I don't remember what brands I grew up with. We probably had all the typical name brands in the house. Years after being away from home I tried the natural ones and mostly was not enchanted by them. More recently, though, I found I like the Smuckers brand of natural, and that has been my go-to ever since. I'd been looking for the lowest carb and sugar hit, and that came in with nice numbers. It was shocking how much sugary crap is added to so many peanut butters. Anyway, nowadays I find the taste of the regular brands really "off".
When I get a new jar, I take the time to thoroughly stir it, then into the fridge it goes and that's where it lives. It then stays constituted the way I like it, and I only need to take it out for a few minutes to soften it just enough to spread decently. It also lasts forever refrigerated.
I like it with most kinds of jams, preserves, marmalades, you name it. I grew up eating it with grape jelly and I'll still eat that if it's all that's in the house, but I far prefer the better stuff. I also like it with bananas but haven't done that in years. And yes, conventional white bread is still a favorite for peanut butter.