Constipation-Relief Homemade Peanut Butter for Pregnancy (Great for First Trimester!!)

When I was pregnant with my twins, I never expected constipation to hit me as hard as it did. It wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was exhausting. I’d wake up already bloated, my belly stretched tight, and every meal felt heavier than it should.

No one really talks about how discouraging it can feel to be stopped up when you’re already navigating morning sickness, fatigue, and a body that doesn’t feel like your own.

Why This Pregnancy and Postpartum-Friendly Homemade Peanut Butter Is Good For You & The Baby

Some mornings, I just wanted something simple that wouldn’t make me feel worse. That’s when this homemade peanut butter became a quiet lifesaver.

Unlike store-bought jars loaded with added oils and sugar, this version is just peanuts—warm, toasty, and full of natural fiber that helps keep things moving.

It felt good knowing I could spoon something wholesome onto my toast and feel like I was helping my body, not fighting against it.

Prep Time: 5 minutes / Cook Time: 10 minutes / Total Time: 15 minutes / Yields: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients (This is It!)

• 3 cups roasted and unsalted peanuts

Preparation Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 8-10 minutes, until they are fragrant. This helps release their natural oils and makes them easier to process.
2. Transfer the warm peanuts to a food processor. Process for 1 minute. At this stage, they will look like coarse crumbs.
3. Continue to process, scraping down the sides as needed. After 2-3 minutes, the peanuts will start to form a thick, clumpy ball. Give your food processor a break to prevent burning the motor. 
4. Keep processing! In another 2-3 minutes, the ball will begin to break down and become a thick paste.
5. For a "semi-chunky" consistency, process for another 30-60 seconds, or until you see small clumps of peanuts in the butter. If you prefer a smoother consistency, continue processing for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes completely smooth and creamy.
6. Transfer the peanut butter to an airtight jar and allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Tips For the Best Pregnancy-Safe Homemade Peanut Butter

• Make it smooth: Keep processing the peanut butter until completely smooth, just another minute or 2. 
• Make it super chunky: Stir 1/4-1/2 cup roughly chopped toasted unsalted peanuts into the peanut butter for some texture. 
• Choco-peanut butter: Add 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the food processor for a chocolatey version.
• Matcha-peanut butter: Add 2-3 teaspoons matcha powder to the food processor for a green tea variation. 
• Spice it up: Add 1/2-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for cozy warmth. 

How to Store This Pregnancy Homemade Peanut Butter

• Counter: Store in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 1 month. Its natural oil may separate, which is normal... Just stir it back in :)
• Fridge: Store for up to 3 months.
• Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.

FAQs about this Homemade Peanut Butter for Pregnancy & Postpartum

1. Is homemade peanut butter safe during pregnancy?

Yes—homemade peanut butter is generally safe in pregnancy as long as peanuts are roasted and unsalted. Roasting reduces the risk of mold and aflatoxins (toxins that can sometimes form on improperly stored peanuts). If you don’t have a peanut allergy, it’s a nutritious source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats that support digestion and steady energy levels.

2. Is homemade peanut butter healthier than store-bought for pregnancy?

Homemade peanut butter is often healthier because it contains just peanuts—no added sugar, salt, or hydrogenated oils. Store-bought versions can have stabilizers, excess sodium, or added sweeteners that don’t benefit pregnancy. With homemade, you control the ingredients, making it a cleaner and gentler choice, especially if you’re struggling with nausea or constipation.

3. Can peanut butter help relieve constipation in pregnancy?

Yes—peanut butter can help ease constipation thanks to its combination of fiber and healthy fats. Fiber adds bulk to stools, while fats help keep digestion moving smoothly. Pairing peanut butter with whole-grain toast, fruit, or oats creates a fiber-rich meal that supports regularity during pregnancy.

4. How can I use homemade peanut butter in pregnancy-friendly snacks?

Homemade peanut butter is versatile and can be added to many gentle, nutrient-dense snacks. Spread it on banana or apple slices, drizzle it over overnight oats or chia pudding like my Overnight Chia Pudding with Homemade Granola, blend into smoothies, or use as a topping for whole-grain toast. These options provide balanced energy without overwhelming a queasy stomach.

A Note From My Chaotic Kitchen

I’d spread it thick on a slice of Peanut Butter Banana Toast when nothing else sounded good, spread it on my French Toast Stack for a little extra richness, or even snuck it into Banana Nice Cream when those late-night pregnancy cravings hit.

A jar of this sat on my counter all through the first trimester, and in its own small way, it made me feel like I had a little control again.

For more simple first-trimester survival recipes, check out my High Fiber Avocado Toast, Bloating Relief Pineapple Mango Smoothie, or Hydrating Melon Cucumber Smoothie.