Is PB2 High in Fat? The Surprising Truth About Powdered Peanut Butter

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

PB2 powdered peanut butter contains approximately 85-90% less fat than its traditional counterpart. For those wondering, is PB2 high in fat, the answer is a resounding no—it's engineered specifically as a low-fat alternative by pressing the oil out of roasted peanuts.

Quick Summary

Explore the nutritional differences between PB2 and traditional peanut butter, evaluating its much lower fat and calorie content, protein levels, and benefits for weight management.

Key Points

Low in Fat: PB2 is made by pressing most of the oil from roasted peanuts, resulting in a product with about 85-90% less fat than regular peanut butter.
Fewer Calories: A standard two-tablespoon serving of PB2 has only 60 calories, compared to approximately 190 calories in traditional peanut butter.
High in Protein: Due to the removal of fat, PB2 has a higher protein concentration by weight, making it an excellent protein booster.
Versatile Ingredient: The powder form is highly versatile and can be used in smoothies, baked goods, sauces, or rehydrated with water for a spread.
Lacks Healthy Fats: The processing removes most of the beneficial monounsaturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin E, that are found in regular peanut butter.
Added Sugar and Salt: Some versions contain a small amount of added sugar and salt to improve flavor, so checking the label is recommended for those monitoring intake.

How PB2 is Made: The Manufacturing Process

Unlike conventional peanut butter, which is made by grinding roasted peanuts into a paste, PB2 undergoes a unique process. It starts with roasted peanuts, but the key step involves pressing them to remove most of the natural, calorie-dense oils. The defatted peanuts are then ground into a fine powder. This process results in a product with a dramatically different nutritional profile, containing a fraction of the fat and calories of its traditional counterpart, while retaining much of the peanut flavor.

PB2 vs. Regular Peanut Butter: A Nutritional Showdown

To understand the difference, a direct comparison of the nutritional facts for a standard two-tablespoon serving is essential.


Nutrient	Regular Peanut Butter (approx.)	PB2 (Original)
Calories	190 kcal	60 kcal
Total Fat	16 g	1.5 g
Saturated Fat	3 g	0 g
Protein	7 g	6 g
Carbohydrates	8 g	5 g
Sugar	3 g	2 g (includes added sugar)

This table clearly illustrates that PB2 is, without a doubt, significantly lower in fat and calories. The fat content in PB2 is reduced by over 90% compared to regular peanut butter. This makes it an attractive option for people monitoring their fat intake or aiming for weight management.

The Pros and Cons of a Low-Fat Peanut Alternative

While the low-fat content is the main selling point, PB2's processing has both advantages and drawbacks that consumers should be aware of.

Benefits of PB2

Low in Fat and Calories: As proven by the nutritional data, PB2 is a low-fat, low-calorie food, making it easy to incorporate into a calorie-restricted diet.
High Protein Content (by Percentage): By weight, the protein content of PB2 is higher than that of regular peanut butter, offering a convenient way to boost protein intake without the extra fat.
Incredibly Versatile: The powdered form allows for a variety of uses beyond a simple spread. It can be mixed into smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or used in baking and sauces.
Longer Shelf Life and Easy Storage: Powdered PB2 does not require refrigeration and has a longer shelf life compared to traditional peanut butter.

Potential Drawbacks of PB2

Loss of Healthy Fats: The process of removing the oil means losing the heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that are abundant in regular peanut butter.
Missing Vitamin E: Since vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, removing the oil diminishes the product's concentration of this important antioxidant.
Different Taste and Texture: When rehydrated, PB2 can have a different, sometimes grainy, texture and a less rich flavor profile compared to creamy, full-fat peanut butter.
Potential for Added Ingredients: Some PB2 varieties, including the original flavor, contain small amounts of added sugar and salt to compensate for the flavor lost with the fats. Unsweetened options are available, but always check the label.

How to Incorporate PB2 into Your Diet

For those seeking to reduce their fat and calorie intake, PB2 offers a versatile tool. Here are some popular ways to use it:

Smoothie booster: Add a scoop to your favorite fruit or protein smoothie for a nutty flavor and protein kick.
Oatmeal upgrade: Stir into your morning oatmeal for a flavorful, low-fat breakfast.
Baking ingredient: Substitute traditional peanut butter in some baking recipes to lower the overall fat content.
Powdered topping: Sprinkle the powder directly onto popcorn or cereal for extra flavor.
Rehydrated spread: Mix with water to create a lower-calorie peanut butter paste for toast or sandwiches.

Conclusion

In summary, the notion that PB2 is high in fat is entirely false. It is specifically created to be a low-fat, low-calorie alternative to conventional peanut butter by removing most of the natural oils. While this process sacrifices some of the beneficial fats and vitamins, it offers a highly versatile ingredient for managing calorie intake and boosting protein in your diet. The choice between PB2 and traditional peanut butter comes down to individual dietary needs and preferences. For a lower-calorie, low-fat option, PB2 is an excellent choice, while regular peanut butter remains a good source of healthy fats and vitamins for those not concerned with calorie density. For more detailed information on nutrition, consult resources like the Healthline article on PB2.

Frequently Asked Questions

PB2 is made by pressing roasted peanuts to remove most of the natural oil, resulting in a low-fat powder. Regular peanut butter retains all of the peanut's natural oil, making it significantly higher in fat and calories.

Yes, PB2 can be beneficial for weight loss because it is much lower in calories and fat than traditional peanut butter. It offers peanut flavor and protein with less caloric impact, making it easier to manage calorie intake.

The healthy monounsaturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin E, are largely removed during the oil-pressing process. This means that while lower in fat, PB2 is not as rich in these specific nutrients as regular peanut butter.

When rehydrated, PB2 has a peanut flavor but a different, less creamy texture. Some describe it as slightly grainy. Some brands add sugar and salt to enhance the flavor that is lost with the fat.

Absolutely. The powdered form is excellent for adding peanut flavor to a variety of recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, sauces, and oatmeal. It can also be mixed with liquids to create dips or spreads.

Yes, PB2 is considered a processed food because it is manufactured by pressing and grinding peanuts to alter their natural state. However, it is a minimally processed option compared to many other items on the market.

The original PB2 product typically contains roasted peanuts, sugar, and salt. Other brands or varieties may have different ingredients, so checking the label is important.