How do you use PB2 powder? A Guide to Versatile, Healthy Cooking

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Healthline, PB2 contains up to 85% fewer calories from fat than traditional peanut butter. This versatile powder is a simple solution for anyone asking, "how do you use PB2 powder?" to add rich peanut flavor to countless dishes without the added fat.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide to using PB2 powder in a variety of culinary applications, including making spreads, blending into smoothies, incorporating into baked goods, and creating savory sauces. Covers reconstitution ratios, creative uses, and nutritional comparisons.

Key Points

Rehydrate for a Spread: Mix 2 tbsp of PB2 with 1.5 tbsp of water for a classic, low-fat peanut butter paste, adjusting the liquid for desired consistency.
Blend for Smoothies: Add PB2 powder directly into smoothies, shakes, or protein drinks for a smooth, nutty flavor and a protein boost without the added fats.
Bake into Sweets: Incorporate PB2 into baked goods like cookies, pancakes, and muffins to add a rich peanut butter taste while keeping the recipe lighter.
Mix into Savory Dishes: Create flavorful, low-fat sauces, dressings, and marinades for stir-fries, noodles, and salads using rehydrated PB2.
Sprinkle for Topping: Use PB2 as a dry seasoning to sprinkle on popcorn, oatmeal, or yogurt for an easy flavor enhancement.
Lower Calorie and Fat Alternative: PB2 is significantly lower in calories and fat than traditional peanut butter, making it ideal for weight management and calorie-conscious diets.
Nutritional Trade-Offs: While lower in fat and calories, PB2 is also lower in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E compared to traditional peanut butter.

PB2 is a powdered peanut product created by pressing roasted peanuts to remove most of the natural oils, resulting in a fine, low-fat powder. Its versatility and lower calorie count make it a staple for anyone looking to add a boost of peanut flavor to their meals and snacks. While many people think of it only for a simple spread, its applications stretch from breakfast to dinner and dessert.

The Basics: Rehydrating PB2 for a Classic Spread

For many, the most common way to use PB2 is by mixing it with water to create a spreadable paste. The standard ratio is a simple 2 tablespoons of PB2 powder mixed with 1.5 tablespoons of water. However, this is just a starting point. The beauty of PB2 is that you can easily adjust the consistency to fit your needs. For a thicker, more paste-like consistency, use less water. If you want a runnier drizzle for pancakes or oatmeal, simply add more water until you reach the desired texture. For optimal flavor and texture, it is best to mix the PB2 fresh just before use, as storing it for long periods after rehydration can affect its quality.

Blend It: Smoothies, Shakes, and More

The powdered form of PB2 makes it an ideal ingredient for blending. Unlike traditional peanut butter, it doesn't separate or leave oily streaks, mixing seamlessly into your favorite beverages for a creamy, consistent result. This is an excellent way to add a protein boost and nutty flavor to your drinks, whether it’s for a quick breakfast or a post-workout recovery shake.

Here are some ideas for blending PB2:

Classic Peanut Butter Smoothie: Blend PB2 with frozen bananas, milk (or a milk alternative), and a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
PB&J Smoothie: Combine PB2 with frozen berries, milk, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for a healthy twist on a classic flavor combo.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake: Mix PB2 with cocoa powder, milk, and ice for a guilt-free dessert shake.
Peanut Butter Coffee: Stir a spoonful into your hot coffee or iced latte for a nutty flavor.

Bake It: Sweet Treats with a Peanutty Twist

PB2 can be incorporated into a wide variety of baked goods, giving them a rich peanut flavor with a fraction of the fat and calories. It can be added directly to the dry ingredients or mixed with water first, depending on the recipe. Because it is low in fat, it won't drastically alter the moisture content of your recipe, making it easy to experiment with.

Ideas for baking with PB2:

Cookies: Use it to make delicious peanut butter cookies or add it to chocolate chip cookie dough.
Pancakes and Waffles: Stir PB2 into your batter for a protein-packed and flavorful breakfast.
Brownies: Incorporate PB2 into your brownie mix for a decadent chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
Muffins and Breads: Add it to your banana bread or muffin recipes for extra flavor and protein.
Frosting: Mix PB2 with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a rich peanut butter topping.

