Peanut butter powder has become increasingly popular in recent years. It provides the delicious peanut flavor we all love, while being lower in fat and calories compared to traditional peanut butter.
However, peanut butter powder may not be suitable for everyone. Some people need to avoid peanuts due to allergies. Others may prefer to use substitutes for dietary reasons or personal taste preferences.
Why Use a Substitute?
There are a few key reasons you may want to use an alternative to peanut butter powder:
- Peanut allergies - For those with peanut allergies, peanut butter powder is unsafe. Finding a substitute allows you to still enjoy peanut-like flavors safely.
- Nut-free environments - Some schools, daycares or workplaces have nut-free policies in place. Substitutes offer nut-free options in these settings.
- Dietary preferences - If following a paleo, vegan, or low-carb diet, substitutes provide options that fit your chosen way of eating.
- Flavor - While peanut butter powder has a distinct flavor, some people may prefer the taste of alternative nut and seed butters.
Having substitutes available gives you flexibility in your recipes and dietary choices. Let's look at some of the best options.
Almond Butter Powder
One of the closest substitutes for peanut butter powder is almond butter powder. It has a similar nutty flavor and can be used in many of the same ways.
To make almond butter powder, blanched almonds are roasted and pressed to remove most of their oils. The remaining almond meal is then ground into a fine powder.
Compared to peanut butter powder, almond butter powder is:
- Nut-free: Safe for people with peanut allergies
- Higher in calcium and iron: Provides additional minerals
- Lower in protein: Contains around 20-25% protein vs 30% in peanut powder
- Slightly sweeter: Has a subtle natural sweetness
Almond powder can easily be swapped 1:1 for peanut butter powder in recipes and smoothies. Its mild flavor pairs well with fruits, chocolate, coconut, and maple flavors.
Some brands to look for include Barney Butter Almond Powder and NOW Foods Almond Powder. Or you can make your own by grinding plain almond flour to a fine consistency in a high-powered blender.
For a nut-free, budget-friendly option, almond flour can be used in place of almond butter powder too. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it still works nicely in baked goods.
Sunflower Seed Butter Powder
Sunflower seed butter powder is a favorite peanut butter powder substitute for people following nut-free or paleo diets.
To make it, shelled sunflower seeds are roasted then pressed to remove oils. The remaining solids are ground into a fine powder with a subtly nutty, floral flavor.
Compared to peanut powder, key attributes of sunflower powder include:
- Nut-free and paleo diet friendly
- Lower in protein: Around 20% protein
- Higher in vitamin E
- Green color: Provides color when added to recipes
You can swap sunflower seed powder in a 1:1 ratio for peanut powder in recipes. It works well in smoothies, oatmeal, energy bites, cookies, and more. Sunflower powder pairs nicely with berries, chocolate, coconut and warm spices like cinnamon.
Some recommended brands are 88 Acres Sunflower Seed Powder or Bob's Red Mill Sunflower Seed Butter Powder.
Key Takeaway: For a nut-free substitute, choose sunflower seed butter powder. It contains 20% protein and vitamin E.
Pumpkin Seed Butter Powder
Along with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds can also be turned into a powdered butter substitute.
Shelled pumpkin seeds are roasted and pressed to remove oils before being ground into a fine powder.
Compared to peanut powder, pumpkin seed powder has:
- A mild, nutty flavor
- Around 25% protein content
- Higher amounts of magnesium and zinc
- A green/brown color when added to recipes
Pumpkin seed powder can be swapped 1:1 for peanut powder. It provides a nutritious addition to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal and more. Flavor pairings include warm spices, chocolate, coffee and fruit.
Some recommended brands include 88 Acres Pumpkin Seed Powder or Bob's Red Mill Pumpkin Seed Butter Powder.
Cashew Butter Powder
Cashew butter powder offers another nut-based substitute for peanut powder.
It is made from cashews that are roasted, pressed and ground into a fine powder. The flavor is subtly sweet and creamy.
