Powdered Peanut Butter Might Be the Most Underrated Protein Powder Substitute

Tired of traditional protein powder? Can’t say we blame you. Whether you’re sick of chalky shakes, trying to hit your fitness goals, or just looking for protein powder alternatives without a mile-long ingredient list, powdered peanut butter is a great (and highly underrated) option. If you haven’t heard of it before, peanut butter protein powder — aka powdered peanut butter — adds protein, fiber, and peanut butter flavor to your smoothies, shakes, and recipes. Beyond contributing to your daily protein intake, it’s also a great alternative to whey — a dairy-based ingredient commonly found in other protein powders.

We’re not saying everyone needs to ditch their protein powder right away. But if you’re looking for tasty protein powder alternatives or additives, powdered peanut butter is definitely a contender. Read on to learn more about powdered peanut butter and how to incorporate it into your routine.

What Is Powdered Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter powder (also known as powdered peanut butter) is created by pressing roasted peanuts into a powder called peanut flour, therefore removing most of the oils and fats. The exact ingredients in peanut butter powder vary, but you’ll typically find peanut flour, salt, and some kind of sweetener (although you can also buy unsweetened powder depending on your preferences).

Is Peanut Butter Powder Healthy?

Since many of the oils and fats are removed from powdered peanut butter, it’s much lower in calories than traditional peanut butter. But left behind is a healthy dose of protein, that familiar PB taste, and even a bit of fiber to keep you feeling full for longer. These benefits are just some of the reasons why powdered peanut butter makes such a great protein powder substitute.

The exact amount of protein varies by brand, but two tablespoons of powdered peanut butter contains about eight grams of protein, compared to about 20 grams on a whey protein powder, but powdered PB also has about half as many calories.

While powdered peanut butter powder is still a processed food, it tends to have fewer ingredients than most other protein powders, which is a plus to some people. When compared to traditional protein powders, whey does tend to have more protein than peanut butter powder. However, some people still prefer the simple ingredients, flavor, nutritional value, and cost effectiveness of peanut butter powder.

Why Not Just Use Regular Peanut Butter?

You absolutely could. You can even use regular peanut butter and powdered peanut butter to amp up the peanut butter flavor and the protein content of a smoothie or dish. Peanut butter powder is just one option among several, and what you choose on any given day is down to personal preference.

Ways to Use Powdered Peanut Butter

If you’re new to peanut butter powder, try adding four tablespoons to your blender along with the liquid of your choice for a delicious, high-protein smoothie (pro tip: adding other high-protein ingredients like hemp hearts, chia seeds, or non-dairy milk, can make it an even better post-workout treat). You can also use powdered peanut butter like PBFit ($6) for baking, add it to yogurt, use it to make protein pancakes, or mix it with almond milk to create your own spreadable peanut butter.

— Additional reporting by Chandler Plante

Jenny Sugar is a former POPSUGAR staff writer. She reports on all things fitness, but especially loves CrossFit and yoga.

Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.