Smooth Peanut Butter

Woolworths Smooth Peanut Butter

  • Other
  • Checked
  • Grade B
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The short answer

Smooth Peanut Butter by Woolworths has 120 kcal, 3 g carbs, 4.8 g protein and 9.4 g fat per serving (per 20g serving).

Calories120kcal
Carbs3g
Protein4.8g
Fat9.4g
About it

Smooth Peanut Butter made with carefully selected peanuts, roasted to perfection and ground into a creamy texture. Perfect for spreads or adding to smoothies.

On the label per serving, per 20g serving

Energy500 kJ
Calories120 kcal
Carbs3.0 g
Sugar2.5 g
Fibre1.7 g
Protein4.8 g
Fat9.4 g
Saturated fat1.1 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium48 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density15%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal40 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density25 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour20How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profilePeanut butter has a low glycemic index due to its high fat content, leading to a slower, more sustained release of energy.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Smooth Peanut Butter is a calorie-dense option that provides sustained energy through its high-fat content. It's best suited for long-duration, low-intensity activities or as a recovery component when paired with carbohydrates. Its high fat content makes it unsuitable for immediate pre-race or during-race consumption due to potential gastric distress.

Who it is for

This peanut butter is suitable for endurance athletes seeking a calorie-dense, fat-rich food to support energy needs during prolonged training sessions or as part of recovery nutrition. It's particularly beneficial for those engaging in low to moderate-intensity activities where rapid carbohydrate availability is less critical.

Best sessions

Ideal for long rides or hikes where energy needs are high but immediate digestion speed is less critical. Avoid during high-intensity intervals or races.

Pros
  • High in monounsaturated fats for heart health
  • Provides moderate protein per serving
  • Versatile and easy to incorporate into meals
  • Sustained energy release suitable for long-duration activities
Cons
  • High fat content may slow gastric emptying
  • Low carbohydrate content for immediate energy
  • Not suitable for during-race consumption
Watch out for
  • Potential gastrointestinal distress if consumed close to exercise
  • High calorie density could lead to weight gain if not managed

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to high fat content, which can slow gastric emptying and lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Glycaemic profile

Peanut butter has a low glycemic index due to its high fat content, leading to a slower, more sustained release of energy.

Electrolytes

Contains 8.25 mg of sodium per serving, which is negligible compared to the 300-600 mg/hr sweat loss typical for endurance athletes.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
2.55 g
Hourly capacity
N/A

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterUSE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayUSE

The high-fat content of Woolworths Smooth Peanut Butter makes it unsuitable for pre-race and during-race consumption due to potential delays in gastric emptying and lack of immediate carbohydrate availability. However, it can be beneficial during recovery when paired with carbohydrates to support glycogen replenishment and muscle repair. For everyday training, it provides a sustained energy source when consumed well in advance of exercise.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because its high-fat content can slow gastric emptying, leading to potential gastrointestinal discomfort and delayed energy release.

Pair it with
  • Whole grain bread for balanced macronutrient intake
  • Banana for added carbohydrates and potassium
  • Greek yogurt for additional protein and probiotics

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Lacks direct RCTs supporting endurance-specific claims; mechanistic reasoning based on macronutrient content.

In a carb load

Woolworths Smooth Peanut Butter has a carbohydrate density of 17 g per 100 g, which is considered low. A 15 g serving provides only 2.55 g of carbohydrates, making it unsuitable for effective carb loading where a high carbohydrate intake is necessary. The high fat content also contributes to satiety, reducing the ability to consume large quantities needed for carb loading. Thus, it contributes minimally towards a 600 g daily target for a 70 kg athlete, requiring impractical servings.

Digestion and absorption

Peanut butter's high-fat content slows gastric emptying, delaying nutrient absorption. Digestion begins in the mouth with mechanical breakdown, followed by slow gastric processing. In the small intestine, fats are emulsified by bile, and proteins are broken down by peptidases. The high fat content can delay carbohydrate absorption, and the low carbohydrate content limits glucose availability, impacting rapid energy needs during exercise.

Recovery

While peanut butter provides fats and moderate protein, it lacks sufficient carbohydrates to meet the 1.0-1.2 g/kg/h glycogen resynthesis target post-exercise. It can contribute to muscle protein synthesis when combined with a carbohydrate-rich food, but alone, it is inadequate for optimal recovery. Its fats can provide sustained energy, but pairing with a carbohydrate source is necessary for effective glycogen replenishment.

Downsides

High fat content can cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed close to exercise. The low carbohydrate content limits rapid energy availability. Peanut butter's stickiness and sugar content pose a dental erosion risk if consumed frequently without proper oral hygiene. Its energy density may lead to unintended weight gain if portion sizes are not managed.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fat content and potential GI distress.
  • Do not use during high-intensity workouts as it lacks quick-access carbohydrates.
  • Do not use if allergic to peanuts, as it contains peanuts.
Clinical risks
  • High fat content may slow gastric emptying and cause GI distress if consumed pre-exercise.
  • Low carbohydrate availability limits its use for immediate energy needs during exercise.
  • Potential for weight gain if consumed in excess due to high calorie density.
  • Dental erosion risk due to sugar content and stickiness if consumed frequently without oral care.

Questions about Smooth Peanut Butter

How many carbs are in Smooth Peanut Butter by Woolworths?

3 g of carbs per serving (per 20g serving), with 120 kcal and 4.8 g protein.

When should I consume peanut butter for training?

Consume peanut butter well before training sessions to allow adequate time for digestion, especially before long-duration, low-intensity activities.

Can I use peanut butter during a race?

No, due to its high fat content which can slow digestion and cause gastrointestinal discomfort during intense exercise.

Is peanut butter suitable for recovery?

Yes, when paired with carbohydrates, it can aid in recovery by providing protein for muscle repair and fats for sustained energy.

Are there any allergens in peanut butter?

Yes, peanut butter contains peanuts, which are a common allergen and should be avoided by those with peanut allergies.

How does peanut butter behave in hot weather?

In hot weather, peanut butter may become more liquid due to oil separation; stirring can help recombine the oils.

What are alternatives to peanut butter for quick energy?

For quick energy, consider gels or chews that provide fast-digesting carbohydrates without the high fat content.

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