How to use PB2 in place of peanut butter?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

With up to 85% less fat and 70% fewer calories than traditional peanut butter, powdered PB2 is an increasingly popular choice for health-conscious consumers. This guide will detail exactly how to use PB2 in place of peanut butter, whether you are making a spread, baking, or blending it into a smoothie.

Quick Summary

Effectively substituting PB2 for peanut butter requires understanding the right powder-to-liquid ratios and adjusting for fat content in recipes. Learn practical applications for spreads, baked goods, sauces, and smoothies to achieve rich peanut flavor with fewer calories and less fat.

Key Points

Reconstitution Ratio: To make a spread, mix 2 tablespoons of PB2 with 1.5 tablespoons of water, adjusting for desired consistency.
Baking Considerations: When baking with PB2, compensate for the reduced fat by adding a little oil or using moist ingredients like applesauce or Greek yogurt to prevent dryness.
Smoothie Addition: For smoothies and protein shakes, simply add PB2 powder directly to the blender for a protein boost and nutty flavor.
Flavor Enhancement: Experiment with using milk, sugar-free syrups, or a pinch of salt instead of plain water to create a richer, more satisfying taste.
Versatile Ingredient: PB2 can be used as a powder in sauces, dressings, dips, and baking mixes, or reconstituted for a spread, offering high versatility in the kitchen.

Reconstituting PB2 for a Creamy Spread

The most fundamental way to use PB2 is to transform it back into a spreadable consistency. This is ideal for toast, sandwiches, or as a dip for fruit and vegetables.

The Perfect Powder-to-Liquid Ratio

To create a peanut butter-like paste, a good starting point is the 2:1 ratio. Mix 2 tablespoons of PB2 powder with 1.5 tablespoons of water. You can adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired thickness, adding more for a thinner sauce or less for a thicker spread. Some users also enjoy substituting water with other liquids to enhance the flavor.

For a richer flavor: Use milk (dairy or plant-based) instead of water.
For added sweetness: A dash of honey, maple syrup, or a calorie-free sweetener can boost the taste.
For savory dishes: Try using a small amount of soy sauce or tamari, along with a bit of ginger, to create an excellent base for a peanut sauce.

Using PB2 in Recipes: Considerations and Adjustments

When you replace traditional peanut butter with PB2 in recipes, it's crucial to account for the changes in fat and moisture content. PB2 is made by pressing most of the oil from roasted peanuts, which is where the bulk of the calories and fat come from.

For Baking

In baking, the fat and moisture from traditional peanut butter are essential for texture. Without these, baked goods can become dry and crumbly.

Substitution Tips for Baking:

Replace Ratio: If a recipe calls for creamy peanut butter, rehydrate the PB2 first using the 2:1.5 ratio and then use the same volume. For example, if the recipe needs 1/2 cup of peanut butter, use 1/2 cup of reconstituted PB2 paste.
Add Moisture and Fat: To compensate for the missing fat, you might need to add a small amount of oil (like coconut or vegetable oil) or a non-fat alternative such as Greek yogurt or applesauce. This will help maintain the desired moistness.
Dry Mix Integration: For recipes like cookies or pancakes, you can also add the PB2 powder directly into the dry ingredients to boost the peanut flavor without impacting the texture significantly.

For Smoothies and Shakes

This is one of the most popular and easiest uses for PB2. The powder blends seamlessly into drinks, providing a rich peanut flavor and a protein boost without the added fat.

Instructions:

Simply add 1–2 tablespoons of PB2 powder directly to your blender with other ingredients.
Blend until smooth. The powder will dissolve completely, adding creaminess and flavor.

For Sauces, Dressings, and Dips

PB2 is a fantastic ingredient for creating healthy sauces and dips. It dissolves easily and can help thicken a sauce without adding heavy oils.

Instructions:

Whisk PB2 powder with liquids such as water, coconut milk, or broth to create a smooth, clump-free sauce base.
Use it to make a lighter version of a Thai peanut sauce for stir-fries, a marinade for chicken, or a dressing for salads.

Comparison Table: PB2 vs. Traditional Peanut Butter


Feature	PB2 (Powdered)	Traditional Peanut Butter
Calories (per 2 tbsp)	~45-50	~190
Fat (per 2 tbsp)	~1.5g	~16g
Protein (per 2 tbsp)	~5-6g	~8g
Fat Type	Very low	Primarily unsaturated
Versatility	High (spread, powder, sauce)	Limited (spread or paste)
Texture	Mixes to desired thickness	Sticky, thick consistency
Best for Baking	Requires fat/moisture adjustment	Ideal as-is

Creative Uses for PB2

Flavoring Oatmeal or Yogurt: Stir a tablespoon of PB2 powder into your morning oatmeal or Greek yogurt for a nutty flavor and extra protein without the added fat.
Frosting or Icing: Whip PB2 powder into a simple buttercream frosting or a glaze for cakes and cookies.
Protein Balls: Add PB2 powder to your energy bite or protein ball mixture for a peanut butter flavor boost.
Peanut Flour Breading: For a unique twist, use the powder as a breading for chicken or a topping for veggies.
Savory Marinades: Create a quick and easy marinade for meats by mixing PB2 with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Ice Cream Topping: Sprinkle dry PB2 powder over ice cream or yogurt for a simple and delicious garnish.

Conclusion

PB2 offers a highly versatile and health-conscious alternative to traditional peanut butter, providing a rich peanut flavor with significantly fewer calories and less fat. By understanding the correct ratios for reconstitution, especially in baking, and exploring its many uses in smoothies, sauces, and more, you can successfully incorporate PB2 into a wide range of recipes. From a simple spread to a complex sauce, mastering how to use PB2 in place of peanut butter opens up a world of lighter, healthier culinary possibilities. PB2 Foods - Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

The recommended ratio is to mix 2 tablespoons of PB2 powder with 1.5 tablespoons of water to create a peanut butter-like paste. This can be adjusted based on the desired consistency.

Yes, but with caution. Since PB2 has significantly less fat, you may need to add a small amount of oil or an ingredient like Greek yogurt or applesauce to prevent your baked goods from becoming dry.

PB2 provides a rich, concentrated peanut flavor but lacks the oily richness of traditional peanut butter. Adding a pinch of salt or a different liquid, like milk, can help enhance the taste.

You can add PB2 powder to smoothies, shakes, and oatmeal for a protein boost. It's also great for making low-fat sauces, frostings, and as an ingredient in homemade protein balls.

PB2 is significantly lower in fat and calories than traditional peanut butter, which can be beneficial for weight management. However, it also lacks the healthy fats found in regular peanut butter.

It is not recommended to mix large batches of PB2 for extended storage. The manufacturer suggests preparing it fresh as needed to maintain the best taste and texture, and to store any leftover mixed paste in the refrigerator for no more than 48 hours.

Yes, PB2 is a good source of plant-based protein. Depending on the product, you can get between 4 to 6 grams of protein per serving (13g).