Actually, I'm not sure who thought of powdered peanut butter as a profitable enterprise.
Wait. Yes, I do.
It's the person - company, really - who knew there would be loads of calorie-conscious women salivating for a way to enjoy their favorite nut butter without the guilt. Women who, apparently, include me.
Yes, folks. I am guilty of procuring a jar of PB2. And guilty I should be. Why? Because I used $7 of an Amazon gift card on a plastic jar of powdered peanuts that will never ever be peanut butter. Not in a million years.
I'll admit that I've been interested in trying PB2 for years - years, I tell you - when I first joined Weight Watchers. PB2 is WW friendly and it would have been great for this gal, who ate PB every morning pre-workout. However, it wasn't easily accessible and I had no interest in spending Internet dollars on PB2. Those were, after all, devoted to VitaTops.
I had almost forgotten about the stuff until a co-worker, who is participating in a weight loss competition, mentioned that the product was suggested by his nutritionist. I had just happened to have a $35 Amazon gift card from Crowdtap that was burning a hole in my email so I decided to take the plunge and try it.
I thought I'd ease into the waters a bit by adding it to a packet of oatmeal. In a time crunch, I bought over-sugared packets at Aldi and, I will say, the PB2 helped mellow the sweetness by adding a slight - and I mean slight - peanut flavor.
Next up, subbing the PB2 for PB in my favorite "let's pretend it's healthy" sandwich, the Adult PB&J. Peanut butter, berry all-fruit spread and ... wait for it ... NUTELLA! Yeah, my once favorite sandwich was a favorite no more. The PB2 has to be mixed to just the right consistency to make it spreadable but not watery, which, despite the instructions, I failed to do. Let's just say there was a bit extra as I fine-tuned the consistency. As with the oatmeal, it did balance the sweetness of the sandwich but failed to complement the flavors (if that makes any sense).
Other experiments:
- Spread on homemade oatmeal jam bars. This was meh. The bars already tasted too healthy (if you know what I mean) and the PB2 enhanced that feeling.
- In pancake batter. I had high hopes for this one but the flavor was so mild that Mark didn't even know he was eating peanut butter and banana pancakes. He thought they were just banana.
- With cinnamon. Now this was a winner. For all my failed sandwiches, the cinnamon gave the PB2 a bit more depth without adding to the calorie content.
- Cold water vs. warm water. Cold wins. While I like a warm, drizzly peanut butter, the PB2 made with warm water is just gross.
Have you tried PB2? What are your thoughts?
I haven't tried PB2 but I used Trader Joe's peanut flour in the same way for a while (I stockpiled a few bags of it before it was discontinued - when that runs out I may have to try PB2). I would mix equal amounts of the flour with cocoa powder, a little bit of agave or maple syrup, and almond milk. It made a yummy spread! Not as good as regular peanut butter, but really, few things are.
ReplyDeleteI haven't used it and it kind of grosses me out. I've seen other bloggers smoother it all over stuff and I just don't know how they can stomach it. I'd rather just eat real peanut butter, which I'm totally addicted to. Everything in moderation right?
ReplyDeleteYeah.... I tried it, but it just didn't do it for me. I'd rather bite the bullet and just count the points for actual peanut butter. Oh how I love the stuff!
ReplyDeleteI love PB2. It's such a versatile product. I put it in all kinds of stuff. In my opinion the chocolate one is the best. Oh and if you go to Vitacost.com or iherb.com they have it for like $5. Saves you a few bucks and you can usually find discount codes for a few dollars off.
ReplyDeleteI like it,dont love it.
ReplyDeleteI tried the chocolate kind, and really liked it. My friend Kim loves the stuff and made some for me :)
ReplyDeleteI know I won't buy it though, just because, hello, I have 4 kids. Can you even IMAGINE the vast quantities of peanut butter consumed here? I don't want to have to make every serving...
I'm so glad that you reviewed this product, because I've seen it all over the place and I was wondering if it was too good to be true! I was trying to find a sub of PB for my hub's to put in protein smoothies and he is not fool by impostors. Looks like I won't be spending a fortune for PB2 now!
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for the encouragement yesterday about running! I can't wait to see my improvements in the upcoming months!
I too am SUPER thrilled you gave your full review of PB2 - I had heard about it and even put it in my amzaon cart a time or two only to back off in fear I would be disappointed. I'm sorry you spent a lot of money on it, too bad it's not that fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about this but never bought it - I'm wary of any peanut butter without the fat! Thanks for your honest review of this. :)
ReplyDeleteokay I'm so glad you posted this because I've seen it on so many blogs and have wanted to try it. After people have raved about it, I trust your review a little more...because we tend to have more similar tastes than most of the blogs that rave about it. I knew it could never hold a candle to the real deal. Those sneaky liars
ReplyDeleteI've never tried PB2 and I don't think I ever will..nothing can replace real PB!
ReplyDeleteOoo, glad you posted this. I keep wanting to try it because, like you said, who doesn't want to enjoy PB without all of the added calories and fat? But the thought of mixing up PB like a glass of Metamucil just sounded odd to me. Thanks for posting an honest review. Don't think I'll spend the money!
ReplyDeleteThe other best part of your post: where you mention Nutella is "healthy". I try to convince myself of that all of the time. Now if they made a powdered Nutella... that's a train I might buy a ticket for.