What's the Difference Between PB2 and PB2 Pure?

PB2's powdered peanut butter contains significantly less fat and calories than traditional peanut butter, but a key distinction exists between its two main variants. While both offer a convenient, low-fat alternative, understanding the specific differences between PB2 and PB2 pure is essential for making the right choice for your nutritional and flavor needs.

Quick Summary

PB2 contains added sugar and salt for a balanced flavor, whereas PB2 Pure is a single-ingredient product made from 100% roasted peanuts without any additives.

Key Points

• Ingredients: PB2 Original contains peanuts, sugar, and salt, while PB2 Pure contains only 100% roasted peanuts.

• Additives: PB2 Pure has no added sugar, salt, or preservatives, making it a 'clean label' option.

• Flavor Profile: PB2 Original offers a familiar, balanced sweet and salty taste, whereas PB2 Pure has a more neutral, straightforward peanut flavor.

• Dietary Control: PB2 Pure provides complete control over added sugar and sodium, making it ideal for managing blood sugar or following low-sodium diets.

• Versatility: Both can be rehydrated or used in recipes, but PB2 Pure's unseasoned nature makes it more versatile for customizable and savory dishes.

The world of powdered peanut butter has grown significantly, offering a versatile ingredient for smoothies, baking, and rehydrating into a spread. PB2 Foods, a leader in the space, offers two primary options: the original PB2 and the newer PB2 Pure. Both are created by pressing most of the natural oils out of roasted peanuts, resulting in a low-fat, high-protein powder. The critical differences, however, lie in the added ingredients, nutritional profile, and taste.

Ingredient Breakdown

The most significant distinction between the two products is their ingredient list. This difference dictates their flavor profile and nutritional content, directly impacting which option is best for your dietary goals.

PB2 Original Ingredients

PB2 Original is made with just three simple, minimally processed ingredients: roasted peanuts, sugar, and salt. The small amounts of sugar and salt are added to enhance the flavor and mimic the sweet and savory taste people expect from classic peanut butter. For many, this provides a more satisfying and familiar flavor profile compared to unseasoned peanut powder.

PB2 Pure Ingredients

As its name suggests, PB2 Pure is an ultra-simple product. It contains a single ingredient: 100% all-natural roasted peanuts. There is no added sugar, no added salt, and no preservatives, making it a truly 'clean label' option for those who want nothing but pure peanut flavor. This makes it ideal for anyone managing sodium intake, blood sugar, or simply preferring to avoid any added ingredients.

Nutritional Comparison

Because the base of both products is the same (roasted peanuts with reduced oil), their core nutritional stats are very similar. However, the added sugar and salt in the original create slight but important differences in the final nutritional makeup.

Feature	PB2 Original	PB2 Pure
Ingredients	Roasted peanuts, sugar, salt	100% Roasted peanuts
Added Sugar	Yes (small amount)	No
Added Salt	Yes (small amount)	No
Typical User	Enjoys balanced, sweet/salty flavor	Wants pure, unadulterated peanut flavor
Dietary Focus	General use, lower fat/calories	Strict sugar/sodium control, clean label
Best For	Spreads, sauces, baked goods	Unseasoned recipes, customizable flavor

For a standard two-tablespoon serving, the caloric and protein content are often identical, with both offering around 60 calories and 6 grams of plant-based protein. The main nutritional variance comes from the added sodium and sugar in the original PB2, which are absent in PB2 Pure. This difference is especially relevant for those following low-sodium or sugar-conscious diets, such as a ketogenic or general clean-eating plan.

Taste and Texture Profile

The ingredients directly impact the sensory experience of each product when rehydrated.

• PB2 Original: This version has a well-balanced, natural, slightly sweet, and salty taste. When mixed with water, it forms a creamy, spreadable paste. The texture is consistent and the flavor is robust, making it a familiar and satisfying substitute for regular peanut butter.
• PB2 Pure: With no added sugar or salt, PB2 Pure offers an unadulterated, straightforward peanut flavor. Some users describe this taste as more neutral or bland, which is intentional. This lack of seasoning makes it a blank canvas for customizing recipes. The texture is also smooth when rehydrated, with the consistency fully in the user's control by adjusting the water ratio.

Best Uses for Each Product

Your culinary goals can help determine which powdered peanut butter is the better fit.

