut butter – without the guilt. Traditional peanut butter has 190 calories in a 2 tablespoon serving, with 130 calories from fat and 3 grams of saturated fat. In PB2, there are only 45 calories, and 13 are from fat, with 0 grams of saturated fat.

For more information, recipes or to order products, go online at www.bellplantation.com. You can also search for locations all over the world, wherever you are, to buy the products. If you prefer to order by telephone, call 1-229-387-7238.

To contact editor Angye Morrison, call 382-4321.