Food Fallacy: Light Peanut Butter is Better

December 2005

THE TRUTH: Most people assume that with up to 30% less fat than regular peanut butter, light peanut butter must be more healthful. However, to preserve taste, the fat removed from light peanut butter is replaced with sweeteners like sugar. In fact, light peanut butter often has double the carbohydrates (coming from these sweeteners) of regular versions. This explains why there's only an insignificant 5-10 calorie difference per serving between the two. What's more, the fat that's removed is the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind.

ACTION: Stick with the regular stuff, or even better, try natural versions made with nothing but peanuts. That way you know you're avoiding extra sodium, hydrogenated oil and sugar.