Are you looking for a delicious, healthy snack that can provide essential nutrients? Look no further than peanut butter!
Who doesn’t love peanut butter? Whether you’re a fan of the classic Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich or enjoy dipping your fruits and veggies, peanut butter is a beloved food item that has been a staple in many households for decades.
When one hears the word “butter,” one usually thinks about fats.
But that’s going to change today.
Peanut butter is not only delicious but also a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. In this blog, we’ll explore the best peanut butter to buy online in India based on its nutritional value in 2023 and its health benefits. So, let’s dive in!
Introducing Peanut Butter.
Peanut Butter is one of the most relished and popular superfoods today. Though it does contain saturated fats and is high in calories, it is also high in protein and essential minerals like omega-6, arginine, and more.
Besides complementing sandwiches, one can use peanut butter in shakes, smoothies, muffins, protein bars, and oatmeal.
Before we tell you about the best peanut butter to buy, let’s learn about Peanut Butter and why you should include it in your diet.
How is Peanut Butter Made?
Peanut butter is made by crushing and grinding roasted peanuts. In addition, it may also contain salt, sugar, dates, honey, or cocoa added to enhance the flavor and taste.
Here is a general overview of the process:
- Roasting the peanuts: Raw peanuts are first roasted to enhance their flavor and aroma. They may be roasted with or without their skins.
- Cooling and shelling: After roasting, the peanuts are cooled and then shelled to remove the skins.
- Grinding: The shelled peanuts are ground into a paste using a food processor or a specialized peanut butter grinder. The paste can be smooth or chunky, depending on the desired texture.
- Optional ingredients: Some peanut butter manufacturers add ingredients such as sugar, salt, or hydrogenated vegetable oils to improve the taste or texture of the product.
- Packaging: The finished peanut butter is packaged in jars or other containers and distributed to stores or other outlets.
Types of Peanut Butter
There are three common types of peanut butter available, including flavored and unflavored varieties:
Regular Peanut Butter
Regular peanut butter is made by grinding roasted peanuts into a smooth or chunky paste, sometimes with salt, sugar, preservatives, and hydrogenated oil to enhance the flavor and texture. And it is the most commonly consumed type of peanut butter.
Crunchy or Chunky Peanut Butter
Crunchy or chunky peanut butter is made by adding small pieces of chopped peanuts to the smooth peanut butter paste, giving it a crunchy texture. Some brands may include additional ingredients such as salt, sugar, and hydrogenated oil.
Smooth or creamy peanut butter
As the name says, this type has a smooth, buttery, and creamy mouthfeel.
It is made by grinding roasted peanuts into a fine paste until it becomes creamy and smooth. It has a velvety texture and is often used as a spread for sandwiches, toast, and crackers. Some brands may add salt, sugar, and vegetable oil to enhance the flavor and texture.
Organic Peanut Butter
Due to its use of high-quality, organic peanuts free from pesticides and chemicals, organic peanut butter is typically more expensive than other types of peanut butter.
It is considered a healthier and more sustainable option than non-organic peanut butter.
Why Include Peanut Butter In Your Diet?
Peanut butter is loaded with nutrients present in its most beneficial forms –
The protein is plant-based: It comes from a plant-based source, which means that it does not contain animal-derived protein. As a result, peanut butter is an excellent protein source for vegetarians and vegans.
The fat is unsaturated: Peanut butter contains unsaturated fats, which are considered the healthier type of fat. Peanut butter has a high amount of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood.
Dietary fiber is a complex carbohydrate: Dietary fiber is essential in maintaining digestive health. The high dietary fiber content in peanut butter makes it a nutritious and beneficial addition to a healthy and balanced diet.
Peanut butter is an exceptional source of macronutrients and micronutrients such as niacin, folate, vitamin B5, vitamin E, thiamine, copper, iron, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium.
The American Peanut Council states that peanuts possess a beneficial blend of fatty acids that assist in reducing cholesterol levels and decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, peanut butter has an impressive amino acid composition and is the most abundant source of the amino acid arginine. Being a plant-based protein, it provides additional advantages of phytonutrients.
