What is the difference between PB2 and PB2 Pure?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Since its launch in 2007, powdered peanut butter has become a popular pantry staple for many health-conscious consumers. A common point of confusion, however, is the distinction between PB2 and PB2 Pure. The main difference is that PB2 Pure is made solely from 100% roasted peanuts, while the original PB2 formula includes added sugar and salt for flavor.

Quick Summary

PB2 Pure is a single-ingredient peanut powder with no added sugar or salt, while the original PB2 contains small amounts of added sugar and salt. Both offer a low-fat, low-calorie alternative to traditional peanut butter, but their distinct ingredient profiles affect their flavor and dietary applications.

Key Points

Ingredient Purity: PB2 Pure is made from 100% roasted peanuts, with no added sugar or salt, while original PB2 contains both.
Flavor Profile: Original PB2 has a slightly sweeter and saltier flavor, whereas PB2 Pure offers a clean, unadulterated peanut taste.
Dietary Control: PB2 Pure is ideal for those on low-sugar, low-sodium, or keto diets, as it provides flavor without added ingredients.
Versatility in Recipes: Both powders are excellent for smoothies and baking, but PB2 Pure is better suited for savory dishes or when you need strict control over ingredients.
Manufacturing Process: Both products are created by pressing most of the oil out of roasted peanuts, resulting in a low-fat, high-protein powder.

Understanding the PB2 Brand

PB2 Foods revolutionized the powdered peanut butter market by creating a healthier, lower-fat alternative to traditional peanut spreads. The process involves pressing roasted peanuts to remove most of the natural oils, resulting in a protein-rich, finely ground powder. This powder can be mixed with water to create a peanut butter-like paste, or used in its dry form for baking, smoothies, and other recipes.

Over the years, the brand has expanded its product line to cater to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. This expansion led to the creation of PB2 Pure, a product designed for consumers who prefer a simpler, all-natural option with no added sweeteners or sodium. The emergence of different PB2 varieties means consumers now have a choice depending on their taste and health goals.

The Original PB2: The Balanced Classic

The original PB2 formula is the brand's classic offering, designed to mimic the familiar taste of traditional peanut butter. It is crafted from roasted peanuts, sugar, and salt. The small amount of added sugar enhances the sweetness, while the salt brings out the roasted peanut flavor. This makes it a great all-purpose powdered peanut butter for a variety of uses, from mixing into oatmeal to rehydrating for sandwiches.

PB2 Pure: The Unsweetened and Unsalted Option

In response to consumer demand for a simpler product, PB2 Foods created PB2 Pure. As its name suggests, PB2 Pure is the brand's essence reimagined, focusing on a single ingredient: 100% all-natural roasted peanuts. This product contains no added sugar, no added salt, and no added preservatives. Its flavor is purely the unadulterated, earthy taste of roasted peanuts. This makes it an ideal choice for recipes that require a clean peanut flavor without any added sweetness or sodium, or for those monitoring their sugar and salt intake.

PB2 vs. PB2 Pure: A Side-by-Side Comparison

To highlight the key differences, here is a detailed comparison of original PB2 and PB2 Pure.


Feature	Original PB2	PB2 Pure
Ingredients	Roasted peanuts, sugar, salt	100% all-natural roasted peanuts
Added Sugar	Yes, contains a small amount of added sugar	No, contains no added sugar
Added Salt	Yes, contains a small amount of added salt	No, contains no added salt
Flavor Profile	Balanced, slightly sweet, and savory	Pure, unsweetened, and unsalted peanut flavor
Best For	Everyday use, smoothies, protein shakes, baking, and rehydrating for spreads where a classic flavor is desired.	Recipes where you want to control the sweetness and sodium levels, or for a clean, natural flavor.
Nutritional Profile	Low in fat and calories, with added sugar and salt.	Identical low-fat, low-calorie profile, but with zero added sugar and salt.
Dietary Suitability	Suitable for many diets, but contains added sugar and salt.	Excellent for low-carb, keto, or low-sodium diets.

Choosing Between PB2 and PB2 Pure

Your choice between PB2 and PB2 Pure depends largely on your personal taste preferences and dietary goals. If you enjoy the classic, slightly sweet and savory taste of traditional peanut butter and want a convenient, low-fat powder for general use, the original PB2 is a perfect fit. The added sugar and salt, while minimal, make the flavor more familiar to most palates.

On the other hand, if you are strictly managing your sugar or sodium intake, or if you prefer the unadulterated flavor of pure peanuts, PB2 Pure is the superior option. Its single-ingredient composition provides a neutral base that can be customized with other ingredients. For instance, a baker could use PB2 Pure to add peanut flavor to a cake without introducing unwanted sweetness, or a home cook could create a savory peanut sauce and control the salt level precisely.

Ultimately, both products are made using a similar, innovative process that removes most of the fat and calories from peanuts. The key distinction is in the final ingredients, which significantly impacts the taste profile and optimal use cases for each product. Consumers can easily find either product at most major retailers or online via sources like PB2 Foods.

Versatility in the Kitchen

Both PB2 and PB2 Pure are highly versatile in the kitchen due to their powdered form. They offer the flavor of peanuts without the high fat content, and can be used in a number of applications:

Smoothies and Shakes: Both powders blend smoothly into shakes and smoothies, providing a boost of protein and peanut flavor.
Baking: The powders can be added to recipes for cookies, muffins, and breads. PB2 Pure allows for more control over the sugar and salt content in baked goods.
Sauces and Dressings: Mix with a liquid like water, oil, or vinegar to create a light and flavorful sauce or salad dressing.
Oatmeal and Yogurt: Sprinkle the powder directly into your breakfast for a nutty flavor and added protein.
Savory Dishes: Use PB2 Pure in savory applications like satay sauce or curries where added sugar is not desired.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between PB2 and PB2 Pure is straightforward: the original PB2 includes added sugar and salt for a classic flavor, while PB2 Pure is a single-ingredient product of 100% roasted peanuts. Both provide a lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to traditional peanut butter, but PB2 Pure offers more control for those managing their intake of sugar and sodium. Whether you choose the original or the pure version depends on your specific dietary needs and desired flavor profile for your recipes. By knowing the distinction, you can make an informed choice that best suits your healthy eating goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

From an ingredient standpoint, PB2 Pure is healthier because it contains no added sugar or salt. However, both are low-calorie and low-fat alternatives to traditional peanut butter. The 'healthier' option depends on your specific dietary needs, such as managing sugar or sodium intake.

PB2 Pure's flavor is purely that of roasted peanuts, which some may find less intense than the classic PB2. It is not bland, but its flavor is more natural and unsweetened. The taste is perfect for those who want to control the sweetness and saltiness of their recipes.

For most recipes, you can use them interchangeably, but be mindful of the added sugar and salt in the original PB2. If a recipe needs a purely savory peanut flavor, or if you plan to add your own sweetener and salt, PB2 Pure is the better choice.

Yes, according to the manufacturer, both PB2 and PB2 Pure are certified vegan, gluten-free, and kosher, making them suitable for a wide variety of dietary preferences.

The calorie count for a serving is typically the same for both original PB2 and PB2 Pure, as the caloric difference from the minimal added sugar and salt is negligible. The primary difference is the ingredient list, not the overall calorie count per serving.

You can use PB2 Pure just like the original, but with the freedom to add your own seasonings. For a spread, mix with water to achieve the desired consistency. For recipes, use it as a base and add sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave, and salt to taste, depending on your preference.

Both products are widely available. You can purchase them at major grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers like Amazon. You can also buy directly from the official PB2 Foods website.