Energy Fitness trainers Tonya Tittle & Lisa Sanchez as well as our other trainers have been asked lately by clients about their opinions on the new peanut butter powders now available as a lower fat alternative to real peanut butter in the jar.
According to the description of these products they are to have 90% less fat than traditional in the jar peanut butter.
I personally have not tried either of the brands currently on the market. For over a year now I have omitted peanut butter from my diet and replaced with almond, sunflower nut butter and soynut butters as they do not cause me to have a stuffy nose and allergy type response to them.
The brands of peanut butter powders available to my knowledge are Bell Plantation PB2 and Byrd Mill peanut flour.
Here is what amazon.com says about the products:
“Bell Plantation states that they do not involve the use of any chemicals and over 90% of the fat is removed from the peanut. Essentially the oil is squeezed out of roasted peanuts and what remains is a peanut powder. The resulting all-natural product is unbelievable! The possibilities for PB2 are limited only by the users imagination and creativity! An outstanding natural protein source sprinkle on shakes, yogurts, smoothies, great for outdoor sports. Excellent for ice cream as it will not seize while processing, ganaches, frostings, truffles, soufflés, cakes, muffins, brownies. Dissolves easily for savory applications- Asian noodle sauces, breading and crust especially for seafood. It is also wonderful for baking either reconstituted or as a powder.”
“Byrd mill peanut flour -Protein Plus roasted peanut flour provides a healthful, lower-fat and gluten-free boost to a variety of foods. It is a great thickener for soups, a flavorful and aromatic ingredient for breads and pastries, as well as a creative coating for meats, fish and other center-of-the-plate dishes. Plus, peanut flour is a good source of vitamin E, folate, fiber, niacin, magnesium and phosphorus. Protein Plus is located in the heart of Peanut Country America’s peanut farmer not only grow our product; they are part of our company. We insist on USA-grown peanuts in the making of our premium, all-natural peanut flour so you get the best quality and flavor. Peanuts: Energy for the good life.”
Here are some things you should consider before getting on the Powdered Peanut Butter wagon:
– The powder is not a whole food, squeezing the fat out also eliminates a good part of the nutrient content and that same fat also gives you the satiation feeling. Therefore, sugar and salt is added to the powder to make it tastier (hint hint, that is also why McDonald’s fries are so tasty!)
Here is something that goes for regular nut butter as well:
-Make sure it’s ORGANIC: The spraying pesticides on peanut crops are believed to be responsible for the increase in peanut allergies. Peanut allergy is common in children and is the most frequent cause of serious allergy reactions, including anaphylaxis. Most people must consume the peanuts or peanut butter to have a reaction, but some people react simply through skin contact or by eating foods that have been processed in a food plant that also processed peanuts or by breathing in peanut dust. Peanuts are the third most common food allergen, surpassed by milk and eggs.
-Low-quality peanut butter may contain a dangerous, cancer-causing mold that produces Aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a carcinogen, causing liver cancer. You can avoid the toxin by not keeping grains and nuts for long periods (more than a few months) before eating them, Storing them in a dry (low humidity) cool environment – a freezer is excellent!
and most of all, Buying from known, reputable sources – where you know it is fresh and has been handled properly.
I could go on and on from here, but as a final note: If it looks to good to be true…it probably is.
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