Can you eat peanut butter with coffee? Here’s what the science and recipes say

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition, consuming peanut butter has been linked to a prolonged feeling of fullness, making it an excellent addition to your diet. So, can you eat peanut butter with coffee? Yes, and this nutty pairing can offer more than just a unique flavor.

Quick Summary

Combining peanut butter with coffee creates a creamy, flavorful drink that provides sustained energy from healthy fats and protein. It's a popular trend with nutritional benefits, including enhanced satiety, and can be customized for both hot and cold beverages.

Key Points

Nutrient Boost: Peanut butter adds protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants to your coffee, enhancing its nutritional value.
Sustained Energy: The fats slow caffeine absorption, providing a more prolonged energy release and preventing an energy crash.
Increased Satiety: The protein and fat content promote a feeling of fullness, which can assist in weight management.
Optimal Preparation: Using a blender is the best method for creating a smooth, creamy, and froth-filled peanut butter coffee.
Moderation is Key: Be mindful of portion sizes and choose natural, low-sugar peanut butter to avoid excessive calories and unhealthy additives.
Versatile Recipe: Peanut butter coffee can be enjoyed hot or cold, with various milk alternatives and additional flavorings like cinnamon or cocoa powder.

A Surprising Combination: The Nutritious Case for Peanut Butter Coffee

For years, coffee has been the go-to morning beverage for millions, prized for its ability to boost energy and focus. Simultaneously, peanut butter has been celebrated as a versatile, nutrient-dense spread. The idea of combining the two might seem unconventional, but it has gained significant traction among fitness enthusiasts and flavor-seekers alike. The good news is that not only is it perfectly fine to eat peanut butter with coffee, but it can also be a strategic part of a healthy diet when done correctly.

The Health Benefits of Pairing Peanut Butter and Coffee

Adding peanut butter to your coffee does more than just enhance the flavor; it alters the nutritional profile of your drink significantly. The key lies in the macronutrient composition of peanut butter, particularly its protein and healthy fat content. When consumed with coffee, these components can influence how your body responds to caffeine.

First, the healthy fats in peanut butter—predominantly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—slow down the absorption of caffeine. This results in a smoother, more gradual release of energy, helping to prevent the jitters and eventual 'crash' often associated with drinking black coffee on an empty stomach. Second, the protein and fiber in peanut butter contribute to increased satiety, or the feeling of fullness. This can help curb hunger pangs, making it a satisfying addition to a morning or midday routine and potentially aiding in weight management. Both coffee and peanuts also contain antioxidants, which help protect the body's cells from damage.

Making the Perfect Peanut Butter Coffee

Achieving a smooth, creamy texture is crucial when combining these two ingredients. Simply stirring peanut butter into hot coffee can sometimes result in an oily, clumpy mess. For best results, a blender is highly recommended, especially when making cold versions.

A Step-by-Step Guide to a Blended Peanut Butter Coffee

Brew a strong cup of your favorite coffee or use cold brew concentrate.
Add the brewed coffee to a blender along with one to two tablespoons of natural, smooth peanut butter. Opt for a brand with minimal additives to control sugar intake.
For added creaminess, pour in a splash of milk or a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk.
If you desire sweetness, add a dash of maple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free alternative.
Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and frothy, approximately 30-60 seconds.
Serve hot in a mug or pour over ice for a refreshing iced latte.

For those without a blender, you can also warm the milk and peanut butter in a saucepan, whisking vigorously until fully combined before adding the coffee.

Nutritional Considerations and Potential Downsides

While peanut butter coffee can be a healthy, energizing treat, it's not without its caveats. Moderation is key, as peanut butter is also calorie-dense. A single tablespoon contains nearly 100 calories, and if you aren't mindful, the calories and fat can add up quickly. It is also important to choose the right kind of peanut butter. Many commercial brands contain added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy hydrogenated oils, which negate some of the health benefits.

Excessive caffeine consumption, even when balanced by peanut butter, can also cause issues for some individuals, including anxiety, jitters, and sleep problems. Those with unmanaged blood pressure or other health concerns should moderate their intake. Lastly, those with a peanut allergy should obviously avoid this combination entirely.

Comparison of Preparation Methods


Method	Pros	Cons	Ideal For
Blended (Hot or Cold)	Incredibly creamy and smooth texture; ensures complete integration of peanut butter; frothy finish.	Requires a blender; extra clean-up; can make the drink thick.	Iced lattes, thick hot lattes, those who dislike clumps.
Whisked (Hot)	Minimal equipment needed; easy clean-up.	Texture may not be perfectly smooth; requires vigorous whisking to avoid clumps.	Simple, no-fuss preparation; hot coffee fans.
Powdered Peanut Butter	Lower in fat and calories than traditional peanut butter; dissolves easily.	Different texture and flavor profile; may not be as rich.	Calorie-conscious individuals; those seeking lower fat content.

Optimizing Your Peanut Butter Coffee

For a nutritionally optimized version of peanut butter coffee, consider these tips. First, prioritize natural peanut butter with a single ingredient list: roasted peanuts. This eliminates unnecessary sugar, sodium, and trans fats. Second, control your portion sizes. One tablespoon of peanut butter is typically enough to add flavor and benefits without adding excessive calories. Third, experiment with flavor additions like cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the taste without relying on sugary syrups. Finally, consider pairing your peanut butter coffee with other healthy breakfast foods like oatmeal or a piece of fruit to create a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion: An Unexpected but Welcome Addition

As an energizing and delicious addition to a well-balanced nutrition diet, the answer to 'can you eat peanut butter with coffee?' is a resounding yes. When prepared with high-quality, natural ingredients and consumed in moderation, this unique combination offers sustained energy, increased satiety, and a host of nutrients that can benefit your overall health. For those seeking to spice up their coffee routine while reaping nutritional rewards, peanut butter coffee is a worthy contender. Start with a simple blended recipe and feel free to experiment with flavors and add-ins to find your perfect blend.

For more expert guidance on healthy eating habits, consult resources from the World Health Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Adding a moderate amount of natural, low-sugar peanut butter to coffee can be healthy. It introduces protein and healthy fats that offer sustained energy and increase feelings of fullness. Moderation is important due to the high calorie and fat content.

For the smoothest and creamiest texture, the best way to mix peanut butter into coffee is using a blender. Simply add hot coffee, a tablespoon of smooth peanut butter, and any milk or sweetener, then blend until frothy.

Yes, many find the combination delicious. The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter complements the robust taste of coffee, creating a drink reminiscent of a dessert, similar to a peanut butter cup or nut-flavored latte.

Peanut butter can dissolve in hot coffee, but it may not mix perfectly by simply stirring. You may end up with an oily separation. Using a blender or a whisk on a saucepan is more effective for a uniform texture.

Yes, powdered peanut butter is an excellent, lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative to regular peanut butter. It dissolves more easily and is a good option for a lighter version of the drink.

To make an iced version, you'll need to blend. Combine cooled brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate with smooth peanut butter, milk, and sweetener in a blender. Pour over a glass filled with ice cubes and serve.

Yes, adding cocoa powder or chocolate syrup is a popular variation that mimics the flavor of a chocolate peanut butter cup. This creates a decadent mocha-style drink.