Here is how cashew powder compares to peanut powder:
- Nutty, slightly sweet flavor
- Lower in protein with around 10-15%
- Higher in iron and magnesium
- Works as a 1:1 substitute
Cashew powder is easy to incorporate into smoothies, cookies, energy bites and more. It pairs well with chocolate, vanilla, berries and tropical fruits.
Look for brands like Dastony Cashew Butter Powder or make your own by grinding cashew flour.
Soy Nut Butter Powder
Despite its name, soy nut butter powder is completely nut-free. It is made from roasted soybeans that are pressed and ground into powder.
Soy nut powder has these attributes compared to peanut powder:
- Nut-free and paleo diet friendly
- Around 20% protein content
- Lower fat content
- Earthy, nutty flavor
The powder can be swapped 1:1 for peanut powder in recipes. It works nicely in smoothies, baked goods and raw snacks. Soy nut powder pairs well with cocoa, cinnamon, maple and vanilla.
Some brands to look for are Bare Blend Soy Nut Powder or SoyBoy Naturals Soynut Powder.
Tigernut Butter Powder
Never heard of tigernuts? Tigernut butter powder offers another nut-free, vegan-friendly substitute.
Tigernuts are a root vegetable that offer a sweet, nutty flavor similar to coconuts. To make the powder, tigernuts are dehydrated and pressed into powder.
Compared to peanut powder, tigernut powder has:
- Sweet, nutty flavor
- Grain-free, nut-free, vegan
- Lower protein with around 8%
- Higher in iron and fiber
- Use a 1:1 ratio when swapping
The powder makes a nice addition to smoothies, baked goods, ice cream, and chia puddings. It pairs well with chocolate, coconut, fruits and maple syrup.
Some recommended brands are Tigernut Butter Company Organic Tiger Butter Powder or Ayo Foods Tigernut Powder.
Coconut Butter Powder
For a mildly sweet, tropical twist, try swapping in coconut butter powder.
To make it, coconut meat is dried, pressed and ground into a fine powder. Be sure to choose unsweetened varieties.
Coconut powder differs from peanut powder in these ways:
- Sweet, coconutty flavor
- Much lower protein content
- Higher in fiber and manganese
- Use a 3:4 substitution ratio
The powder adds great coconut flavor to smoothies, oatmeal, energy balls and more. It pairs nicely with chocolate, coffee, bananas, pineapple and lime.
Look for coconut butter powders like Dang Unsweetened Coconut Butter Powder or Wilderness Poets Coconut Butter Powder.
Protein Powders
Another category of substitutes is protein powders, which can replace some of the protein lost when omitting peanut powder.
Protein powders vary widely, but some top options include:
- Hemp protein - Nutty flavor, contains 10g protein per 2 tbsp
- Chia protein - Mild flavor, has 5g protein per 2 tbsp
- Brown rice protein - Vegan, contains 9g protein per 2 tbsp
- Collagen peptides - Versatile, with 10g protein per 2 tbsp
These can be used alongside other substitutes like almond or sunflower seed powder to help boost the protein content in recipes. Start by replacing about 1/4 of the peanut powder with a protein powder and adjust as needed.
Key Takeaway: Combine nut-free substitutes with vegan protein powders to replace peanut powder and its protein content.
Homemade Powdered Nut or Seed Butter
You can also easily make your own powdered nut or seed butter at home. This allows you to fully control the ingredients.
Here is a simple process:
- Add 2 cups raw nuts or seeds to a food processor. Try almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Process for 2-3 minutes until a butter forms, scraping down sides as needed.
- Spread the nut or seed butter in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 200°F for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally, until completely dried out.
- Process the dried butter in a food processor or high-power blender until a fine powder forms.
