What is peanut butter powder made of?

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Containing up to 85% less fat than traditional spreads, what is peanut butter powder made of is a question many health-conscious consumers are asking. It is a versatile, low-calorie alternative created from roasted peanuts with most of their oil removed, retaining the rich, nutty flavor many people love.

Quick Summary

Peanut butter powder is made by pressing roasted peanuts to extract most of the oil, leaving behind the defatted peanut solids, which are then ground into a fine powder.

Key Points

Core Ingredient: Peanut butter powder is primarily made from roasted peanuts.
Oil Extraction: Most of the oil is pressed out of the peanuts during processing, significantly lowering the fat and calorie content.
Common Additives: Many commercial brands add ingredients like sugar and salt for flavor, though 100% peanut versions exist.
High in Protein: Because the fat is largely removed, the powder has a higher concentration of protein per gram compared to traditional peanut butter.
Versatile Use: It can be reconstituted with water or used directly in recipes like smoothies, sauces, and baked goods.
Shelf-Stable: The low fat and moisture content give it a long shelf life without requiring refrigeration.

The Core Ingredient: Roasted Peanuts

At its most basic, peanut butter powder is made from just one ingredient: peanuts. The process begins with high-quality roasted peanuts, which are essential for developing the deep, nutty flavor that the final product is known for. This flavor is a result of chemical reactions, like the Maillard reaction, that occur during roasting. Some premium or organic brands market their products as containing only 100% peanuts, appealing to consumers who prefer a product free of additives. For these versions, the process is straightforward, focusing on the mechanical extraction of oil and subsequent grinding.

The Pressing and Grinding Process

The critical step in creating peanut butter powder involves removing the vast majority of the oil from the roasted peanuts. This is typically done using a mechanical press, which squeezes the oil out of the nuts, leaving a dry, crumbly mass known as defatted peanut solids. This process is what significantly reduces the fat and calorie content compared to traditional peanut butter. The leftover solids are then dried and milled into the fine, shelf-stable powder that can be stored without refrigeration for a long time. This process is a byproduct of peanut oil manufacturing, making efficient use of the leftover peanut material.

Common Additives in Peanut Butter Powder

While some brands use only peanuts, many popular varieties include additional ingredients to enhance flavor and texture. These are often added to compensate for the flavor lost with the fat removal.

Sugar or Sweeteners: A small amount of sugar, such as cane sugar or organic coconut palm sugar, is often added to balance the flavor. Some brands also offer sugar-free versions, sweetened with alternatives like monk fruit or stevia, to cater to those on low-sugar diets.
Salt: Salt is a standard addition that helps to enhance the natural flavor of the peanuts.
Stabilizers: In some versions, stabilizers or maltodextrin may be used to prevent clumping and ensure the powder mixes smoothly with liquids.

It is important for consumers to check the nutritional information and ingredient list on the product packaging, as the composition can vary significantly between brands.

Peanut Butter Powder vs. Traditional Peanut Butter

To truly understand the difference, a comparison of the nutritional profiles and composition is essential.


Feature	Peanut Butter Powder	Traditional Peanut Butter
Core Ingredient	Roasted, pressed peanuts	Ground roasted peanuts
Fat Content	Significantly lower (up to 85% less)	High (approx. 16g per 2 tbsp)
Calories	Much lower (approx. 45-60 per 2 tbsp)	High (approx. 190 per 2 tbsp)
Protein Content	Similar, but often higher concentration by weight due to fat reduction	Comparable protein content
Consistency	Powder; mixes with liquid for paste	Thick, creamy paste
Added Ingredients	Often includes sugar and salt	May contain added oils, sugar, and stabilizers
Versatility	Excellent for smoothies, baking, sauces	Great for spreading and baking

Why Use Peanut Butter Powder?

The versatility of peanut butter powder makes it a valuable pantry staple, especially for those with specific dietary goals.

Lower Calorie Alternative: For those managing their weight, swapping traditional peanut butter for the powdered version can save a significant number of calories without sacrificing flavor.
Higher Protein Per Calorie: Since most of the fat is removed, the remaining protein and fiber are more concentrated, making it an excellent way to boost protein intake.
Extended Shelf Life: Due to its low moisture and fat content, the powder has a longer shelf life and does not require refrigeration.
Mixes Easily: The powdered form blends seamlessly into liquids for smoothies, sauces, and batters, eliminating the separation issues common with natural peanut butter.

A Note on Nutritional Differences

While powdered peanut butter is lower in calories and fat, it's important to recognize that some of the beneficial nutrients found in the peanut's oils are also removed. These include heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E. For most people, a balanced diet can compensate for this, but for some, the richer nutritional profile of traditional peanut butter may be preferable depending on their overall diet. The choice depends on individual dietary needs and preferences, weighing the benefits of lower calories and higher protein per serving against the loss of healthy fats and certain vitamins.

Conclusion

In essence, what is peanut butter powder made of is a simple but clever adaptation of a beloved classic. By pressing roasted peanuts to remove the oil and then grinding the defatted solids, manufacturers create a product that delivers the unmistakable peanut flavor with a fraction of the calories and fat. This makes it a highly versatile and health-conscious alternative for use in a wide range of culinary applications, from smoothies to baking. Whether you choose a 100% peanut version or one with added salt and sweeteners, understanding the process and ingredients empowers you to make the best choice for your dietary needs. For more details on the pros and cons, see the breakdown on Healthline's article on powdered peanut butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peanut butter powder is made by roasting peanuts, pressing them to remove most of the oil, and then grinding the resulting defatted peanut solids into a fine powder.

Yes, it can be a healthy option, especially for those monitoring their calorie or fat intake. It provides a good source of protein and fiber with significantly less fat and fewer calories than traditional peanut butter.

Common uses include mixing it into smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, baked goods, sauces, and dressings. It can also be mixed with water to create a low-fat peanut butter spread.

While both are made from defatted peanuts, peanut flour is typically ground finer with more oil removed, intended primarily as a high-protein, gluten-free flour for baking, whereas peanut butter powder is designed to be reconstituted into a spread.

You can reconstitute it by mixing it with water or another liquid. A common ratio is 2 tablespoons of powder to 1.5 tablespoons of water, but this can be adjusted for your desired consistency.

No, thanks to its low moisture and fat content, it is shelf-stable and doesn't require refrigeration. Storing it in a cool, dry place is recommended.

While it is possible to make a version at home by blending roasted peanuts and removing some oil, the industrial process of pressing the oil out is difficult to replicate. Most people opt for commercial varieties.