We’re comparing two of the most popular nut butters in the world here: peanut butter and Nutella!
Well, actually it’s reduced-fat peanut butter, which is basically peanut butter with less fat (as the name accurately implies)! However, as great as it sounds, does it beat the powerful Nutella in a matchup?
These two spreads are going to go head-to-head, trying to be the better choice in terms of culinary uses, flavor profiles, nutritional qualities, dietary versatility, and more! That way, we’ll have a clear view on whether reduced-fat peanut butter or Nutella is the better choice for you!
Let’s jump in!
Comparing reduced-fat peanut butter vs Nutella
Reduced-fat peanut butter is made from peanuts, and often has soy in it (unlike regular peanut butter). This gives it soy and peanuts as allergens, while Nutella also has soy as an allergen, along with milk and tree nuts (it’s made from hazelnuts). They both share smooth and creamy characteristics in their textures, unless you get a crunchy version of reduced-fat peanut butter!
Nutella isn’t dietary versatile, while reduced-fat peanut butter is suitable for vegan diets. Both of their glycemic indexes are unknown, but reduced-fat peanut butter is likely low like regular peanut butter, while Nutella is likely high due to the added sugar. Check with your physician if you have concerns about your blood sugar levels spiking with these!
| Reduced-fat peanut butter (Jif brand) | Nutella (flavored hazelnut butter) | |
| Taste | Mild peanut flavor, slightly sweet | Sweet, chocolatey |
| Texture | Thick, smooth & creamy (or crunchy) | Smooth, creamy |
| Allergens | Peanuts, soy | Tree nuts, milk, soy |
| Vegan? | Yes | No |
| Paleo? | No | No |
| Keto? | No | No |
| Glycemic index (GI) | Unknown; likely low like regular peanut butter (14) | Unknown (likely high due to added sugar content) |
What is reduced-fat peanut butter?
Reduced-fat peanut butter is basically regular peanut butter but with less fat. However, it also has a slightly different texture and taste, and brands will often add sugar, pea protein, and vegetable oils to compensate!
The reduction in fat is done by taking some of the natural oils out, which results in about 30% less fat than regular peanut butter. Just keep an eye on the added ingredients if you want to avoid some of those!
It has a mild peanut flavor that’s slightly sweet.
What is Nutella?
Nutella is essentially a flavored hazelnut butter, and is sold all around the world – it’s massively popular!
It’s made by adding a lot of sugar, palm oil, and other ingredients that aren’t the healthiest, which gives it the sweet and chocolatey flavor along with the smooth and creamy texture. It’s really delicious, but I recommend making Nutella at home if you want to avoid those bad ingredients. You can also make a keto Nutella!
Differences between reduced-fat peanut butter and Nutella
The biggest differences between reduced-fat peanut butter and Nutella are the taste and texture.
Reduced-fat peanut butter has a mild peanut taste that’s slightly sweet, while Nutella has a very sweet and chocolatey flavor – it’s hard to mimic, so people can usually tell the difference between it and other chocolate spreads on the market.
Looking at their textures, reduced-fat peanut butter has a thick and creamy consistency that’s either smooth or crunchy based on your preferences – much like how you have a choice with regular peanut butter (I personally am a crunchy fan). Nutella is smooth and creamy.
How to use reduced-fat peanut butter vs Nutella
You can use either reduced-fat peanut butter or Nutella as a spread for your toast, waffles, pancakes (Nutella and pancakes or crepes is amazing), muffins, and anything else you want! Try mixing them into your smoothies and oatmeal, as both of these will provide some great flavor and texture twists!
Reduced-fat peanut butter comes in smooth or crunchy textures, so depending what texture you buy can really change the dish you pair it with! Nutella is also great in sweet desserts, adding a pop of sweet chocolate flavor to things like brownies!
Nutrition: Reduced-fat peanut butter vs Nutella
Reduced-fat peanut butter, of course, has less fat than regular peanut butter. It has 12 grams of unsaturated fats, and 2.5 grams of saturated fats. It’s also really high in carbs, with 13 net grams per serving. You’ll find 2 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein per serving, and it often has added sugar in it.
Nutella has a lot more added sugar than reduced-fat peanut butter, with 19 grams of added sugar to total for a mouth-dropping 21 grams per serving! It also has a really high carb content, with 22 net grams per serving. It’s quite low in protein, with 2 grams per serving and just 1 gram of fiber.
| Serving size: 2 tbsp | Reduced-fat peanut butter (Jif brand) | Nutella (flavored hazelnut butter) |
| Calories | 190 | 200 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 12 g (2.5 g) | 12 g (4 g) |
| Total carbs | 15 g | 23 g |
| Net carbs (fiber) | 13 g (2 g) | 22 g (1 g) |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 4 g (3 g) | 21 g (19 g) |
| Protein | 7 g | 2 g |
How to store reduced-fat peanut butter and Nutella
Reduced-fat peanut butter should be stored in the fridge if it’s the natural version. This will extend its shelf-life and help out with oil separation.
However, most reduced-fat peanut butters are shelf-stable like this one from Jif, and those can be stored at room temperature – keep it out of direct sunlight though.
Nutella is perfectly fine at room temperature, and should last you up to 12 months according to its maker, Ferrero. You can put it in the fridge if you want to thicken it up.
Make sure to check the labels for both of these to see the best-before dates and any specific storage instructions!
Reduced-fat peanut butter vs Nutella: The ultimate verdict
So, which spread is the winner?
Reduced-fat peanut butter is a great option if you want peanut butter with less fat, and it has different crunch levels based on your preferences!
Nutella is mouth-watering delicious, with a sweet and chocolate flavor that is loved all around the world! However, it has some unhealthy ingredients.
You should choose Nutella for things that require its specific flavor, but reduced-fat peanut has a better nutritional profile, slightly more dietary versatility, less allergens, and more textures to choose from, which gives it the win.
FAQs
Reduced-fat peanut butter has about 30% less fat than regular peanut butter!
The healthiest peanut butters are the natural ones without added oils, preservatives and sugar. Reduced-fat peanut butter often contains these, so aim for natural versions if you want a healthier type.
Reduced-fat peanut butter’s protein content is much better, and it has more healthy fats, making it the better choice for this.
Neither spread is suitable for keto diets, as they’re both quite high in carbs.
Nutella has a lot of added sugar, palm oil, and other ingredients that aren’t very healthy, so it’s not a great choice for healthy lifestyles – try to enjoy it in moderation!
Reduced-fat peanut butter is essentially peanut butter with some of the natural oils removed, which contain a lot of the fat content.
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