Why is PB2 so low in calories?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturers, PB2 powdered peanut butter has up to 90% less fat and 70% fewer calories than its traditional counterpart. The reason why PB2 is so low in calories is directly related to its manufacturing process, which removes most of the fat—the most significant source of calories in regular peanut butter.

Quick Summary

The calorie difference between PB2 and traditional peanut butter stems from the oil pressing process during manufacturing. This process extracts most of the fat, leaving behind a protein-rich peanut powder with a fraction of the calories. The resulting product is a versatile, low-calorie option for those seeking the flavor of peanut butter without the added fats. Manufacturers then add minimal sugar and salt for flavor.

Key Points

Oil Extraction: PB2 is low in calories because the majority of fat, the most calorie-dense component, is pressed out of the peanuts during manufacturing.
Reduced Fat Content: The oil removal results in up to 90% less fat and 70% fewer calories compared to regular peanut butter.
Macronutrient Density: Fat contains 9 calories per gram, versus 4 calories per gram for protein and carbs, explaining the significant calorie drop when fat is removed.
Protein Rich: Despite the lower calorie count, PB2 maintains a high protein content, making it a good supplement for smoothies and protein shakes.
Versatile Use: The powder format is highly versatile for baking, mixing into liquids, and creating a spread, offering the peanut flavor without the oil.
Nutrient Trade-off: The process removes healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin E, a nutritional compromise for the lower calorie count.

The Manufacturing Process: Pressing Out the Calories

PB2, the original powdered peanut butter, is made from peanuts that undergo a specific process to create a calorie-reduced product. Unlike regular peanut butter, which is made by grinding roasted peanuts into a paste with all their natural oils, PB2 starts with roasted peanuts that are pressed to remove up to 90% of their oil. This extracted oil is sold separately, leaving behind a dry, defatted 'peanut cake'.

This 'peanut cake' is then ground into a fine, versatile powder. A small amount of sugar and salt is typically added to enhance the flavor, which is diminished by the removal of the fat. The result is a powder that can be mixed with water to form a paste, or used dry in a variety of recipes, providing the classic roasted peanut flavor with significantly fewer calories per serving.

The Role of Fat in Caloric Density

To understand why PB2 is so low in calories, it's essential to understand the caloric density of macronutrients. Fat provides about 9 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrates provide only 4 calories per gram. In regular peanut butter, fat is the most abundant macronutrient, making up the bulk of its calorie count. By removing a large percentage of this fat, the manufacturer drastically reduces the total calories in the final product.

This is why PB2 is a popular choice for individuals focused on weight management or calorie-restricted diets. It allows them to enjoy the taste of peanut butter while cutting back on a major source of calories.

Nutritional Comparison: PB2 vs. Regular Peanut Butter

The following table highlights the nutritional differences based on a standard two-tablespoon serving:


Nutrient	Regular Peanut Butter	PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter
Calories	~190	~60
Total Fat	~16g	~1.5g
Protein	~7g	~6g
Carbohydrates	~7g	~5g
Fiber	~2g	~1g

As the table illustrates, the most significant disparity is in the fat and calorie content. The protein levels remain fairly comparable, but the removal of most fat-soluble vitamins, like Vitamin E, is a trade-off for the reduced calorie count.

How Calorie Reduction Benefits Different Diets

PB2's low-calorie nature makes it a valuable ingredient for a variety of dietary needs and goals:

Weight Loss and Management: For individuals on a calorie-controlled diet, PB2 offers a way to enjoy the taste of peanut butter without the high-calorie burden, making it easier to manage overall intake.
Fitness Enthusiasts: The high protein content relative to its low calories makes PB2 an excellent addition to post-workout smoothies and shakes, helping with muscle recovery without adding excessive fat.
Culinary Versatility: PB2 can be incorporated into a wide range of recipes, from baking to sauces, without introducing the extra oils of regular peanut butter. It mixes more easily into liquids, providing a rich peanut flavor in smoothies, batters, and sauces.
Risk-Reduction: For individuals at a high risk of choking, such as young children or the elderly, PB2 can be mixed with liquids to create a thinner, less viscous mixture than regular peanut butter, offering a safer alternative.

Potential Downsides and Nutritional Considerations

While the low-calorie nature of PB2 is a major draw, it's important to consider some of the trade-offs. The pressing process removes a significant portion of the healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in whole peanuts. These fats are beneficial for heart health and provide a feeling of satiety, which helps with appetite regulation.

Additionally, some nutrients are lost along with the fat. For instance, peanuts are a source of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant. The removal of fat means that PB2 is not a good source of vitamin E, unlike regular peanut butter. Therefore, for overall nutritional completeness, regular peanut butter may still be a better option for those who aren't specifically focused on calorie restriction.

The Ingredient List

While many people praise PB2 for its simplicity, it's worth noting that the original variety includes added sugar and salt. For those seeking the purest form, some brands offer versions made with just 100% peanuts. Reading the nutrition label is crucial to ensure the product aligns with your dietary needs, especially regarding added sugar and sodium intake.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, why is PB2 so low in calories? The short answer is the manufacturing process. By pressing most of the oil out of roasted peanuts, the most calorie-dense component is removed, leaving a powder that is rich in protein but significantly lower in fat and calories. This process creates a versatile and useful product for those on weight-loss journeys or who need a lower-fat alternative.

However, this calorie-saving process also results in some nutritional trade-offs, particularly the loss of healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin E. Ultimately, the choice between PB2 and regular peanut butter depends on your specific dietary goals and priorities. If your main objective is to reduce fat and calories while maintaining the peanut butter flavor, PB2 is an excellent option. For those who prioritize the full range of nutrients found in whole peanuts and value the satiety of healthy fats, regular peanut butter remains the better choice.

For more information on the processing of PB2, check out the official PB2 website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard two-tablespoon serving of PB2 contains approximately 60 calories, whereas the same serving of regular peanut butter contains around 190 calories. This is because PB2 has up to 90% of its fat removed.

While the main ingredient is pressed, roasted peanuts, the original PB2 also contains a small amount of added sugar and salt to improve the flavor lost during the oil removal process. Some brands do offer versions with only peanuts.

The 'healthier' option depends on your goals. PB2 is lower in calories and fat, but regular peanut butter retains its healthy monounsaturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins, like Vitamin E, which are largely lost in PB2.

The ingredients can vary by brand and flavor. The original PB2 contains peanuts, sugar, and salt. Other brands offer versions with minimal or no additives. It's always best to check the product's nutrition label.

PB2 is incredibly versatile. It can be mixed with water to create a peanut butter-like paste, blended into smoothies, stirred into oatmeal, or used as a flavoring in baking and savory sauces.

Yes, because of its significantly lower calorie and fat content compared to traditional peanut butter, PB2 can be a helpful tool for weight loss or managing a calorie-restricted diet.

The primary reason is the removal of fat. Fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient, providing 9 calories per gram. By pressing out most of the oil, PB2 manufacturers drastically reduce the overall calorie count.