Is Peanut Butter Keto? Here’s a Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to following the keto diet, you might be wondering if peanut butter is a suitable option for your low-carb lifestyle. It’s a popular and versatile food that many people enjoy, but with its carbohydrate content, you may be concerned about whether it aligns with your dietary goals. You might be asking yourself: “Is peanut butter keto?” “Can you eat it on keto?”

Recently, the keto diet has been gaining popularity as a dietary approach that emphasizes high-fat intake while minimizing carb consumption. The aim of this diet is to promote and maintain a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat as a primary source of energy instead of carbohydrates. Keto food pyramid emphasizes healthy fats in products like olive oil, avocados, nuts, chia seeds, etc. Unlike other low-carb diets, this diet usually limits total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams a day and, in some cases, as low as 20 grams a day so that people can stay in ketosis. 

While peanut butter is a popular and beloved food, it also contains some components that could potentially derail your ketogenic goals. 

In this article, we will discuss the carb content in peanut butter, figure out if it’s suitable for a low-carb diet, and give recommendations on the best options.  

Carbs in Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is actually considered moderately low in carbs and contains both fiber and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – healthy fats. This composition makes it a balanced food that can be incorporated into your keto diet, depending on how you manage your overall carbohydrate intake.

Now, how many carbs can you expect in a tablespoon of peanut butter? The answer depends on which type of peanut butter we are talking about. 

To get a better idea, let’s take a look at the table below to find out how many carbs a typical 1-tablespoon serving of a certain type of peanut butter contains. 

Note that the nutritional content of each type of peanut butter varies from brand to brand. For example, a tablespoon of your favorite Trader Joe’s peanut butter contains 3.5g of total carbs.

The amount of carbohydrates in each type of this product listed in the table ranges from 3 grams to 6.4 grams per 1-tablespoon serving, which may or may not be too much for someone on this diet. 

Note that this type of diet typically requires individuals to limit their carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day and sometimes as low as 20–30 grams per day. 

So how much peanut butter is enough or too much for someone on the keto diet? Let’s say individuals who should consume 20 grams per day may need to select a type of it with a lower carbohydrate content. Hence, they may opt for the ones that contain 3 grams per tablespoon. On the other hand, those consuming 50 grams of carbs per day may be able to incorporate higher carbs. 

While peanut butter can be a good source of protein and good fats for those following this diet, the amount of carbohydrates in each serving of it may add up quickly and make it difficult to stay within the recommended daily limit of carbohydrates.

It’s worth noting that the nutritional content may vary between different peanut butter brands and types of it, so it’s always a good idea to check the label for specific information. To make the best choice for your keto diet, opt for natural, unsweetened products. 

Is Peanut Butter Keto-Friendly?

Yes, it can be keto-friendly when consumed in moderation. It will also depend on the type of peanut butter you consume and your daily macronutrient goals on the keto diet.

By focusing on keeping the carbs in check and choosing high-quality peanut butter, you can enjoy this tasty addition to your keto lifestyle. 

Despite the heart-healthy fats found in peanut butter, it’s important to be mindful of the amount consumed. This is because peanut butter is calorie-dense, and consuming large amounts can lead to weight gain. Monitoring peanut butter intake is crucial, especially for individuals who are watching their calorie intake or trying to lose weight.

Keep in mind that natural or unsweetened nut butter is generally a better choice for those following the keto diet. These varieties typically have fewer added ingredients and lower net carbs compared to regular or sweetened peanut butter. 

Peanut butter can be a tasty addition to the keto diet, but it’s important to keep in mind that it is still high in calories. Even if you opt for a low-carb variety, consuming the whole jar is not a good idea if you want to lose weight. After all, a calorie deficit is crucial for weight loss, even on keto.

Hence, you just need to select the right type of it. Then, keep your portions in check to ensure you’re not exceeding your daily calorie limit. So if you’re a peanut butter lover, you can still enjoy its creamy goodness while staying on track with your keto goals. 

The Best Keto Peanut Butter

When following the ketogenic diet, finding the right peanut butter can help you stay within your daily carb limits and ensure that you are consuming healthy fats. 

To ensure you’re choosing keto-friendly peanut butter, pay close attention to the nutrition label. Now, what peanut butter is keto?

