What Are Good Snacks with Peanut Butter? 20+ Delicious Ideas

According to nutrition experts, a single serving of peanut butter can pack a powerful protein punch, making it a beloved snack base for millions. If you're wondering what are good snacks with peanut butter, the possibilities range from sweet to savory and simple to sophisticated, providing a boost of energy and satisfying your cravings.

Quick Summary

Explore over 20 easy and delicious ideas for snacks with peanut butter. Find pairings with fruits, vegetables, crackers, and recipes for homemade protein bites to satisfy any craving and keep you energized.

Key Points

• Classic Fruit Pairings: Enjoy peanut butter with apples, bananas, or pears for a timeless and easy sweet snack.

• Crunchy Vegetable Dippers: For a savory option, pair peanut butter with celery or carrots, or try bell pepper strips.

• Easy Homemade Energy Bites: Create satisfying, high-protein snacks by mixing peanut butter with oats and honey, perfect for on-the-go.

• Versatile Protein Source: Boost your yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothie by stirring in a spoonful of peanut butter for extra protein and flavor.

• Savory & Spicy Twists: Experiment with savory combinations like dipping pretzels in peanut butter or adding it to a spicy Thai-inspired dip for vegetables.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Many peanut butter snacks, like energy bites and protein bars, can be made in batches and stored for convenient access.

• Customizable Snacks: Easily adjust recipes and pairings with peanut butter to match your dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Classic Fruit and Vegetable Pairings

One of the simplest and most timeless ways to enjoy peanut butter is by pairing it with fresh produce. The combination of creamy, nutty flavor with the natural sweetness or crunch of fruits and vegetables is unbeatable. These options are not only quick and easy but also provide a balance of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and fiber.

Fruit Options for Dipping

• Apple Slices: The crisp, tart flavor of a green apple or the sweeter taste of a red apple perfectly complements creamy or crunchy peanut butter. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note.
• Banana Slices: For a naturally sweet and energy-boosting treat, dip banana slices directly into peanut butter. For a frozen delight, freeze banana slices on a baking sheet and then dip them in melted peanut butter and sprinkle with crushed nuts or seeds.
• Pear Slices: Pears offer a softer, juicier alternative to apples, creating a unique texture contrast with peanut butter.
• Fig Wedges: For a more indulgent and sweet option, dried or fresh figs with a dollop of peanut butter offer a delicious pairing.

Vegetable Options for Dipping

• Celery Sticks (Ants on a Log): A nostalgic classic, celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins are a fiber-rich and satisfying snack.
• Baby Carrots: The slightly sweet crunch of baby carrots is a fantastic vessel for a savory peanut butter dip.
• Bell Pepper Strips: Red, yellow, or orange bell pepper strips dipped in peanut butter offer a sweet, crunchy, and colorful snack.

Creative and Quick Peanut Butter Snacks

Beyond basic dipping, peanut butter's versatility allows for countless other quick snack creations that can be assembled in minutes.

Simple Snack Upgrades

• Toasted Rice Cakes: Spread peanut butter on a plain or lightly salted rice cake and top with honey, chia seeds, or sliced fruit for a satisfyingly crunchy snack.
• Yogurt Swirl: Mix a tablespoon of peanut butter into a cup of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a protein-packed and creamy snack. Add a handful of berries for extra flavor.
• Oatmeal Booster: Stir a spoonful of peanut butter into a bowl of warm oatmeal to add richness and a dose of healthy fats and protein, perfect for a mid-morning energy boost.
• Protein Smoothie: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to your favorite protein smoothie recipe for a richer flavor and extra protein kick.

Homemade High-Protein Peanut Butter Recipes

For those seeking a more substantial, meal-prep-friendly snack, homemade recipes are the perfect solution. These are great for post-workout fuel or to tide you over between meals.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites

These simple bites are perfect for on-the-go snacking and can be made in a large batch for the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds
• A pinch of cinnamon
• Optional: Mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients until a dough forms.
2. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Peanut Butter Protein Bars

For a more structured bar, this recipe is great for an instant protein boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup ground almonds or almond flour

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together until a thick dough forms.
2. Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking dish.
3. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into bars.

Savory Twists with Peanut Butter

While often associated with sweet flavors, peanut butter can also create exciting savory snacks. Think beyond the classic PB&J.

Savory Snack Creations

• Peanut Butter on Pretzels: The classic combination of sweet and salty is elevated when you dip crunchy pretzels into smooth peanut butter for an addictive snack.
• Spicy Peanut Sauce: Whisk together peanut butter with a little soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, and a dash of Sriracha. Use this as a dip for carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or sugar snap peas.
• Peanut Butter Toast with a Twist: Spread peanut butter on toast and top with sriracha, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, or a drizzle of chili oil for a savory kick.

Sweet vs. Savory Peanut Butter Snacks

To help you decide what snack to make, consider the different benefits of sweet and savory options.

Feature	Sweet Snacks	Savory Snacks
Flavor Profile	Classic, often dessert-like	Unexpected, exciting, more complex
Energy Source	Quick energy from natural sugars	Sustained energy from protein and fat
Preparation Time	Often very quick and simple	Can be quick, or slightly more involved
Perfect For	Satisfying a sweet tooth, pre-workout boost	Post-workout recovery, mid-afternoon cravings
Example	Banana slices, yogurt swirl	Celery sticks, savory dip

Conclusion

Peanut butter’s enduring popularity stems from its incredible versatility. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, savory, crunchy, or creamy, there is a peanut butter snack for every occasion. From the timeless combination with apples and celery to homemade protein bites and adventurous savory dips, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with these ideas to find your perfect match, and discover just how easy and delicious healthy snacking can be. Find more high-protein food ideas on My Food Data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is peanut butter on fruit a healthy snack?

Yes, peanut butter on fruit is generally considered a healthy snack. It combines the healthy fats and protein from peanut butter with the vitamins, minerals, and fiber from fruit, creating a balanced and satisfying option.

How can I make a quick peanut butter dip?

To make a quick dip, simply mix peanut butter with a little Greek yogurt, honey, or maple syrup. For a creamier texture, you can also add a splash of milk and whisk until smooth.

What vegetables go well with peanut butter?

Celery and carrots are classic vegetable pairings that go well with peanut butter. The refreshing crunch of the vegetables provides a great contrast to the creamy nut butter.

Are there low-sugar peanut butter snack options?

Yes. To make a low-sugar snack, choose a natural peanut butter with no added sugar. Pair it with unsweetened foods like celery, plain rice cakes, or stir it into plain Greek yogurt.

How can I make peanut butter snacks for kids?

Kids often enjoy fun snacks like 'ants on a log' (celery with peanut butter and raisins), peanut butter and jelly pinwheels, or fruit skewers with banana and strawberry slices dipped in peanut butter.

What are some high-protein peanut butter snacks?

High-protein options include no-bake energy balls made with oats, protein powder, and flax seeds. You can also mix peanut butter into protein shakes or high-protein Greek yogurt.

How should I store homemade peanut butter snacks?

Most homemade peanut butter snacks, such as energy bites or protein bars, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture for several days to a week.