Mix It: From Sauces to Seasonings

PB2's powdered form isn't just for sweet applications. Its low-fat nature allows it to mix easily into liquids to create a variety of sauces and marinades, unlike sticky traditional peanut butter. It can also be used as a dry seasoning to sprinkle over snacks.

Savory uses for PB2:

Thai Peanut Sauce: Rehydrate PB2 and whisk with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of vinegar for a flavorful sauce for stir-fries or noodles.
Peanut Dressing: Create a light and nutty dressing for salads by mixing PB2 with water, oil, and spices.
Popcorn Seasoning: Sprinkle the powder directly onto warm popcorn for a surprisingly delicious and crunchy coating.
Breading: Mix PB2 with flour and spices to create a unique breading for chicken or tofu.

PB2 vs. Traditional Peanut Butter: A Nutritional Comparison

Choosing between PB2 and traditional peanut butter often comes down to nutritional goals and desired texture. Here is a simple breakdown of how they compare nutritionally per two-tablespoon serving:


Feature	PB2 Powder	Traditional Peanut Butter
Calories	Approximately 45-60 calories	Approximately 190 calories
Fat	1.5 grams	16 grams
Protein	4-6 grams	7-8 grams
Saturated Fat	Low	Low to Moderate
Monounsaturated Fat	Minimal (most oil removed)	High (heart-healthy fats)
Added Sugar	Often contains a small amount	Varies by brand
Processing	Highly processed to remove oil	Less processed (natural varieties)

For those on a calorie-restricted diet or looking to reduce fat intake, PB2 offers a significant advantage. However, traditional peanut butter provides more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and essential nutrients like Vitamin E, which are largely removed from the powder.

Conclusion: Making PB2 Your Culinary Ally

PB2 powder is a versatile and healthy ingredient that offers a wide range of uses beyond just being a simple spread. Its ability to add rich peanut flavor without the high fat content makes it a valuable tool for anyone looking to manage their weight or create lighter versions of their favorite recipes. From creamy smoothies and delicious baked goods to savory sauces and dressings, PB2's applications are limited only by your imagination. By understanding how to properly rehydrate and incorporate it into different dishes, you can fully embrace this low-calorie powerhouse and elevate your culinary creations. For those seeking more information on the nutritional science, consider reading this detailed overview from Healthline's article on PB2.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make PB2 taste good, always mix it with a liquid to rehydrate it. You can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of salt, a drizzle of honey, or by mixing it with other ingredients like cocoa powder, spices, or fruit puree in smoothies and baked goods.

The standard ratio for a spreadable consistency is 2 tablespoons of PB2 powder to 1.5 tablespoons of water. You can easily adjust the amount of water to make it thicker for a paste or thinner for a drizzle.

Yes, PB2 can be used as a low-calorie, low-fat substitute for traditional peanut butter in most applications. However, keep in mind that the texture will be different, and traditional peanut butter offers more healthy fats and certain nutrients like Vitamin E.

It is not recommended to consume PB2 powder straight from the jar. It is designed to be mixed with water or another liquid to form a paste or to be incorporated into recipes. Eating it as a dry powder can be a choking hazard.

You can mix PB2 with a variety of liquids, including water, milk, almond milk, or coconut water. The choice of liquid depends on the recipe and your desired flavor profile.

Yes, you can mix PB2 with hot water or other hot liquids. It works well in hot oatmeal, hot chocolate, or to create warm sauces.

PB2 can be a beneficial tool for weight loss because it is significantly lower in calories and fat than traditional peanut butter while still providing protein and fiber, which helps promote satiety.

The manufacturer recommends using freshly mixed PB2 and disposing of any leftover mixed paste after 48 hours, even if refrigerated. The unmixed powder, however, is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration.

The original PB2 powder contains a small amount of added sugar and salt to improve flavor, though the quantities are very low. Some brands offer sugar- and salt-free versions.