Choose PB2 Original for:

• Classic Spreads: If you primarily use powdered peanut butter as a traditional spread for toast, sandwiches, or apples, the pre-seasoned flavor provides a quick and easy-to-use option. No extra steps are needed.
• Sweet and Savory Sauces: For recipes that benefit from a hint of sweetness and salt, like a pad thai sauce or a peanut dipping sauce, the pre-mixed flavor ensures a balanced result without needing to add extra seasonings.
• Smoothies: The added sugar in PB2 Original can help round out the flavor of a smoothie, especially if you are not using other sweeteners.

Choose PB2 Pure for:

• Customizable Flavor Profiles: If you prefer to control the exact amount of sweetener and salt in your recipes, PB2 Pure is the perfect choice. You can add honey, maple syrup, or specific seasonings to match your dish exactly.
• Low-Sodium or Sugar-Free Diets: For anyone adhering to strict dietary protocols that limit added sodium or sugar, PB2 Pure is the only option that meets these criteria.
• Baking: When a recipe calls for peanut powder but you need to manage the sugar content, PB2 Pure gives you the freedom to incorporate peanut flavor without the extra sweetness. This is particularly useful in baking for keto or diabetic-friendly recipes.
• Savory Dishes: In recipes where you want a clean, savory peanut flavor without any sweetness, like in many Asian or African cuisines, PB2 Pure is the natural and superior choice.

Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, the choice between PB2 and PB2 Pure depends on your personal taste preferences and dietary needs. If you enjoy the classic, slightly sweet and salty peanut butter taste and don't mind the minimal added ingredients, the original PB2 offers convenience and flavor. However, if you are looking for the purest possible peanut powder with no additives, or if you need complete control over your sugar and sodium intake, PB2 Pure is the clear winner. The single-ingredient focus of PB2 Pure is what truly sets it apart, offering a clean label advantage for health-conscious consumers.

For more information on all PB2 products and how they are made, visit the official PB2 Foods website. PB2 Foods Official Site

Conclusion

While both powdered peanut butters offer similar convenience and low-fat benefits, the core difference lies in their ingredients. PB2 Original adds sugar and salt for a classic taste, while PB2 Pure is a one-ingredient, no-additive product. For general, balanced flavor, Original PB2 works well. For strict dietary control or customizable, unseasoned peanut flavor, PB2 Pure is the superior choice. This fundamental difference caters to different user preferences, allowing you to select the best product for your specific health and culinary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PB2 Pure healthier than PB2 Original?

For those specifically avoiding added sugar and salt, PB2 Pure is healthier as it contains only one ingredient: roasted peanuts. Both have similar calorie and fat reductions compared to traditional peanut butter, but PB2 Pure offers a 'cleaner' ingredient profile.

Can I use PB2 Pure in the same recipes as PB2 Original?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the recipe. Because PB2 Pure has no added sugar or salt, you may need to add your own sweeteners or seasonings to achieve the desired flavor in some recipes that rely on the balanced taste of PB2 Original.

Does PB2 Pure taste like regular peanut butter?

When rehydrated, PB2 Pure has a pure, unadulterated peanut flavor without the sweetness or saltiness found in most traditional peanut butters or PB2 Original. Its taste can be described as more neutral.

Which powdered peanut butter is better for weight loss?

Both PB2 and PB2 Pure are low-fat, low-calorie alternatives to traditional peanut butter. For weight loss, the most important factor is overall calorie intake. Since both have similar calorie counts per serving, the 'better' option is a matter of personal dietary needs and flavor preference.

Is PB2 Pure the same as peanut flour?

PB2 Pure is essentially peanut flour, as it consists of ground peanuts from which most of the oil has been pressed. The term 'peanut powder' is also commonly used to describe it.

Are PB2 Original and PB2 Pure both gluten-free and vegan?

Yes, both PB2 Original and PB2 Pure are gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and non-GMO, catering to a wide variety of dietary preferences.

Why did PB2 Foods create a 'Pure' version?

PB2 Foods developed PB2 Pure in response to consumer demand for a cleaner label product without any added sugar, salt, or preservatives. It caters to those who prefer complete control over their ingredients.

Does PB2 Pure cost more than the original PB2?

Pricing can vary depending on the retailer and package size. Generally, the two products are priced similarly. For accurate, up-to-date pricing, it is best to check specific online stores or local retailers.