How much peanut butter is considered one serving in the meats and beans category?

In the context of dietary guidelines, particularly when considering servings in the meats and beans category, one serving of peanut butter is recognized as 2 tablespoons. This aligns with recommendations from organizations such as the USDA and other dietary resources, which typically designate peanut butter as a protein source due to its high protein content as well as healthy fats.

Understanding servings is crucial for maintaining balanced nutrition and portion control, especially for individuals monitoring their intake for weight control or health reasons. Peanut butter, being calorie-dense, illustrates the importance of accurate serving sizes; consuming larger amounts can contribute excess calories to the diet.

Thus, while it might seem that a smaller measurement like 1 tablespoon could be a reasonable serving for smaller snack portions or dips, the standard serving size is established at 2 tablespoons to ensure adequate protein and nutrient intake. This size provides a better representation of the nutrition provided by peanut butter for dietary planning purposes.