Healthy snacks are a big business and the market for high-protein, all-natural and other types of performance or wellbeing-boosting drinks, bars and gels shows no sign of slowing down in terms of growth, innovation and product range.

Alongside big brands making snacks with bold health claims, such as Grenade protein bars, Bulk Powders whey protein shakes, Nocco energy drinks and Huel meal-replacement drinks, stands peanut butter maker Pip and Nut.

In less than a decade the British brand has carved a unique niche with their delicious and nutritious nut butters and nut-based snacks. But does the company’s claims around its healthy snack range stack up? Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for you and your health and performance goals.

Who are Pip and Nut?

Pip and Nut is a UK-based brand founded by Pippa Murray in 2015. Pippa, an avid marathon runner, created the brand out of her passion for nutritious, high-quality food that could support an active lifestyle. The company started with a range of natural nut butters made without palm oil, refined sugar or artificial additives, and quickly gained popularity for its commitment to health and sustainability, offering products that cater to both health enthusiasts and those seeking tasty, guilt-free snacks.

What products are in the Pip and Nut range?

It makes a variety of nut butters, including almond butter, peanut butter and cashew butter, each available in different permanent and limited edition flavours, such as honey cinnamon and chocolate orange. It also produces snack-sized nut butter squeeze packs, perfect for on-the-go snacking, and has expanded its range to include nut butter cups, which are a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate cups (see below).

Are Pip and Nut products healthy?

Yes, these products are considered healthy because they are made with natural ingredients and do not contain palm oil, refined sugars, or artificial additives. Nut butters are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre, making them a great addition to a balanced diet, and consuming nuts and nut butters can improve heart health, support weight management. They also provide essential nutrients including vitamin E, magnesium and antioxidants, according to research published in the journal Nutrients.

What’s special about Pip & Nut products?

What sets the brand apart is the commitment to quality and sustainability. Unlike many other nut butter brands, it does not use palm oil, the cultivation and harvesting of which comes with environmental and ethical considerations. Instead, they focus on using ethically sourced ingredients and supporting sustainable farming practices. Their products are also free from refined sugars and artificial additives, ensuring that they provide a natural and wholesome snacking option.

Why is palm oil so bad?

Palm oil production is a leading cause of deforestation, particularly in tropical rainforests. This deforestation results in the loss of critical habitats for endangered species and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, palm oil plantations often involve poor labour practices and can negatively impact local communities. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the environmental and social impacts of palm oil production are vast, making it a controversial ingredient in food products.

Are Pip and Nut chocolate cups healthy?

Its range of chocolate cups are a healthier alternative to traditional nut butter chocolate cups. They are made with natural ingredients and do not contain palm oil, refined sugars or artificial additives. While they are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation, they offer a source of healthy fats and protein and compared to conventional chocolate snacks, they provide a more nutritious option and for many offer a superior taste.

How do Pip & Nut cups compare nutritionally to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

There are several nutritional differences to consider. Per 100g, Pip & Nut Chocolate Cups contain 600 calories, while Reese’s have 500 calories. This higher calorie content is because of their greater fat content, which stands at 45g compared to Reese’s 28g. However, it’s worth noting that these fats are derived from natural nut sources, which are far healthier than trans fats.

In terms of protein, Pip & Nut Chocolate Cups provide 15g per 100g, offering a more substantial protein boost than Reese’s, which contain only 11g. This makes them a better option for those looking to support muscle repair and growth. They also have a lower carbohydrate content, with 40g compared to Reese’s 57g. This difference is mainly due to the significantly higher sugar content in Reese’s, which contains 51g of sugars per 100g, whereas Pip & Nut has only 25g.

These nutritional distinctions highlight that while Pip & Nut Chocolate Cups have a higher calorie and fat content, they also offer more protein and fewer sugars, making them a potentially healthier choice for individuals aiming to maintain stable energy levels and incorporate more protein into their diet. Despite the higher caloric density, the natural ingredients in Pip and Nut products can be a more nutritious alternative to the sugar-laden Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. However, as with any treat, moderation is key.

Where can I buy Pip & Nut products?

The full product range is widely available in the UK and can be purchased from major supermarkets, health food stores and online retailers. You can find them at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Whole Foods, among others. They are also available on the Pip and Nut official website and popular online platforms like Amazon.