What Peanut Butter Has the Highest Protein?

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to sources, Skippy Protein peanut butter is a widely available option offering 10 grams of protein per 2-tablespoon serving, making it one of the highest protein options in many grocery stores. The question of what peanut butter has the highest protein has become increasingly common among health-conscious consumers looking to maximize their intake.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of protein content in various peanut butter products, from standard commercial options to specialty and powdered varieties, detailing how different processing methods impact nutrition for fitness and weight management.

Key Points

Enhanced Brands Have More Protein: Specialty products like Skippy Protein offer 10g of protein per 2-tablespoon serving by blending in additional protein sources.
Powdered PB Offers Best Protein-to-Calorie Ratio: Powdered options such as PB2 contain significantly less fat and fewer calories per serving while still delivering a good amount of protein.
Natural PB Has Less Protein: Standard natural peanut butter typically has around 8g of protein per 2-tablespoon serving, which is lower than enhanced or powdered varieties.
Read Labels for Added Ingredients: Many popular brands add sugar, salt, and extra oils, so it is important to check the nutritional information based on your health goals.
Match PB to Your Goals: For muscle building, enhanced spreads are great, while powdered options are better for weight loss and calorie reduction.
Peanut Butter is a Balanced Nutrient Source: In addition to protein, it provides healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a satiating and beneficial food in moderation.

Understanding the Baseline: Protein in Standard Peanut Butter

Before diving into high-protein options, it's helpful to know what constitutes a standard amount. A typical 2-tablespoon serving (32 grams) of natural peanut butter provides around 8 grams of protein. While this is a respectable amount for a plant-based food, manufacturers have developed specialized products to increase this number for consumers prioritizing protein intake. It's also worth noting that peanut butter is a fat-rich food, so a high-protein option will likely also be high in calories unless it's a reduced-fat or powdered variety.

Leading Brands for High-Protein Peanut Butter

When comparing products explicitly marketed for their protein content, a few brands consistently stand out from the crowd. These products often blend standard peanut butter with additional protein sources, such as whey or pea protein, to boost the nutritional profile.

Top High-Protein Contenders

Skippy Protein: This brand offers a variety of creamy and chunky protein-enhanced peanut butters. Its products contain 10 grams of protein per 2-tablespoon serving, which is a significant increase over their regular line.
Pintola and Alpino: Popular in other markets, these brands also provide a robust 10 grams of protein per serving, competing directly with major American brands like Skippy.
American Dream Nut Butter: This company specializes in a wide array of flavored and high-protein nut butters, using added protein powders to achieve higher content.

The Rise of Powdered Peanut Butter

For those seeking the absolute highest protein-to-calorie ratio, powdered peanut butter is the clear winner. Products like PB2 are made by pressing roasted peanuts to remove most of the oil, resulting in a low-fat, low-calorie powder that is high in protein. This powder can be mixed with water to form a paste or added to smoothies and recipes.

Why choose powdered?

High Protein, Low Calorie: Two tablespoons of PB2 Original contain just 60 calories and 6 grams of protein, a much higher protein-to-calorie density than traditional peanut butter.
Less Fat: With the oil removed, powdered options drastically cut down on fat content, which is beneficial for those monitoring their calorie and fat intake.
Versatility: The powder form makes it easy to incorporate into a wide variety of meals and snacks for a protein boost, from oatmeal and smoothies to baking recipes.

Nutritional Comparison of Peanut Butter Varieties

To illustrate the differences, the table below compares the nutritional information for a standard 2-tablespoon serving of several peanut butter options.


Type of Peanut Butter	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Calories	Key Features
Standard Natural PB	~8	~16	~190	Whole food ingredients, includes healthy fats
High-Protein Enhanced	~10	~16	~190	Extra protein added, similar calorie count
Powdered Peanut Butter (PB2 Original)	~6	~1.5	~60	Most fat removed, significantly fewer calories
Santa Cruz Natural	~9	~17	~200	Often high quality, natural ingredients only

Finding the Right Peanut Butter for Your Goals

Choosing the best high-protein peanut butter depends heavily on your individual health and fitness objectives. For example, athletes looking for a calorie-dense spread with extra protein for muscle building might prefer an enhanced variety like Skippy Protein, which offers a balance of fat and protein. Individuals focused on weight loss or reducing overall calorie and fat intake may find powdered peanut butter to be the superior choice. For those who prefer a more natural product with no added ingredients but still want solid protein, options like Santa Cruz offer a strong profile. Ultimately, always check the nutrition label for added sugars, oils, and other ingredients, as these can vary significantly between brands and impact overall health benefits.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Needs

Ultimately, the answer to what peanut butter has the highest protein isn't a single brand but depends on the type of product. For the highest absolute protein content from a jarred spread, enhanced versions like Skippy Protein are excellent. For the most protein with the fewest calories, powdered peanut butter like PB2 is the clear winner. By understanding your own nutritional needs and the differences in product formulations, you can make an informed decision to find the perfect protein-packed spread.

For more information on the overall health benefits of peanut butter, you can read this article from Healthline detailing its nutritional aspects: Is Peanut Butter Bad for You?.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among mainstream, store-bought brands, Skippy Protein peanut butter (creamy and chunky) offers one of the highest protein counts, at 10 grams per 2-tablespoon serving. Specialty brands like American Dream Nut Butter also feature high protein content.

Yes, on a protein-per-calorie basis, powdered peanut butter is much higher in protein. By removing most of the fat, products like PB2 deliver a significant amount of protein with fewer calories compared to traditional peanut butter.

A standard 2-tablespoon serving of natural peanut butter, which is made from just peanuts and sometimes salt, contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

The protein content between chunky and smooth peanut butter is nearly identical. Any difference is negligible and usually based on slight variations in processing, not a significant health advantage for either variety.

High-protein peanut butter can aid weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness and satiety due to its combination of protein, fat, and fiber. However, it is calorie-dense, so portion control is key. Powdered peanut butter offers a lower-calorie alternative.

Peanut butter is not a complete protein because it lacks the essential amino acid methionine. However, it is rich in lysine and can be combined with other protein sources, like grains or seeds, to create a complete protein meal.

Yes, many brands produce high-protein nut butters from almonds, cashews, and other nuts, often fortified with protein powder. Brands like American Dream Nut Butter offer a wide selection of different nut butter options.