Processed food question

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi BBM,
Is whey protein powder considered a processed food, and is PB2 powdered peanut butter a processed food?

thanks!

2

Yes to both, which is why the label of “processed” may not always be meaningful with respect to food behaviors.

3

Oh interesting. So I’m guessing these wouldn’t fall under the umbrella of “processed foods” when talking about recommendations to limit processed foods. Is that correct?

4

I wouldn’t lump PB2 in with whey or other protein supplements, but yes, there are some processed foods that don’t share the characteristics of processed foods that make them less health-promoting, e.g. contains added sugars, sodium, and/or saturated fats, are energy dense, not very filling, are very tasty, etc.

5

… oh no, not me making a 4 scoop shake of BBM chocolate protein isolate because it’s “very tasty” heh

6

Hehe, good thing is that that’d only be ~ 320’ish Calories.

7

That’s a thoughtful question you’ve got there! Whey protein powder and PB2 powdered peanut butter are indeed considered processed foods. They undergo some degree of processing to transform them into the convenient forms we see on the shelves.