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter
Several health benefits have been associated with the consumption of peanut butter, that includes:
Nutrient-dense
Peanut butter is a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and various bioactive compounds like resveratrol, which are beneficial for our health. Studies have indicated that individuals who incorporate peanuts into their diet have higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Diabetic-friendly
Peanut butter can be included in the diet of individuals with diabetes as it aids in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Support weight loss
For fitness enthusiasts who want to build lean muscles and reduce body fat, incorporating peanut butter into their diet could be beneficial. Its high protein and dietary fiber content can promote satiety for longer while consuming fewer calories.
Antioxidant-rich
Peanut butter contains a powerful antioxidant – resveratrol- which protects against cancers, heart disease, and inflammation.
Heart-friendly
Although peanuts and peanut butter are high in fat, they have a cholesterol-lowering effect on the body. This is due to the presence of oleic acid and phytosterols in peanut butter, which has been found to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Reduce the risk of gallstones.
Peanut butter is a valuable source of magnesium, which can enhance insulin sensitivity, reducing the likelihood of gallstones. Studies have shown that consuming at least 15 grams of peanut butter five times a week can reduce the risk of gallbladder disease by 15%.
Stronger bones
Incorporating peanut butter into your daily diet can also benefit bone health. It’s high protein and magnesium content can aid bone mineralization and promote healthy bones.
Nutrition Value of Peanuts
Peanuts are highly nutritious and contain a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of peanuts per 100 grams:
- Energy: 520 kcal
- Protein: 23.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.2 g
- Fat: 39.6 g
- Dietary Fibre: 10.3 g
- Niacin: 11.3 mg
- Folate: 90.8 mcg
- Vitamin A: 82.8 mcg
- Calcium: 54 mg
- Magnesium: 197 mg
- Phosphorus: 397 mg
- Potassium: 679 mg
Source: ICMR
Peanuts are also a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, thiamine, potassium, and copper. They are also rich in various bioactive compounds, such as resveratrol, flavonoids, and phytosterols, associated with several health benefits.
Best Peanut Butters in India To Try
S.No | Product Name | Serving Size | Energy (kcal) per serving | Protein (g) per serving | Fat (g) per serving | Carbs (g) per serving |
1 | Nutrabay Foods All-Natural Peanut Butter | 32 g | 200 | 9 | 15 | 6 |
2 | Nutrabay Foods Original Peanut Butter | 32 g | 185 | 7 | 12 | 10 |
3 | Nutrabay Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter | 32 g | 199 | 6 | 15 | 9 |
4 | MyFitness Chocolate Peanut Butter Smooth | 32 g | 200 | 8 | 16 | 6 |
5 | MyFitness Original Peanut Butter Crunchy | 32 g | 200 | 8 | 16 | 6 |
6 | YogarBar Crunchy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter | 32 g | 188 | 7 | 13 | 9 |
7 | Avvatar Peanut Butter | 32 g | 200 | 8 | 16 | 6 |
8 | RiteBite Max Protein Peanut Spread – Classic Crunchy | 100 g | 625 | 26 | 50 | 19 |
9 | The Whole Truth Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Creamy | 35 g | 206 | 6 | 13 | 14 |
10 | Onelife Peanut Butter – Powdered with Probiotic & Unsweetened | 15 g | 94 | 4 | 7 | 2 |
Nutrabay Foods All-Natural Peanut Butter
This unsweetened peanut butter is one of the best peanut butter to consider. It’s non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and cholesterol-free without added sugar, salt, or additives, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
The absence of added sugar, salt, and additives means that consumers can enjoy the pure taste of roasted peanuts without any artificial flavors or preservatives.
Nutrabay Foods Original Peanut Butter
This peanut butter is perfect for those who want to enjoy the health benefits with a dash of sweetness.
Nutrabay Foods Original Peanut Butter’s natural sweetness comes from dates syrup, a healthier alternative to refined sugar. It is gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Additionally, the absence of hydrogenated fat makes it a healthier choice for those who want to avoid trans fat in their diet.
Nutrabay Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter
This peanut butter from Nutrabay Foods is a popular choice among those who enjoy the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
It is one of the best-selling flavored peanut butter that combines the richness of cocoa powder and dark chocolate with high-quality roasted peanuts. Despite its delicious taste, Nutrabay Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter is also a healthy option, as it is free from cholesterol and trans fats.