- Store the powder in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
You now have homemade nut or seed butter powder to use in recipes! Customize flavors by adding spices, extracts, or sweeteners before dehydrating.
| Nut or Seed Butter Powders | Key Attributes |
|---|---|
| Almond butter powder | Nutty flavor. Lower protein than peanut powder. |
| Sunflower seed powder | Nut-free. 20% protein. Provides vitamin E. |
| Pumpkin seed powder | Paleo-friendly. 25% protein. Good source of magnesium and zinc. |
| Cashew butter powder | Creamy texture. 15% protein. Higher in iron and magnesium. |
| Soy nut butter powder | Nut-free and vegan. 20% protein. |
| Tigernut butter powder | Grain-free, nut-free, vegan. 8% protein. |
| Coconut butter powder | Sweet flavor. Much lower in protein than peanut powder. |
Storing and Using Powdered Substitutes
Powdered nut and seed butter substitutes should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration is not necessary. Check best by dates and aim to use within several months for best freshness.
These powders can be used in many of the same ways as peanut butter powder:
- Add to smoothies for extra nutrition and flavor
- Use in energy bites, protein bars, granola bars
- Mix into oatmeal or chia pudding
- Add to muffins, cookies, breads when baking
- Make into homemade nut butter by blending with water or oil
- Use as a topping for fruit, toast, yogurt or ice cream
- Add to pancake and waffle batter
- Blend into dips, dressings, sauces, frostings
- Mix with flour for breading chicken, fish, tofu etc.
Start with a 1:1 substitution ratio when replacing peanut butter powder. You may need to tweak liquid, fat or leavening amounts in some baked recipes.
Potential Drawbacks
While peanut butter powder alternatives provide more options, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:
- May be more expensive: Specialty nut and seed powders can cost more than peanut powder.
- Differing flavors and textures: Substitutes may not replicate the exact peanut flavor and powdery texture.
- Lower protein in some: If extra protein is your goal, check that the substitute is still high in protein.
- Allergies: Tree nuts, soy and coconut are common allergens to be aware of.
- Added ingredients: Check labels since some powders contain added oils, sugars or preservatives.
However, these concerns can often be addressed by selecting high quality products and getting comfortable with any flavor and texture differences.
FAQs
What is the best peanut butter powder substitute?
The best substitute for peanut butter powder is almond butter powder. It has a very similar nutty taste and powdery texture. Sunflower seed powder and pumpkin seed powder are great nut-free alternatives.
Is peanut flour the same as peanut powder?
No, peanut flour and peanut powder are slightly different. Peanut flour is made from roasted, ground peanuts. Peanut powder starts with peanut flour but also contains added ingredients like sweeteners, salt, and sometimes cocoa powder or other flavorings.
Can you use almond flour instead of almond butter powder?
Yes, you can use almond flour as a substitute for almond butter powder. The texture will be more coarse and grainy compared to almond powder. But it will provide almond flavor and can work in recipes like protein balls, cookies and muffins.
How do you make your own nut or seed butter powder?
To make your own, process nuts or seeds into a butter. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 6-8 hours until dried out. Finally, grind the dried butter into a powder using a food processor or blender.
What can you use powdered peanut butter for?
Powdered peanut butter can be used in smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, sauces, coatings for chicken or tofu, frostings, protein bars, and much more. Substitute powders work well in many of these same applications.
Should you refrigerate nut and seed butter powders?
There is no need to refrigerate nut and seed powder substitutes. Simply store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place in your pantry. They should stay fresh for several months. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life further.
Conclusion
Peanut butter powder has become popular for smoothies, baking and more. Luckily, there are a variety of healthy substitutes available for those who need to avoid peanut powder or simply want to try something new.
Substitutes like almond, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, and cashew powders provide nutty flavor and often additional nutrition. Soy nut and tigernut powders offer nut-free options. Coconut powder provides a touch of natural sweetness.
You can also make your own customized nut and seed powders at home to control ingredients. Protein powders can provide an extra protein boost when needed.
When swapping for peanut powder, start with 1:1 ratios and adjust recipes if needed. Store powders in an airtight container for freshness. Then start blending, baking and getting creative with your new substitute!