Nutritional Breakdown

While there are many snack and ingredient choices out there, the nutritional value of peanut butter and peanuts are relatively high compared to other options. For example, in the legume or dried bean family, peanuts are pretty low in calories. Plus, they are a terrific source of protein!

But the story gets better and better. In fact, you might be surprised with just how great the nutritional value of peanut butter, roasted peanuts and other peanut products are once you see the peanut nutrition data below—especially when you consider the significant amounts of the following nutrients found in a single ounce. Check out these peanut nutrition labels to find out more!

Calories

Calories are a measure of the amount of energy in a particular item of food or beverage. And exerting energy in direct balance with caloric intake is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Peanuts and peanut butter are nutrient-dense foods which are an important factor in weight management. For 160 calories, they provide hard-to-get nutrients such as dietary fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin E, thiamin, and magnesium. Furthermore, there are numerous studies showing that peanuts help manage weight because of their high satiety value and… because consumers don’t tire of their flavor, texture or versatility.

Peanut Calories

Protein

A one-ounce serving of peanuts—about a handful—is considered a good source of protein based on the United States Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database. Peanuts and peanut butter alike provide 7 grams of high quality, plant-based protein to your diet. Since the protein in peanuts is plant-based, it carries with it additional components promoting positive health benefits like fiber and unique bioactives, unlike animal protein.

Peanut Protein

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet; they supply the body with glucose which ultimately supports physical activity and bodily functions. Peanuts can be an ideal factor in this equation, as they are quick to enter the bloodstream and result in energy. And, as peanuts are high in protein, fat and fiber, they are low in carbohydrates – which means they have a low glycemic index. As such, foods containing a low amount of carbohydrates, such as peanuts, are also critical to those trying to lose weight, lower blood sugars and treat certain health conditions.

Peanut Carbohydrates

Healthy Fat

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest cooking and purchasing products made with oils higher in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat rather than butter, shortening, or coconut or palm oils. Luckily, more than 80% of the good fats in peanuts are from heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Scientific studies show that when healthy fats replace bad fats in our diets, the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as lower inflammation.

Peanut Fat

Vitamins & Minerals

Peanuts and peanut butter are full of vitamins and minerals that are integral to growth, development, metabolic function, and immunity. There are a variety of micronutrients and bioactives that contribute to the nutritional content of peanuts.

Peanut Micronutrients

Fiber

Peanuts are a good source of fiber according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database. Over a third of the carbohydrates in peanuts is fiber and according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines, more than 90 percent of women and 97 percent of men do not meet recommended intakes for dietary fiber.

Peanut Fiber

Bioactive Compounds

Research has identified numerous types of bioactive compounds in peanuts and in their skins that may add health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Peanuts have been touted as a functional food with numerous functional components. These bioactive nutrients have been recognized for containing disease preventative properties; some are antioxidants, while others are thought to promote longevity. Packaged together with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and fiber, peanuts are a complex plant food that promote health with each bite.

Simply put, there are many components of peanut butter and peanuts. Many of these are known as bioactive compounds.

Peanut Bioactives