What food group is peanut butter in MyPlate?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA's MyPlate, a single tablespoon of peanut butter is counted as a 1-ounce equivalent in the Protein Foods Group. This common spread, made from a legume, is a versatile and nutrient-dense addition to a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

Peanut butter is part of the Protein Foods Group on the MyPlate model. The article clarifies this classification, detailing its nutritional profile and how to incorporate it into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Protein Foods Group: On the MyPlate model, peanut butter is classified in the Protein Foods Group, alongside meat, poultry, beans, and nuts.
Serving Size Equivalent: One tablespoon of peanut butter is equivalent to one ounce of protein in MyPlate guidelines, helping to track daily intake.
Botanical vs. Nutritional: Peanuts are botanically legumes, but their nutritional profile is closer to that of nuts, leading to their Protein Group classification.
Nutrient Dense: Peanut butter offers a combination of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E and magnesium.
Moderation is Key: Despite its nutritional benefits, peanut butter is calorie-dense due to its fat content, so consuming it in moderation is important for a balanced diet.
Versatile Ingredient: It can be incorporated into various meals and snacks, from smoothies and oatmeal to savory sauces and simple pairings with fruit.

Understanding the MyPlate Model and Food Groups

MyPlate, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the current dietary guideline that replaced the traditional food pyramid in 2011. It serves as a visual guide to help consumers make healthier food choices and build a balanced plate at mealtime. MyPlate divides foods into five essential groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, and Dairy. This system categorizes foods based on their primary nutritional contributions, which is key to understanding where peanut butter fits in.

Where Peanut Butter Sits: The Protein Foods Group

Despite its botanical classification as a legume (more on this below), peanut butter is placed in the Protein Foods Group of the MyPlate model. This group includes foods from both animal and plant sources, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, seeds, and nuts. The categorization is based on peanut butter's significant protein content, which is a major nutritional component. A two-tablespoon serving of natural peanut butter can provide approximately 7 to 8 grams of protein, making it a valuable plant-based protein source.

The Dual Role of Peanut Butter: Protein and Healthy Fats

While categorized primarily for its protein, it is important to recognize that peanut butter is also a rich source of healthy fats. It is composed of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which contribute to its higher calorie density. This combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber is what makes peanut butter particularly satiating and can help with appetite control. However, this is also why moderation and serving size are important considerations when adding it to your diet.

How to Count Peanut Butter with MyPlate

For dietary planning, MyPlate provides specific serving size equivalents. For nuts and seeds like peanuts, the general recommendation is that 1 tablespoon of peanut butter counts as a 1-ounce equivalent in the Protein Foods Group. This is different from the serving size you might find on a product's nutritional label, which typically defines a serving as two tablespoons. This distinction helps in managing overall intake within the MyPlate framework. For comparison, a 1-ounce equivalent in the Protein Foods Group could also be 1 ounce of lean meat, 1/4 cup of cooked beans, or 1/2 ounce of nuts or seeds.

Peanuts: A Botanical Legume, a Culinary Nut

One of the most common points of confusion surrounding peanut butter's classification is the nature of the peanut itself. Botanically, peanuts are legumes, a family of plants that also includes beans, lentils, and peas. Unlike tree nuts, peanuts grow underground. However, from a culinary and nutritional standpoint, peanuts are often treated similarly to tree nuts due to their similar nutritional profile and use in foods. This is why MyPlate places them in the same Protein Foods Group as other nuts and seeds, despite their botanical identity.

Comparison of Protein Foods on MyPlate


Protein Source	MyPlate 1-oz. Equivalent	Primary Nutrient Focus	Additional Nutrients	Cautions
Peanut Butter	1 tablespoon	Protein	Healthy fats, fiber, vitamins (B6, E), minerals (magnesium)	High in calories, can have added sugar/oils
Chicken Breast (Lean)	1 ounce	Protein	Iron, B vitamins	Lower in fat, but no fiber
Black Beans	1/4 cup cooked	Protein, Fiber	Folate, iron, magnesium	Can also count towards the Vegetable Group
Almonds	1/2 ounce	Protein	Healthy fats, vitamin E	High in calories, can be expensive
Eggs	1 egg	Protein	Vitamin D, choline, saturated fat	Saturated fat content

Creative Ways to Use Peanut Butter in a Balanced Diet

Breakfast Boost: Stir a tablespoon into oatmeal or yogurt for added protein and healthy fats.
Healthy Snack: Pair a small serving with apple or banana slices, celery sticks, or whole-grain crackers.
Smoothie Ingredient: Add a tablespoon to your morning smoothie for a protein and nutrient bump.
Savory Sauces: Use peanut butter as a base for savory sauces, like a peanut sauce for noodles or chicken.
DIY Energy Bites: Mix with oats, honey, and seeds for a quick, homemade snack.

Conclusion

For those following the MyPlate guidelines, peanut butter is clearly classified as a member of the Protein Foods Group. While its unique botanical status as a legume and its significant fat content can lead to confusion, its protein contribution is the key determinant for its placement. By understanding the correct MyPlate serving equivalent—1 tablespoon counts as 1 ounce of protein—consumers can effectively incorporate this nutrient-rich food into a balanced and healthy diet. Enjoying peanut butter in moderation and choosing natural varieties with minimal added sugar and oils are the best ways to maximize its health benefits.

For more detailed information on serving sizes and dietary recommendations, visit the official MyPlate website, an authoritative source on the subject.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the MyPlate model, peanut butter is categorized within the Protein Foods Group, primarily due to its significant protein content. While it is also a source of healthy fats, its classification is based on its role as a protein source.

Botanically, a peanut is a legume, belonging to the same family as beans and peas. However, from a culinary and nutritional perspective, it is often grouped with nuts due to its similar composition and use.

For MyPlate purposes, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter is considered a 1-ounce equivalent from the Protein Foods Group.

For MyPlate, both creamy and crunchy peanut butter are in the Protein Foods Group. However, for a healthier choice, natural peanut butter with minimal or no added sugars and oils is recommended.

No, for the purpose of the MyPlate model, peanuts and peanut butter are counted exclusively within the Protein Foods Group. While beans and peas can sometimes count in both the Protein and Vegetable groups, peanuts are not typically treated this way.

No, peanut butter is not a complete protein on its own as it lacks the essential amino acid methionine. However, it is high in lysine and can be combined with other foods like grains, oats, or seeds throughout the day to form a complete protein.

While peanut butter does contain some saturated fat, it is predominantly made up of heart-healthy unsaturated fats. For a 2-tablespoon serving, the majority of the fat content is unsaturated.