Yes, there is a sugar free version of PB2 powder available. PB2 powder is a peanut butter powder made by defatting roasted peanuts into a powdered form. The original PB2 contains about 2 grams of sugar per serving, while the sugar free version contains no added sugars.
What is PB2 powder?
PB2 powder is made by pressing peanuts to remove a portion of the natural oils. This reduces the fat content compared to regular peanut butter, resulting in a powdered peanut product that is 85% peanuts and 15% or less fat. PB2 has a peanut flavor similar to traditional peanut butter but with a lighter consistency when reconstituted with water.
The powder is very low in moisture, allowing it to stay shelf stable at room temperature without separating. It has a long shelf life of around 1-2 years when properly stored.
PB2 powder was invented in the 1960s by the company Bell Research and is now produced by The J.M. Smucker Company. It’s sold under the brand names PB2 and PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter.
Nutrition facts of PB2 powder
A serving of 2 tablespoons (16g) of original PB2 powder contains:
- Calories: 45
- Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g
The main nutritional advantages of PB2 compared to regular peanut butter are:
- 85% less fat and calories per serving
- Higher protein content by weight
- Less total carbohydrates and sugar
However, PB2 powder is not fat free. It still contains around 15% of the fat found in regular peanut butter. The fat content comes from the natural peanut oils that give it flavor.
Is there a sugar free version of PB2?
Yes, the company recently released a sugar free version of PB2 powder due to consumer demand for low sugar products.
The sugar free PB2 has identical nutrition facts to the original version, except it contains 0g of sugar per serving. To achieve this, it uses non-GMO maltodextrin to replace the 2 grams of sugar found in the original recipe.
Maltodextrin is a starchy powder derived from corn, potato, or rice that provides texture and bulk without adding sweetness. It allows the sugar free PB2 to have the same flavor and consistency as the original.
The sugar free version contains no fructose or other added sugars. The only sugars present are those occurring naturally in peanuts. This makes it keto-friendly and suitable for low carb or diabetic diets.
Ingredients
The ingredients list for sugar free PB2 is:
- Dry roasted peanuts
- Salt
- Maltodextrin (non-GMO)
That’s it! Just three simple ingredients. The maltodextrin replaces the small amounts of sugar and dextrose that are added to the original PB2 powder recipe.
Where to buy sugar free PB2
The sugar free version of PB2 powder is sold alongside the original recipe in many major grocery stores, including:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Stop & Shop
- HEB
- Amazon
It typically comes in two sizes: an 18 oz jar or a smaller 6.5 oz travel pack. The price is similar to regular PB2 at around $5-8 per jar depending on the retailer.
Be sure to check the label to confirm you’re purchasing the sugar free PB2. The jar will be labeled as “PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter Sugar Free”. The nutrition facts panel should list 0g of sugar per serving.
How to use sugar free PB2
Sugar free PB2 can be used in exactly the same way as the original version. Some popular ways to use it include:
- Adding water or milk to turn it into peanut butter
- Putting it on bread, celery, apples or other snacks
- Mixing it into oatmeal or yogurt
- Adding it to smoothies
- Using it in baking and cooking recipes
- Adding it to protein shakes
Most recipes that call for regular powdered peanut butter can directly substitute the sugar free version without any issue.
To turn PB2 into peanut butter, simply mix 2 tablespoons powder with 1-2 tablespoons water or milk. Adjust the amount of liquid to reach your desired consistency.
The powder has a slightly different texture than regular peanut butter even when reconstituted, but still has the classic peanutty flavor.
Baking with sugar free PB2
Sugar free PB2 performs extremely well in baking recipes. It can be used to make:
- Cookies
- Protein bars
- Muffins
- Pancakes
- Bread
You can replace regular peanut butter with sugar free PB2 at a 1:1 ratio. However, the powder is lower in fat than regular peanut butter. Recipes may come out drier if no other adjustments are made.
