PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter Just Might Be A Dieter's Dream. Here's How To Use It.

Since it's impossible to have just one serving of full-fat PB, this low-cal version might come in handy.

Science has yet to formulate a diet version of peanut butter that replicates its rich, creamy texture and profound, nutty taste. The perfect spread is, quite possibly, inimitable.

But there's an ingredient in town that mimics the nut butter's flavor and cuts down its fat and calorie count by more than half: powdered peanut butter. The product, which might intrigue health-conscious consumers, is made by pressing peanuts to remove their fat and oil content, while maintaining their taste. The process turns the solid peanuts into a kind of peanut dust that, when mixed with liquid, reassembles a butter-like spread.

One product in particular has capitalized on the process. PB2, as it's called, boasts "85% less fat, calories" than the average peanut butter spread. A comparative look at the rivaling product's nutritional statistics supports the claim:

pb2jif

Two tablespoons of Jif's natural, creamy peanut butter spread contains 190 calories, 16 grams of fat and 3 grams of sugar. The same amount of Bell Plantation's PB2 has 45 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 1 gram of sugar.

The standalone stats might make you think that peanut butter's powdered version is a dieter's dream. It's true, products like PB2 whack down the calorie count, but as it loses the fat, the the spread becomes depleted of the mighty health benefits of the acclaimed full-fat peanut butter. It's seemingly counter-intuitive, but the full-fat spread can actually promote weight loss and satiety, as Prevention reports. Powdered peanut butter can't necessarily manifest the same benefits.

Still, if you want a lightened-up rendition of your favorite peanut butter dish, powdered versions like PB2 can be a crafty substitution. A note for peanut butter lovers: The product is no match for peanut butter's thick and oily texture. If you're the type to eat a spoonful straight from the jar or spread it on celery, apples and the like, stick to the original.

But, the peanut powder can mimic peanut butter flavor in your smoothies without getting clumpy in the blender blades. It can be added to already-creamy bases -- like yogurt, cereal and milk and puddings -- for a nutty punch. And better yet, peanut flour functions as a white flour substitute in many recipes, which, beyond adding terrific flavor, can transform your favorite cookies into gluten-free versions. Check out these divine PB2 recipes below for some ideas:

1
PB2 Dark Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Lemons And Basil
Get the PB2 Dark Chocolate Banana Smoothie recipe by Lemons And Basil
2
PB2 Almond Milk Oatmeal
Casual Craftlete
Get the PB2 Almond Milk Oatmeal recipe by Casual Craftlete
3
Frozen PB2 Bites
Hey Wanderer
Get the Frozen PB2 Bites recipe by Hey Wanderer
4
Low Fat, Peanut Butter Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
The Sweet-Tooth Life
Get the Low Fat, Peanut Butter Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies recipe by The Sweet-Tooth Life
5
Chocolate Swirl PB2 Banana Muffins
The Sweet-Tooth Life
Get the Chocolate Swirl PB2 Banana Muffins recipe by The Sweet-Tooth Life
6
Quick PB2 Greek Yogurt
The Casual Craftlete
Get the Quick PB2 Greek Yogurt recipe by The Casual Craftlete
7
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookie Pancakes
The Pancake Princess
Get the PGluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookie Pancakes recipe by The Pancake Princess
8
Oat Chobani PB2 Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Knead To Cook
Get the Oat Chobani PB2 Cookies recipe by Knead To Cook
9
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding
The Slender Student
Get the Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding recipe by The Slender Student
10
PB2 Chocolate Chip Cookies
Knead To Cook
Get the PPB2 Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe by Knead To Cook
11
PB2 & Jelly Smoothie
Kitchen Cyclone
Get the PB2 & Jelly Smoothie recipe by Kitchen Cyclone
12
Chocolate PB2 Banana Pancakes
Nosh And Nourish
Get the Chocolate PB2 Banana Pancakes recipe by Nosh And Nourish
13
PB2 Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie
My Little Celebration
Get the PB2 Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie recipe by My Little Celebration

Want to read more from HuffPost Taste? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Tumblr.

Before You Go

Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars

Peanut Butter And Jelly Recipes

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE