You may have already heard of Powdered Peanut Butter, otherwise known as PB2 (or Peanut Butter Powder).
Over the last few years, it has become very popular in fitness and nutrition circles. There is good reason for its popularity.
- Powdered peanut butter is nutritionally dense.
- It has relatively small amounts of harmful complex sugars and saturated fats.
- It also has a very long shelf life and is easy to store.
These are only a few of the reasons why powdered peanut butter is a great addition to long-term food storage for preppers and survivalists.
If you’re curious about powdered peanut butter (or PB2), read on. This article will give you ALL the information you need about this durable staple.
We’ll tell you exactly what it is and how it is made, as well as how healthy it is and how to use it. This article will also give you a run-down on how powdered peanut butter fits into your long-term food storage plans. As well as some tips for how to prolong its shelf-life.
If you find yourself interested in PB2, this article will also list the best brands and producers of PB2. Especially for people building long-term food stores.
What Is Powdered Peanut Butter? How Is Powdered Peanut Butter Made?
Powdered peanut butter is made by roasting peanuts and pressing the nuts to remove most of the oil. This process is used commercially to make peanut oil, with peanut butter powder is a byproduct.
Once the oil is removed from the peanuts, the remaining particles are ground into a fine powder. Some peanut butter powders have small amounts of sugar and salt added to the mix for taste.
Some peanut butter powders have flavor additives, such as chocolate. Other types have nutritional boosters, such as chia seeds, probiotics, and protein powder.
The result is a concentrated “peanut butter powder” with an intense peanut taste. Peanut butter powder can either be used as a dehydrated product or mixed with water to rehydrate into a paste.
Can I Make My Own Peanut Butter Powder?
Yes, you can make your own peanut butter powder.
There are many varieties of store-bought peanut butter powder. Those who prefer to go DIY can also make peanut butter powder themselves. Both are fine options with their own advantages.
Store-bought peanut butter powder is more convenient and comes ready for long-term storage.
Making DIY peanut butter powder gives you more control over the pressing process. This allows you to keep some of the nutritious fats from the peanuts in the powder.
These fats can increase the caloric load of peanut butter powder, which may be useful in SHTF scenarios. The fats also make it easier for the fat-soluble vitamins in peanuts to get absorbed by the body. [We’ll explore the nutrition of peanut fats and peanut butter powder later in this article].
Making DIY peanut butter powder also lets you adjust the ratios of sugar, salt, and other flavor additives to taste.
DIY Peanut Butter Powder Recipe
The recipe for DIY peanut butter powder has a few simple steps.
1. Roast the Peanuts.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lay whole or halved peanuts down on a baking tray in a single layer. Make sure not to let the peanuts overlap too much so that they roast evenly.
The roasting time for the peanuts depends on if they are shelled or unshelled. Shelled peanuts need around 20-25 minutes. Unshelled peanuts need around 15-20 minutes.
Once roasting begins, make sure to rotate the nuts periodically to help them roast evenly. You can do this by shaking the baking tray every 5-10 minutes.
2. Press the Peanuts.
Pressing the peanuts to remove the oil is a little more difficult to do at home. Industrial peanut butter powder is pressed with industrial-strength equipment. Industrial equipment tends to be more effective than DIY methods of nut pressing.
If you are making DIY peanut powder, you will be able to remove some of the oil from the peanuts. However, you won’t be able to remove as much oil as commercial pressers. This is not necessarily a downside, since these oils can be very nutritious.
The best way to press peanuts at home is to sustain high pressure. Put the nuts between two paper towels and roll them with a rolling pin. The paper towels will absorb some of the oil, leaving drier nut pieces behind.
3. Grind the Peanuts.
If you have a food processor at home, break it out for this step. If not, you can use any grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle.
When using a food processor, put the dried peanut pieces in the processor and grind in slow pulses of 5-10 seconds each.
Pause between pulses to dab away excess oil with a paper towel. Continue until you have a uniform powdery product.
Is Powdered Peanut Butter Healthy?
Powdered peanut butter is healthy. It has several major health benefits.
Excellent source of plant-based protein.
Powdered peanut butter is a great source of protein. Plant-based proteins are particularly important for long-term stores.
They help diversify your protein sources so you don’t wind up getting all your protein from one source. Plant-based protein sources are also more sustainable in certain ways.
They tend to be easier to preserve and store long term while also retaining their protein load.
Great source of amino acids.
Powdered peanut butter contains many amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. We need them to maintain many functions and to keep our cells and tissues healthy.
One of the amino acids that are most represented in peanut butter powder is arginine. Arginine helps maintain heart health, hormonal health, and circulatory health.
Rich in vitamins and minerals.
In addition to amino acids, peanut butter powder is also rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. These include:
- Potassium. Helps with nerve, muscle, and heart health.
- Calcium. Maintains strong bones. Necessary to send messages between the brain, the body, and the nervous system.
- Magnesium. Necessary for healthy muscles and nerves. Decreases risk for Type 2 Diabetes and osteoporosis.
- Vitamin B-6. Needed for brain development. Keeps the nervous system and the immune system healthy.
- Phosphorus. Assists in building healthy bones. Helps the body digest carbohydrates and fats.
- Niacin. Promotes nervous system, digestive system, and skin health.
- Vitamin E. Maintains healthy skin and eyes and strengthens the immune system.
Healthier for diabetics.
Powdered peanut butter is low on the glycemic index (GI) scale. This means that it is less liable to change insulin levels or spike blood sugar in diabetics. Sticking to a diet of foods lower on the GI index can help diabetics manage their diabetes.
A terrific source of dietary fiber.
PB2 is a great source of dietary fiber. We need dietary fiber to maintain gut health. It can feed beneficial bacteria in your gut’s biome, which can help with gastrointestinal issues. It can also help you feel fuller for longer.
High in antioxidants.
Powdered peanut butter has several different antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect against “free radicals”. Helping to reduce your risk of diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Non-GMO.
If your peanut butter powder is made with real peanuts, it is guaranteed not to be GMO-based. This is because there are no GMO (genetically modified) peanuts on the market today.
If you’re particularly concerned about GMOs, you should check the ingredients in pre-made PB2. You’ll want to make sure there isn’t any GMO sugar or additives.
However, if the product simply has peanuts, cane sugar, and salt, you will not have to worry about GMOs.
A Note on Removed Fats and Calories:
Powdered peanut butter is lower in calories than standard peanut butter. Two tablespoons of regular peanut butter is around 190-200 calories. The same amount of PB2 is only 45 calories. This may be beneficial for dieters in normal times. However, fewer calories may not be as desirable in a SHTF scenario.
PB2 is also much lower in fats than peanut butter. Two tablespoons of peanut butter contain 16 grams of fat. The same amount of PB2 only has 1.5 grams of fat. However, this doesn’t automatically make PB2 healthier.
Powdered peanut butter does have less hydrogenated vegetable fats than regular peanut butter. These fats (aka “trans fats”) are linked to health problems like heart disease.
However, PB2 also lacks certain healthy fats found in peanut butter. These healthy monounsaturated fats can actually improve heart health. They also make it easier for the body to use fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients found in PB2, like Vitamin E).
You can address this issue by making sure to get monounsaturated fats elsewhere in your diet. Good sources of monounsaturated fats include:
- Nuts
- Avocado
- Fish
- Olive oil
- Wheat germ
How Long Does Powdered Peanut Butter Last? What Is The Best Way To Store Powdered Peanut Butter?
Like powdered milk and powdered eggs, powdered peanut butter is far less perishable than standard peanut butter. The reduced oil content makes it much harder to spoil. It has a shelf life of anywhere from 5-20 years, depending on the brand.
You should store powdered peanut butter should in a cool, dry environment. It is generally easy to store and takes up far less space than standard peanut butter.
Containers should remain sealed until ready for use. Use anti-oxidizers to help prolong freshness.
If buying in bulk, look for PB2 that comes in sealable containers. This includes #10 cans and gallon buckets with sealable lids.
Once opened, PB2 usually lasts up to a year with proper precautions.
Powdered peanut butter is easy to store. It takes up much less space than standard peanut butter. It is also much more lightweight. This makes it easier to carry and transport if necessary.
It is also quite durable which can be useful in SHTF scenarios.
How Do I Use Powdered Peanut Butter?
There are many different ways to use powdered peanut butter. One way is to reconstitute it with water until it forms a paste. Then use the past in similar ways as regular peanut butter.
You can also use the powder itself as a dry ingredient. Dry PB2 can be used in many different ways.
- Adding peanut flavor to savory dishes like stir fry.
- Adding peanut flavor to baked goods and batters.
- Making peanut sauces and marinades.
- Sprinkling it into oatmeal.
- Shaking it onto popcorn.
- Mixing it with flour to dredge meats.
- Blending it into smoothies or milkshakes.
- Mixing it into popsicles, ice cream, or frozen yogurt.
- Mixing it with yogurt or sour cream to make spreads.
- Adding it to braising liquid or soup stock for flavor.
- Sprinkle it over cut fruits like apples
Top Reasons To Stock Up On Powdered Peanut Butter
There are many reasons to add powdered peanut butter to your non perishable food storage.
Nutritious.
As mentioned above, PB2 has ample nutritional value. It provides lots of protein and iron to a daily diet. It also has many important vitamins and minerals.
Easy to Store.
Powdered peanut butter is compact and takes up very little space. It can be easily fit into food stores of all sizes. It doesn’t require special conditions, so long as you keep it moderately cool and dry. And it’s also very stable and has a long shelf life.
Easy to Transport.
When preparing a long-term food store, there are many things to think about. One of the things you want to think about is the different scenarios that may be possible. Different scenarios require different types of foods.
