All About Peanut butter
Your complete guide to 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 Peanut butter Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for 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.
unopened, in pantry6-12 months past 'best by' date (quality may decline but generally safe)
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging lid (extremely rare, indicates gas production); visible mold (very rare if seal is intact); strong rancid or chemical odor immediately upon opening.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' or 'best if used by' date. Inspect the container for any damage or bulging. Upon opening, perform a smell test for any off-odors before tasting.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Proper storage ensures maximum shelf life and quality.
opened, commercial peanut butter, in pantry2-3 months for best quality; safe for up to 6 months
Signs of Spoilage
Hardened, dry, or crumbly texture; significant darkening of color; strong rancid, bitter, sour, or chemical smell/taste; visible mold (rare, usually on the surface if moisture is introduced).
How to Check
Visual inspection: Look for color changes, mold, or unusual dryness. Smell test: Sniff for any off-odors (e.g., paint-like, metallic, sour). Texture test: If it's unusually hard or difficult to spread. Taste test (small amount): If it tastes bitter, stale, or metallic, it's rancid.
Storage Tips
Always use a clean, dry utensil to scoop out peanut butter to prevent introducing moisture or contaminants. Keep the lid tightly sealed to minimize exposure to air, which causes oxidation and rancidity.
opened, natural peanut butter, in fridge3-6 months after opening
Signs of Spoilage
Strong rancid, bitter, sour, or chemical smell/taste; visible mold (especially on the surface); significant hardening or drying out beyond normal oil separation. Oil separation itself is normal and not a sign of spoilage.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check the surface for any fuzzy, discolored spots (mold). Smell test: Sniff for off-odors (rancid, sour, paint-like). Taste test (small amount): If it tastes bitter, metallic, or stale, it's rancid. The oil may appear darker or thicker, but this is usually a sign of aging, not necessarily spoilage unless accompanied by off-odors/flavors.
Storage Tips
Stir thoroughly before first use and before refrigerating to reincorporate the separated oils. Keep the lid tightly sealed. Refrigeration significantly slows down oil separation and the development of rancidity, preserving freshness and flavor longer than at room temperature.
frozen (all types)6-12 months for best quality; safe indefinitely but quality may degrade over time.
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored patches on the surface); significant change in texture (e.g., crumbly, overly oily upon thawing); noticeable loss of flavor or development of a stale taste.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Look for signs of freezer burn. Texture check: Note any extreme changes in consistency upon thawing. Taste test: Check for off-flavors or blandness compared to fresh peanut butter.
Storage Tips
Transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container or ensure the original container is tightly sealed. Thaw frozen peanut butter in the refrigerator. Stir well after thawing, especially natural varieties, to restore consistency. Freezing is excellent for extending shelf life, especially for larger quantities, though it can slightly alter the texture.