MyFitness Chocolate Peanut Butter Smooth
Just what you need – healthy protein-packed peanut butter with the goodness of dark chocolate.
This peanut butter from MyFitness combines the benefits of protein and dietary fiber with the delicious taste of dark chocolate. It is a great choice for those who are into fitness and working out, as it can provide the energy needed for an intense workout. The brand is renowned for its top-quality peanut butter.
MyFitness Original Peanut Butter Crunchy
Another healthy and flavourful peanut butter with an uncompromised taste and texture. It is rich in protein and dietary fiber, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a healthy and satisfying snack. The crunchy texture adds an extra dimension to the creamy and nutty flavor of the peanut butter, making it a favorite among peanut butter lovers.
YogaBarCrunchy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter
YogaBar Crunchy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter is a delicious combination of creamy peanut butter and high-quality dark chocolate, offering a great taste and several health benefits. It is made using non-GMO peanuts and contains no added salt, cholesterol, or trans fats. The product is perfect for those wanting to indulge in a healthy snack without compromising taste.
The Whole Truth Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter – Creamy
The Whole Truth Foods Peanut Butter in a creamy texture is an ideal choice for those who prioritize their diet and want a balanced protein and fat intake without added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Avvatar Peanut Butter
This highly preferred peanut butter is rich in taste and high in protein. Avvatar peanut butter is gluten-free and contains no trans fat or cholesterol.
RiteBite Max Protein Peanut Spread – Classic Crunchy
This all-natural, vegan protein peanut butter spread is a great snack for any time of the day. Made with real roasted nuts and without preservatives, RiteBite Max Protein Peanut Spread in Classic Crunchy flavor offers a perfect combination of great taste and top-notch ingredients.
Onelife Peanut Butter – Powdered with Probiotic & Unsweetened
Onelife peanut butter comes with an additional boost of probiotics and protein, making it extraordinary and unique. Probiotics keep our gut healthy and support better digestion. This peanut butter is natural, without added sugar and trans fats, making the product health-friendly for all age groups.
It is also in powdered form, making it easy to use in various recipes and shakes. The product is also gluten-free and non-GMO, making it an excellent option for people with dietary restrictions.
Bottomline
Simply put, peanut butter is one of the best things to add to your diet. Add Peanut Butter in moderation to your diet and enjoy the health benefits like promoting muscle growth and bone health. This is one tasty superfood you can relish guilt-free.
Still, is it better than Almond Butter? We settle the Peanut vs. Almond butter debate in this post.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Peanut Butter
Is eating peanut butter good for you?
Peanut butter is nutrient-dense and offers several health benefits, such as better heart and muscle health and cholesterol levels.
Is peanut butter ok every day?
Yes, there is no harm in consuming peanut butter every day but only in moderation. Overindulging in peanut butter can cause weight gain.
Which peanut butter is the best?
Any peanut butter free from added sugar, harmful additives, and preservatives is good. You can try Nutrabay Foods Peanut Butter.
Does peanut butter really have butter in it?
Unlike typical butter, peanut butter is extracted from peanuts. It is a spread or food paste referred to as butter because of its buttery consistency.
How much protein is there in peanut butter?
The protein content might vary from brand to brand, depending upon the composition. On average, 100 g of peanut butter provides 25 g of protein.
Which is the best budget peanut butter brand in India?
You can try the Nutrabay Foods Peanut Butter range. They are economical, certified, and made with premium quality ingredients.
What is the difference between peanut and peanut butter?
Both peanut and peanut butter share almost the same protein content. Peanut butter is slightly high in calories than peanuts, whereas dietary fiber is somewhat high in peanuts because of skin.
Which is better, crunchy or creamy peanut butter, and why?
Both crunchy and creamy variations are equally beneficial, and one can enjoy any as per the liking.
How to make peanut butter at home?
One can make peanut butter at home by grinding roasted peanuts in a high-speed blender until it gives a smooth butter. Salt or honey can be added as per the choice to enhance the taste.
Can peanut butter be included in a keto diet?
Peanut butter is high in proteins, and healthy fats with carb content on the lower side, hence a perfect fit for a keto diet.