Peanut varieties in China are rich in resources and have a large space for development and utilization. The protein composition and subunit content of different peanut varieties are quite different， which determines their different functional characteristics and affects the application field of peanut protein. This paper reviews the current situation of peanut variety resources in China， introduces the composition of peanut protein， and summarizes the differences in protein composition between different varieties and the relationship between different protein components and subunits and their functional characteristics from the perspective of peanut protein composition and structural changes. The relationship between the structure and functional properties of peanut protein under the influence of new technology， enzyme treatment and other factors， and its application in the food field were introduced， aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the processing and utilization of peanut protein in the future.