• Low carbohydrate content. Ideally, your chosen product should contain minimal sugars and net carbs. Check the nutritional label to confirm the carb content.
• No hydrogenated fats. Some brands use hydrogenated fats to improve texture and increase shelf life, but these oils can be harmful to your health. 
• Limited or no added sugars. Many companies produce flavored peanut butters, and they add sugar for sweetness. Look for options with no added sugars, or opt for a product that uses keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia. The best keto peanut butter is the one that does not contain added sugars, honey, molasses, corn syrup, agave syrup, and the like.
• No harmful preservatives or additives. There are a few preservatives and additives that are commonly found in it that may cause harm to the body if consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis. Examples include trans fats, big amounts of sodium, and preservatives such as BHA and BHT. 
• It only contains roasted peanuts and salt as ingredients. Peanut butter that is made from high-quality peanuts and contains no added ingredients is typically more nutrient-dense than commercial brands. 
• Natural and organic. Look for natural and organic products, meaning it is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Natural and organic peanut butter is typically made with high-quality ingredients and is better for your health. Go for homemade peanut butter.

How to Eat Peanut Butter on Keto? 

If you wish to keep snacking on peanut butter while following the keto diet, here are easy-to-follow tip that’ll help you add peanut butter to your keto menu:

Consume in moderation

In terms of calories, 1 tablespoon (16g) of peanut butter contains around 95–101 calories, depending on the type.

If you’re on the ketogenic diet, eating it in moderation means you have to consume it in appropriate amounts that fit within your daily carbohydrate and calorie limits. As mentioned earlier, this requires limiting carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day and sometimes as low as 20–30 grams per day.

Despite containing net carbs, peanut butter can fit into the keto diet as long as you monitor your serving sizes and carb count closely. 

If you’re trying to lose weight, you still need to eat to maintain a calorie deficit. Monitor your consumption to ensure you maintain a calorie deficit for weight loss. 

Some brands also offer “no added sugar” or “low-carb” varieties of nut butter, which can be a good option for keto dieters.

Healthy Keto Recipes With Peanut Butter

Peanut butter’s creamy, nutty flavor makes it a popular ingredient in keto-friendly recipes. Check out this keto peanut butter cups recipe that’s low-carb and easy to make. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there no-carb peanut butter?

There isn’t a completely carb-free peanut butter, as peanuts naturally contain some carbohydrates. When looking for peanut butter suitable for keto, opt for natural, unsweetened varieties with minimal ingredients. It’s worth noting that following the keto diet doesn’t require completely eliminating net carbs, as it allows the consumption of up to 50g of carbs.

These options will have a lower carb content than those with added sugar and fillers. Check the nutrition facts on the label to ensure you’re choosing a product with the lowest possible carb count.

What to eat with peanut butter on keto?

There are numerous keto-friendly foods you can enjoy with peanut butter without going over your daily carb limit. Here are some ways to enjoy peanut butter on keto beyond the classic sandwich way:

Some popular options include:

• Celery. Celery sticks with peanut butter make for one of the best crunchy and satisfying low-carb snacks.
• Low-carb crackers. Choose crackers made from almond or coconut flour to keep net carbs in check while enjoying a classic peanut butter pairing (source).
• Low-carb smoothies. Add it to your favorite low-carb smoothies. 
• Chia seed pudding. Add a spoonful of peanut butter to chia seed pudding for extra flavor and creaminess.

• Spread it on other kinds of snacks. Instead of white bread, spread your peanut butter on low-carb bread or crackers.
• Dressing. Make peanut sauce for your salads, marinades, or pancake toppings.
• Topping. Top off some peanut butter on your low-carb pancakes or waffles.

By incorporating peanut butter into your keto diet using the suggestions mentioned above, you can enjoy its flavor and nutritional benefits without compromising your low-carb goals. 

Alternatively, you can try other nut butters, such as cashew butter, macadamia nut butter, sunflower seed butter, or almond butter, for a similar balance of fats, proteins, and net carbs.

Is creamy or crunchy peanut butter better for keto?

Whether you choose crunchy or creamy peanut butter on the keto diet is a matter of personal preference, as both types can be consumed on the diet. However, it’s important to look for natural, unsweetened peanut butter with minimal ingredients to ensure that it fits into the macronutrient goals of the keto diet. 

Final Thoughts

Peanut butter is generally considered keto-friendly due to its moderate carb content, fiber, and fats. However, you must be cautious about the type and quantity of peanut butter consumed on the ketogenic diet.

When selecting some keto peanut butter brands, opt for one that contains no added sugar, as this can help maintain your daily net carbs intake within the desired keto range. 

Natural peanut butter, which typically contains only peanuts and salt, is an excellent choice to incorporate into your keto meal plan.

It is also essential to remember that serving size matters. Limit your consumption to one or two tablespoons at most to stay within your daily carb allowance. 

Ultimately, moderation and mindful choices are key when it comes to including peanut butter in your ketogenic diet. 

By adhering to these tips, you can successfully incorporate this nutritious and delicious food into your meal plan without jeopardizing your progress.

Enhance your keto journey with a specialized app that simplifies meal planning and tracking, ensuring that you get the most out of your keto diet. Start your keto journey with Keto Cycle’s quiz to receive a personalized plan that meets your specific needs and goals.