In some scenarios, it is best to have food that is lightweight and easy to transport. PB2 meets those requirements quite well. For this reason, it is also a great snack for camping and hiking.
Versatile and Easy to Use.
There are many different things you can use PB2 to make. You can combine it with water and make it into a peanut butter paste. However, most people tend to use it for cooking or as a recipe additive.
Variety is the spice of life. It is an essential morale booster in troubled times. And its flavoring can make things more interesting on a day-to-day basis.
Where To Buy Powdered Peanut Butter
1. My Patriot Supply Ready Hour Peanut Butter Powder
Those familiar with the prepper world will already know My Patriot Supply. These folks know their stuff when it comes to food stores.
Their shop offers up high-quality food products with long shelf lives. This includes their Ready Hour Peanut Butter Powder.
Their Patriot Supply’s “Ready Hour” comes fortified with extra protein, fiber, and magnesium. It comes in sealed 2-pound #10 cans containing 65 servings (3,900 calories) of PB2.
It has a shelf life of up to 5 years unopened, and around 1 year after opening. Like most My Patriot Supply products, it is proudly made in the USA!
2. Augason Farms Dehydrated Peanut Butter Powder
Augason Farms is another well-known prepper favorite. Since 1972, this family-owned business has been innovative in long-term food storage. In that time, they have produced some of the most trustworthy and reliably long-term storage food items on the market.
Like the MPS product, Augason’s Dehydrated Peanut Butter Powder comes in sealed 2-pound #10 cans containing 65 servings (3,900 calories) of PB2.
They also have a 5-year shelf life unopened, and a 1-year shelf life opened. For budget shoppers, Augason Farms’ product is markedly cheaper, especially in bulk.
3. Valley Food Storage Freeze-Dried Peanut Butter Powder
Valley Food Storage promises clean calories at an affordable price. That is precisely what they deliver with their Freeze-Dried Peanut Butter Powder. Freeze drying extends the shelf life of the product considerably.
Valley Food Storage’s powdered peanut butter has a shelf life of up to 25 years if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
This product comes in a smaller package than the first two options on our list. 10 servings (or 4.94 ounces) come in each sealed Mylar package.
The small package has a few advantages. It is easier to store, especially if you have limited space. It also helps extend the shelf-life of your total supply, as you do not have to open a much larger container in order to use a few servings.
4. Legacy Food Storage Peanut Butter Powder
Legacy is another great prepper and survivalist food outfitter. It is freeze-dried like the Valley Food PB2. This extends the sealed shelf life to up to 15 years. It also comes in similar packaging.
Legacy’s Mylar bags have 81 servings of 2 tablespoons each. They are also resealable, which can help extend shelf life if you open a bag but do not use the whole thing.
One great thing about Legacy’s PB2 is the ingredient list. There is one singular ingredient on that list: roasted peanuts. This is a major plus for natural food lovers who want long-lasting products without extra additives and chemicals.
5. PBFit All-Natural Organic Roasted Peanut Butter Powder
PBFit is one of the biggest producers of peanut butter powder outside of the prepper world.
Their powdered peanut butter is fortified with extra protein and comes in multiple varieties for those who want to spice it up.
These include Pumpkin Spice and Chocolate. There is also a sugar-free version.
PBFit comes in 30-ounce jars. It has an official shelf life of 4-5 years but can be kept for up to 10 years in cool conditions.
6. Naked PB Premium Powdered Peanut Butter
NakedNutrition bills itself as nutrition with “nothing to hide.” It does live up to that motto.
Naked PB’s ingredients are limited to roasted peanuts only, like Legacy PB2. It has no added sugar, salt, or preservatives and is GMO-free.
It also takes “Made in the USA” quite seriously. In addition to being produced and packaged in the US, it is made from 100% US-grown peanuts.
Another thing that helps Naked PB stand out is that it is tested for heavy metals. These are potentially dangerous substances that you don’t want in your PB2 or any other foodstuff.
Naked PB comes in 2 lb sealable jars with 72 servings each. Jars can be bought in bulk for a discount.
7. PB2 Pure Peanut Butter Powder
PB2 Pure is another commercial powdered peanut butter that takes “all-natural” very seriously.
This product has zero salt or sugar and is rigorously tested for harmful chemicals.
It does come in smaller, less hermetically sealable containers. It also has a shorter shelf life than average at around 18 months.
This is a great product to get if you want to try PB2 but don’t want to invest in a bulk purchase.
8. Peanut Butter & Co Original Powdered Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter & Co’s PB2 is another good option for trying peanut butter powder.
The company specializes in peanut butter and knows how to make a tasty product.
It is made from US-grown peanuts and is GMO-free. Peanut & Co PB2 comes in several different varieties.
These include Vanilla, Honey, Flax & Chia, and Cocoa. It is sold in 6.5-ounce jars that can be bought in bulk for a discount.
Article By Lana Alder
appeared first on Skilled Survival.