Ingredients of Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter

Reduced-fat peanut butter generally contains close to 25 percent less fat than regular; the ingredients are similar amongst most brands. There are a few key ingredients or amounts used of certain ingredients that differentiate it from full-fat varieties.

Peanuts

• Roasted peanuts are the main ingredient in reduced fat peanut butter, and they are great sources of fiber and protein. Peanuts are also high in fat; they are the reason peanut butter is so fattening in the first place. However, the fat found in peanuts is monosaturated, which is considered to be a "good fat." In fact, according to the article "Good Fats Bad Fats" on the Health Castle website, monosaturated fats have not only been linked to successful body fat weight loss, but they also work to lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol in the body.

Corn Syrup Solids and Sugar

• Corn syrup solids and sugar are listed as the next two ingredients separately. However, it is important to note that corn syrup solids are essentially sugar (they are a type of dextrose sugar) when it comes down to the nutritional value.

Soy Protein

• According to the Soya website, which provides information about soy products, soy protein provides texture and assists in emulsification. It also adds some extra protein to the already high protein reduced fat peanut butter.

Other Ingredients

• Reduced Fat Peanut Butter generally consists of 2 percent or less of the following ingredients:

  Salt is generally a common ingredient between reduced fat and full fat peanut butter; it is added for flavor.

  Fully hydrogenated vegetable oils act to prevent separation and do not contain trans fats.

  Mono- and diglycerides help to meld ingredients and maintain a creamy texture or consistency.

  Vitamins and minerals are present in small amounts.

Reduced Fat Better?

• Reduced-fat peanut butter usually contains about 25 percent less fat than full-fat varieties. However, the two generally contain a comparable number of calories if not the exact same amount. This is due to the substitution of sugar for fat in the reduced-fat peanut butters. While you can save yourself from about 4 to 5 grams of fat per serving by choosing reduced-fat peanut butter, you will opting for a choice that is higher in sugar. Due to the higher sugar content, reduced-fat peanut butter can have up to double the carbohydrate content of full-fat peanut butter.

Considerations

• While you may count it a priority to maintain a low fat diet, you may want to consider trading in your reduced-fat peanut butter for regular. As previously referenced, the fat in peanut butter is monosaturated, a "good fat" that the body needs. It is associated with a healthy diet and even weight loss while there are never any health benefits associated with consuming more sugar.