What You Should Know Before Switching To Powdered Peanut Butter

Ah peanut butter. Slightly sweet, nutty, and... powdered? That's right. Crunchy or smooth may no longer be the only options you need to consider before buying peanut butter, as this delightful snack can now be found in powdered form. Of course, our intrigue is paired with skepticism. How can peanut butter be served as a powder? According to Consumer Reports, this newer version of peanut butter is produced from roasted peanuts that have been pressed to remove most of the oil and then ground into a fine powder. But before making the switch from your trusty favorite, here is what you need to know.

Most new products on the shelves are marketed by a unique claim to fame, and powdered peanut butter is no different. It is perhaps influencing shoppers most by having less fat than regular peanut butter — and we're talking considerably less. WebMD reports that powdered peanut butter has fewer calories and 85 to 90 percent less fat than regular peanut butter. 

Powdered peanut butter may have fewer calories and fat, but this may not be enough to make the switch from your favorite. Healthline states that eating peanuts on a regular basis doesn't necessarily contribute to weight gain. This is perhaps due to the fact that legumes increase fullness after ingestion, which aids in decreasing calories from other foods throughout the day.

And how does it work if you use peanut butter mostly as a spread? WebMD claims you can add water to reconstitute the powder in order to make it spreadable. But if you're looking for just a peanut taste in baked goods or smoothies, the powdered version is a proven substitute. 

It may also have a peanut taste minus the fat — but we don't want to fool you. Reviews on the different brands of powdered peanut butter are mixed. Ellen Klosz, test program leader for food at Consumer Reports, says, "You can definitely tell they're lower in fat, so good roasted peanut flavor becomes especially important." Jif Peanut Powder is listed as the "clear winner" for the best brand of powdered peanut butter by Consumer Reports. When mixed with water, the texture was smooth and soft, and the taste was only slightly bitter.

So if you're looking to cut calories and fat, it's worth a try. Just know that your trusty favorite is waiting for you to switch back at any time.