Adding a touch more liquid, eggs, oil, or other fat source often helps baked goods come out with the right moisture and texture when using powdered peanut butter. But overall it performs quite well in baking with minimal tweaks.
Benefits of sugar free PB2
Here are some of the main benefits of choosing sugar free PB2 powder:
- No added sugar: With 0g sugar per serving, this powder fits low carb, keto, and diabetic diets.
- Lower calorie: 85% less fat and calories than regular peanut butter.
- Higher protein: More than double the protein content by weight.
- Natural ingredients: Just dry roasted peanuts, salt and non-GMO maltodextrin.
- Long shelf life: Stays fresh at room temp for 1-2 years.
- Portability: The powder is lightweight and perfect for travel and snacks on the go.
- Versatility: Use it just like regular PB2 in recipes, baking, smoothies, oatmeal, etc.
For those monitoring their sugar and carb intake, sugar free PB2 provides all the delicious flavor of peanut butter in a more diet-friendly form. It’s ideal for keto, paleo, or low glycemic index diets.
Comparisons to regular peanut butter
Here is a nutritional comparison between 2 tablespoons (32g) of original powdered peanut butter, sugar free powdered peanut butter, and regular creamy peanut butter:
| Nutrition Facts | Regular PB2 (2 tbsp) | Sugar Free PB2 (2 tbsp) | Regular Peanut Butter (2 tbsp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | 90 | 188 |
| Fat | 3g | 3g | 16g |
| Carbs | 10g | 8g | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g | 4g | 2g |
| Sugars | 4g | 0g | 3g |
| Protein | 10g | 10g | 8g |
As you can see, sugar free PB2 provides the same amount of protein and fat as regular PB2, but contains no added sugars. It’s significantly lower in calories and fat compared to regular peanut butter.
Potential downsides
There are a few potential downsides to consider with sugar free PB2:
- Higher price point than regular peanut butter
- Maltodextrin adds processed ingredient to otherwise short recipe
- Texture and taste differs from regular peanut butter when reconstituted
- Less smooth/creamy; can be grainy if not mixed well
- Contains less healthy monounsaturated fats than regular peanut butter
The biggest thing is that the consistency and mouthfeel is different when mixed with water or milk. Sugar free PB2 has a lighter, thinner texture than regular peanut butter.
The powder particles tend to clump if not vigorously stirred or blended. And oil separation can be an issue in homemade recipes. Proper mixing, and adding a small amount of extra fat helps counteract these problems.
Does PB2 go bad?
PB2 powder has an impressively long shelf life compared to regular peanut butter. When properly stored, it will stay fresh for:
- 1-2 years unopened at room temperature
- 6-8 months after opening
- Up to 2 years in the freezer
The keys are keeping it in a cool, dry place and making sure the package is securely sealed. Exposure to moisture causes the powder to clump together over time.
Signs that PB2 may have gone bad include:
- Unusual darkening or greasiness
- Rancid peanut smell
- Growth of mould
- Severe clumping of the powder
If PB2 powder develops any of those characteristics, it’s best to throw it out. But unopened packages stored properly can stay edible for well over a year past the “best by” date.
Conclusion
Sugar free PB2 powder provides the great taste of peanut butter in a low sugar, low fat, shelf-stable form. It offers an excellent protein-packed option for those on keto, diabetic, or other low carb diets.
The powder format makes it easy to take portion-controlled, mess-free peanut butter on the go. Sugar free PB2 can be used just like regular powdered peanut butter in recipes and meals to cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor.
While not exactly the same texture as regular peanut butter, it performs very well in most recipes and applications. The main drawbacks are the higher cost compared to regular peanut butter, and the grainy texture if not properly mixed.
But for those monitoring their sugar intake, the slight tradeoffs in texture are worth it to enjoy the versatile flavor and nutrition of peanuts in this convenient powdered form. Overall sugar free PB2 provides an excellent reduced-fat, low-glycemic option for peanut butter fans.
