Is Peanut Butter Acidic or Alkaline? (Raw & Roasted)

Peanut butter is prepared by roasting and grinding peanuts. It is a healthier alternative to regular butter. The foods contain sugar, salt, oil, and additives, responsible for a creamy texture.

Besides the nutritional benefits, you must be worried about its acidity because it plays a significant role in acid reflux. No one wants to worsen their acid reflux pain because of some foods in your diet.

So the point is that is peanut butter acidic or alkaline?

The short answer is yes, the peanut butter is less acidic, whereas the roaster one is more acidic than the raw one.

However, the food is still recommended because of some essential points that hold peanut butter. That I discuss step by step in the letter section.

So stay tuned and enjoy the reading.

Is peanut butter acidic or alkaline?

Peanut butter is in the less acidic and near-neutral range because raw peanut butter has a pH of 6.87 and roasted peanut butter has a pH of 6.32.

The pH of peanut butter powder ranges from 5.7 to 6.4 on the pH scale, which is very acidic. This makes peanut butter powder ideal for preserving other foods sensitive to high acidity.

A food item’s pH measures how acidic or alkaline it is. The lower the pH number, the more acidic the food is. The higher the pH number, the more alkaline the food is. 7 is neutral, meaning that it is not acidic or alkaline.

Is peanut butter good for acid reflux?

From the pH point of view, peanut butter is ok for acid reflux, and a limited amount will not worsen your acid reflux symptoms. Because we all have unique digestive systems, it differs from person to person.

People can eat many different foods to help relieve their acid reflux symptoms. Some of these include bananas, apples, oatmeal, and yogurt. However, peanut butter may be one of the best of all the possible food choices.

Peanut butter is a high-fat and high-protein food. This means that the body will break down these nutrients over time, which in turn causes the food to sit in your digestive system longer than some other foods might.

It has been shown that consuming high-fat, high-protein diets will likely produce acid reflux in those who do not currently have symptoms.

However, when you already suffer from acid reflux, eating these foods can actually help relieve your symptoms.

Peanut butter is also full of fiber, which aids in getting food through the digestive tract. This can also help in the relief of acid reflux symptoms.

In addition, peanut butter is a low-glycemic food, which will not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

When choosing peanut butter, be sure to choose one made with 100% peanuts. Avoid those made with hydrogenated oils or added sugars, as these can aggravate acid reflux symptoms.

Adding peanut butter to your diet is a simple way to help relieve your acid reflux symptoms. Just be sure to choose a good quality peanut butter and avoid high in fat and protein.

Remember, peanut butter is high in sugar. Per 100 grams of it contains near 9 grams of sugar. As you know, sugar takes time to digest. An excessive amount may not be suitable for acid reflux.

There is some information suggesting that peanut butter may help improve GERD symptoms. 

One study found that people who ate peanut butter experienced a significant reduction in their GERD symptoms than those who did not eat peanut butter. Another study found that consuming peanuts reduced the risk of having GERD.

What is the reason that suggests avoiding peanut butter for GERD?

Peanut butter increases gastric acid due to high levels of oleic acid.

Furthermore, peanut butter might cause allergic responses in some people due to the presence of proteins.

These proteins can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. It is advised to avoid eating peanut butter if you are allergic to peanuts.

So, if you’re searching for a healthful and handy snack, try peanut butter. Just make sure to thoroughly check the label to ensure that it does not include any components to which you are allergic.

Is peanut butter hard to digest?

Some people find that peanut butter is hard to digest. This may be due to the high amount of fat it contains. Peanut butter also contains a lot of protein, which some people find difficult to digest.

If you find that peanut butter is hard to digest, try eating it with a piece of toast or oatmeal. This will make digestion easier for your body.

Although peanut butter has a high-fat content by nature, some products have added sugar and hydrogenated oil.

If you can find peanut butter that doesn’t contain these extra ingredients, its chances of being hard to digest will be lower.

Should you avoid peanut butter if you have GERD, and what are the best alternatives?

In general, people with GERD can eat peanut butter as long as they are not allergic to it. 

However, suppose you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms after eating peanut butter. In that scenario, it’s important to consult a doctor to figure out what’s wrong.

Peanut butter can contribute to GERD symptoms if it causes other underlying health issues, such as a wheat allergy. In addition, the high-fat content in peanut butter may trigger acid reflux in some people.

If you suspect that your GERD symptoms are due to a food allergy or sensitivity, eliminate this food from your diet and see what happens.

Then, bring this food back into your diet and monitor your GERD symptoms closely to determine whether you can tolerate it.

If you’re allergic to peanuts or have an intolerance to peanut butter, try almond butter instead. 

Almond butter is identical in taste and texture to peanut butter. It contains similar health benefits, but it is low in fat. 

In addition, almond butter contains only trace amounts of oleic acid as compared to peanut butter.

However, almond butter may trigger acid reflux symptoms for people with this condition because it also contains small amounts of polyunsaturated fats, which cause GERD symptoms. 

Therefore, if you are allergic to peanuts or have an intolerance to peanut butter, try sunflower seed butter instead. 

Sunflower seed butter contains little monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats like almond butter. Still, it is lower in fat than both of these spreads.

Lastly, some people enjoy hummus or bean dip as a healthy option for peanut butter. 

Bean dips are typically lower in fat than nut butter and contain high amounts of fiber, which can help you feel fuller and more satisfied between meals, reduce GERD symptoms, and prevent heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Why is peanut butter good for you?

When it comes to good health, peanut butter is hard to beat. This delicious spread is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals necessary for a fit body. 

1. One of the biggest benefits of peanut butter is that it is rich in niacin. This essential B vitamin helps lower cholesterol levels, boosts heart health, and improves metabolism.

2. Peanut butter is also a good source of vitamin E. This nutrient can boost the immune system and help protect against certain heart diseases, stroke, and other diseases.

3. Resveratrol is found in peanut butter. This powerful antioxidant can combat inflammation throughout the body.

4. Peanut butter also contains antioxidants known as polyphenols, which have been shown to help protect the brain from age-related decline.

5. In addition, peanut butter is a good source of fiber. A single tablespoon of peanut butter contains about 1.5 grams of fiber, essential for promoting regularity and digestive health.

6. It also helps people feel full after they eat, making it a great choice for weight control efforts.

7. The healthy fats in peanut butter make it even more beneficial. These “good” fats are important for heart health by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood and increasing levels of HDL cholesterol.

8. Peanut butter is a suitable source of magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6 as well. These nutrients help reduce high blood pressure, control heart rate and blood pressure, and promote healthy bone health. 

Some experts believe that persons who consume insufficient amounts of these nutrients are more likely to develop heart disease and other problems.

A final thought on peanut butter and their nature

Peanut butter is healthy food and comes with many health benefits. According to pH, it’s ok for acid reflux, and a limited amount is still recommended.

It has a lot of protein and sugar, both of which take a long time to digest. As a result, consuming an excessive amount is beneficial to your stomach’s health.

However, more research is needed to give the exact conclusion on acid reflux and its effects.

Suppose you have any food allergies or maintaining any diet. In that case, I will suggest always consulting with your dietitian and health care staff before adding any food to your diet.