Recently, I came across numerous bodybuilding recipes that asked for PB2 as one of the ingredients. Before I was to purchase this item ($5.29 at Whole Foods), I needed to understand more about it. PB2 is a peanut butter squeezed of its natural oils (90 percent of its fat) and dehydrated to make it into a powdered form. With that said, is PB2 healthier than peanut butter?

First, let us begin with the fact PB2 is not a whole food. Natural peanut butter contains a healthy measure of fat, protein and vitamins. The powdered form reduced the nutritional value of the whole food by extracting all the essential monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. In peanut butter, the fat content keeps one satisfied with reduced cravings.

Peanut butter is also a source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is powerful and potentially plays a role to prevent various diseases. In addition, it is important for preserving healthy, youthful skin. PB2 does not specify any information about vitamin E.

When one reads the ingredients, it can seem that the powdered form is clean. Often times, manufacturers use this tactic to trick consumers to believe fewer calories are better. In order to make the powdered form tastier, they add a mix of sodium and sugar. Would you rather have healthy fat or a mix of sugar and salt?

Organic

Unfortunately, PB2 lost this battle as well.

Conventional peanuts are sprayed heavily. Many peanut allergy cases are suspected to commonly exist due to the amount of toxic pesticides sprayed on this crop. The porous outer layer and shell is thin, which allows toxins in easily. It is impossible to wash away these toxins. Birth defects, cancer and nerve damage have been linked to pesticides.

With my findings, I have decided to skip the recipes that ask for PB2 and stick to the real thing. What do you think?