Is there a better snack than a spoonful of creamy, nutty peanut butter or a more decadent dessert than Peanut Butter Brownies? If you’re nodding your head, then you know nothing is worse than pulling out a jar of peanut butter only to be met with an empty container or worse a taste you don’t recognize.
Does Peanut Butter Go Bad?
Yes, peanut butter does technically go bad, but the chances of consuming rancid peanut butter is low because it’s a relatively shelf-stable pantry item.
Because peanut butter has a high-fat, low-moisture content, it does not “go bad” in a traditional sense, notes Jerry Lanuzza, MS Ed., CHE, Associate Professor, College of Food Innovation and Technology, Johnson & Wales University.
“The fat may become rancid after prolonged storage, which will give off a metallic aroma, an unpleasant taste, and ‘not usual’ appearance,” Lanuzza explains.
As far as making you sick, like if you ate spoiled food, Lanuzza says the risk is extremely low.
“Rancid peanut butter generally would not make a person sick if consumed, but the experience would not be enjoyable,” he says.
How Long Does Peanut Butter Last After It’s Opened?
About 3 to 6 months in your cupboard if it is covered tightly, kept away from heat, and away from sunlight, says Lanuzza.
It will last up to 9 months if stored in the refrigerator in a tightly-sealed container.
“Do not store it in the cupboard above your stove and or microwave,” he says.
Does Peanut Butter Need To Be Refrigerated?
Peanut butter doesn’t need to be refrigerated, but it can be. Because peanut butter has a high-fat content and a low-water content, it can be safely stored outside of the fridge.
“If you do choose to store your peanut butter in the refrigerator, you should know that it will be more difficult to spread onto your bread, crackers, waffles, or whatever you choose to carry your peanut butter,” says Lanuzza.
What Is The Shelf-Life Of Peanut Butter?
If you are wondering how long a jar of peanut butter will last, there’s good news: You have time. According to the USDA, “You can keep peanut butter in the pantry for six to nine months (unopened) and two to three months (opened).”
Where To Store Peanut Butter
Conventional peanut butter should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. According to FoodSafety.gov’s Food Keeper App, unopened natural peanut butter can last up to a full year in the refrigerator.
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