If you know me at all, you know I’m a peanut‑butter‑girl through and through. I’m the type who will happily dip carrots in peanut butter without a second thought. While traditional peanut butter absolutely has nutritional value and a place in a balanced diet, the first product on my “Products I Like” list is PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter—and for good reason.
Let’s break down what it is, why I love it, and a few things to keep in mind.
What Is PB2?
PB2 is essentially peanut butter in powdered form. The process is simple:
- Peanuts are roasted
- Then ground
- Then pressed to remove most of the oil
What’s left is a dehydrated peanut powder that you can:
- Mix with water to create a peanut‑butter‑like spread
- Stir into yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or sauces
- Add to baked goods for flavor without extra heaviness
It gives you that peanut flavor you love, but with a very different nutrition profile.
Why I Like PB2
1. It has 85% fewer calories than traditional peanut butter
I know calorie talk can be polarizing—some people track them closely, others don’t. But here’s the reality: if you’re a peanut butter lover, it’s very easy to eat multiple spoonfuls a day without thinking about it. Those calories add up quickly and can unintentionally stall weight‑loss or maintenance goals.
PB2 gives you the peanut flavor you crave with a fraction of the calories, which means you can enjoy more volume without blowing your daily intake.
2. It’s low in sugar
Peanut butters vary widely in sugar content. Some have none, some have several grams per serving. PB2 has just 1 gram of sugar, which makes it a great option for people watching added sugars or managing blood sugar.
3. It’s a plant‑based protein boost
Two tablespoons of PB2 provide 6 grams of protein. That makes it an easy way to bump up the protein in:
- Oatmeal
- Greek yogurt
- Smoothies
- Cottage cheese
- Baked goods
It blends in smoothly and doesn’t weigh things down.
4. It’s incredibly versatile
Traditional peanut butter is thick, oily, and delicious—but not always easy to mix into things. PB2, being a powder, dissolves beautifully. You can add it to:
- Overnight oats
- Smoothie bowls
- Protein shakes
- Stir‑fry sauces
- Homemade dressings
- Energy bites
It gives you flavor without dramatically changing texture.
The Downsides to PB2
As much as I love PB2, it’s not perfect. Here are the two main drawbacks.
So PB2 doesn’t have to replace peanut butter entirely—it can simply be another tool in your pantry.
1. It does contain a small amount of added sugar
PB2 has 1 gram of added sugar per serving—about ¼ teaspoon. It’s not a deal‑breaker for me, but I do wish it were sugar‑free.
2. You lose the heart‑healthy fats found in regular peanut butter
Because PB2 removes most of the oil, you lose the monounsaturated fats that can support heart health, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
But you can easily get those fats elsewhere, such as from:
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Almonds, cashews, pistachios
- Chia seeds or flaxseed
- Olives
Final Thoughts: PB2 Pros & Cons
PB2 Pros
- 85% fewer calories
- Low in sugar
- Good source of plant‑based protein
- Easy to mix into foods
- Great for flavor without heaviness
- Budget‑friendly and shelf‑stable
PB2 Cons
- Contains 1 gram of added sugar
- Lacks the monounsaturated fats found in traditional peanut butter
- Doesn’t fully replicate the creamy texture of real peanut butter
Wrap‑Up
PB2 isn’t meant to replace traditional peanut butter—it’s simply a lighter, more versatile option for peanut‑butter lovers who want the flavor without the calorie load. I use both in my kitchen, depending on the recipe and the goal. If you love peanut butter as much as I do, PB2 is absolutely worth a spot in your pantry.
