All About Crunchy peanut butter
Your complete guide to crunchy peanut butter - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Crunchy peanut butter Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for crunchy peanut butter in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
freezer6-12 months (quality-wise, safe indefinitely)
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored spots, altered texture), but actual spoilage is highly unlikely in a properly sealed container.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. Taste after thawing to check for any off-flavors from quality degradation.
Storage Tips
For best quality, transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag, leaving a small headspace for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature. Can be frozen in original container if space permits and it's well-sealed.
opened pantry2-3 months (for conventional stabilized peanut butter); 1-2 months (for natural peanut butter without stabilizers)
Signs of Spoilage
Rancid odor (chemical, crayon-like, paint-like, bitter), bitter or sour taste, dry/hardened texture that's difficult to stir (especially natural varieties if oil separates and hardens), dark spots or visible mold (rare, but possible if moisture introduced).
How to Check
Smell Test: A strong, unpleasant chemical or 'old oil' smell indicates rancidity. Visual Inspection: Look for any discoloration, dark spots, or fuzzy mold. Check for excessive oil separation that has hardened the bottom layer significantly. Taste Test (small amount): If smell and look are okay, taste a tiny bit. Rancid peanut butter will taste bitter or stale.
Storage Tips
Always use clean utensils to scoop peanut butter to prevent introducing contaminants. Stir natural peanut butter well upon opening and periodically to reincorporate oil and prevent hardening. For natural varieties, refrigeration is generally recommended after opening to extend freshness.
unopened pantry6-12 months past "best by" date
Signs of Spoilage
Extreme oil separation with hardening (rare), off-odor (rancid), visible mold (extremely rare).
How to Check
Check "best by" date. Visually inspect for any damage to the seal or container. Smell for any off-odors immediately upon opening.
Storage Tips
Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent premature rancidity. The 'best by' date is a quality indicator; peanut butter can often be safe to consume well past this date if stored properly.
opened refrigerator3-4 months (for conventional); 3-6 months (for natural, can extend its life significantly)
Signs of Spoilage
Rancid odor (less likely but still possible over very long periods), extreme hardening (texture change, not necessarily spoilage), mold (very rare).
How to Check
Smell Test: Check for any off-odors, though refrigeration slows rancidity. Visual Inspection: Look for any mold. Note that hardening is normal for refrigerated peanut butter. Taste Test (small amount): If smell and look are good, taste a small amount.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration is highly recommended for natural peanut butter to prevent oil separation and rancidity. It will make peanut butter firmer; let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or microwave briefly to soften if desired for easier spreading.