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Peanut butter has a delicious flavor that appeals to the tastebuds of many protein powder consumers. So, it’s no wonder why brands have branched outside traditional chocolate and vanilla flavors and now offer peanut butter as an option.
Met with high demand, the interest in peanut butter protein powder has exploded over the years. And now, there are various choices in this niche flavor category.
But before buying just any product, it’s essential to know that not all peanut butter protein powders are created equally.
Not all Peanut Butter Protein Powder are Equal
Some products are truly derived from peanut butter (meaning the primary ingredient and overall protein makeup are sourced from peanuts). This is good because peanuts have a robust amino acid profile with all essential amino acids.
However, there are others that are merely peanut butter flavored (meaning peanut is not a primary ingredient or protein source). These products vary widely and may contain mostly ingredients that aren’t peanut-based.
That’s not to say the latter, flavored options don’t taste as good or are less nutritious. It’s only a distinction that defines true peanut butter protein powder based on its primary ingredients, not just the taste.
So, based on what we now know, here are some of the best peanut butter protein powders that I personally recommend and frequently purchase.
Vega Sport Protein Peanut Butter
With peanut flour as the second ingredient next to pea protein, Vega Sport Protein’s peanut butter flavor is a proper choice that’s nutritionally sound and delicious tasting.
It’s one of my favorite products. Not just for its mildly sweet and nutty flavor, but because it has an abundance of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) which are essential for athletic recovery.
A single scoop delivers 30 grams of quality protein, including 5 grams of BCAAs and 5 grams of glutamic acid. In short, Vega Sport Protein is optimized for recovery. And the peanut butter flavor of this protein powder is quite delicious.
See my full review of Vega Sport Protein. Or support our site and purchase the product on Amazon.
PB2 Performance Peanut Protein Powder
PB2 Performance Peanut Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder that is non-GMO, gluten-free, non-dairy, and naturally flavored with Madagascar Vanilla (also available in Dutch Cocoa flavor).
With roasted peanuts the first ingredient, PB2 Performance Peanut Protein Powder harnesses peanuts’ natural amino acid concentration. But, it’s debatable as to whether or not it’s a true peanut butter protein powder.
Regardless, it’s one of the most authentic peanut butter-tasting protein powders you can buy. It only has six simple ingredients and no added sugar. But it does offer more carbs than typical protein powders (which is a good thing for athletic recovery but is certainly not keto-friendly).
Equipped with brown rice protein as the second ingredient, each serving packs 20 grams of complete plant-based protein. PB2 Performance Peanut Protein Powder also contains added prebiotic fiber for digestive health.
Check out my review of PB2 Performance to learn more about the product, or find it on Amazon
Ghost Vegan Protein Peanut Butter Cereal Milk
Peanut Butter Cereal Milk is a flavor infusion in the Ghost Protein Powder line. So while peanuts are not a primary ingredient, the product still has a delicious peanut buttery taste.
Relatively low-calorie, low-fat, and high-protein, Ghost Vegan Protein contains pea protein concentrate, organic pumpkin protein, and watermelon seed protein. The “natural flavors” are presumably where the peanut butter flavoring comes into play.
With zero sugar, this protein powder is a preferred option for those trying to minimize their sugar intake. The 5 grams of carbs puts it on the fence for being keto-friendly (most would probably say yet, it is).
Read my complete review of Ghost Vegan Protein. Or support the site and buy the product on Amazon.
Orgain Simple Protein Peanut Butter
Made without stevia or artificial sweeteners, Orgain Simple Protein in peanut butter flavor meets the definition of a clean protein powder.
Orgain Simple Protein powder is made of quality, organic ingredients, including golden pea, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, almond, and chia seeds. With peanuts as the second ingredient, it’s a proper peanut butter protein powder compared to most.
The taste is malty, nutty, and smooth. In fact, I’ve ranked this one the best-tasting vegan protein powders and I purchase it regularly.
It does contain organic coconut sugar for sweetness. But I much prefer this natural source of sweetness over using stevia or other artificial alternatives.
Check out my review on Orgain Simple Protein. Or support the site by purchasing this product on Amazon.
Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
As a lesser-known hero, Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is a protein supplement that comes in a highly-reviewed peanut butter flavor. The product contains 18 grams of organic plant-based protein, 1,000 mg of mushrooms, and 500 mg of adaptogens in a creamy protein base.
The protein powder combines five pure plant-based proteins (hemp, pumpkin, chia, coconut, and pea) in one scoop and is free from fillers and artificial flavors. Living up to the Four Sigmatic name, the protein powder contains 200 mg of organic wildcrafted chaga extract, which is an immune system and antioxidant superhero.
Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder also contains organic coconut palm sugar, organic lucuma powder, pink Himalayan salt, organic cinnamon powder, and organic monk fruit, and it is equipped with organic turkey tail fruiting body extract to help support digestion.
Support the site and purchase this protein powder on Amazon.
Why Peanut Butter Protein Powder is a Winning Choice
Unlike many individual plant foods like certain grains and legumes, peanut butter is a complete protein. This means that it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. These amino acids are essential for building and repairing tissues, and for producing hormones and enzymes.
Beyond the essentials, studies show peanuts contain all the 20 amino acids (with the highest amount of arginine) and are a good source of Co-enzyme Q10. They’re also an excellent source of compounds like resveratrol, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, making them a healthy option for both athletes and less active individuals.[1]
One tablespoon of peanut butter contains about 7 grams of protein but it’s mostly made up of fat. Getting your peanut butter fix via a protein powder helps cut down on the fat content and increases the protein content, which is what most people are seeking in such supplements.
Last Word
Peanut butter is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of recipes. It’s also a solid source of plant-based protein on its own. Between its taste and protein levels, it’s no wonder why peanut butter protein powder has become a popular flavor preference.
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About the Author
This review was conducted by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at VeganProteinPowder.reviews. Tyler is an experienced writer in the health, nutrition, and athletic space, and he offers over a decade of experience blogging on various reputable platforms. Having experimented with a vegan diet over the course of his life, Tyler has tried hundreds of plant-based nutritional products and writes about his favorites here on this blog. Learn more about Tyler by viewing his full author bio or by following him on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. You can also view his personal site TylerTafelsky.com to learn more about what he’s up to.
Scientific References
1. Arya SS, Salve AR, Chauhan S. Peanuts as functional food: a review. J Food Sci Technol. 2016 Jan;53(1):31-41. doi: 10.1007/s13197-015-2007-9. Epub 2015 Sep 19. PMID: 26787930; PMCID: PMC4711439.
Lorne
Tuesday 5th of March 2024
Awesome reviews of my favorite flavor! Please keep these reviews coming 🙏