Last Updated on October 16, 2022

How Long Can Natural Peanut Butter Be Unrefrigerated?

An open jar of peanut butter stays fresh up to three months in the pantry. After that, it’s recommended to store the peanut butter in the fridge (where it can maintain its quality for another 3-4 months).

How long is natural peanut butter good for unrefrigerated?

According to The National Peanut Board, an unopened jar of peanut butter can last six to nine months at room temperature. Once opened, they say that it can last two to three months in the pantry before you should move it to the fridge, where it can maintain quality for another three to four months.

What happens to natural peanut butter if not refrigerated?

If you don’t plan on finishing your jar of natural peanut butter within a month or so, or if you live in a hot climate, consider refrigerating it. The oils in the peanuts can go rancid if it’s not kept cool. Likewise, if the label recommends refrigerating after opening, follow the instructions.

Does 100% Natural peanut butter need to be refrigerated?

If you buy all-natural peanut butter — these are the ones that are unrefined and likely made with just ground peanuts and salt — you’ll want to store jars in the fridge after opening, since the oils can go rancid very quickly.

Does natural peanut butter go rancid?

Peanut butter is gooey and delicious, yet it can remain at room temperature for months without spoiling. Low moisture levels and high oil content keep this butter from going bad for quite some time, but don’t go ignoring that expiration date just yet. Peanut butter can go rancid in about a year and lose its flavor.

How can you tell if peanut butter has gone bad?

Rancid peanut butter will be hard and dry, and the color might even be darker. Of course, a classic sign of rancid food is a change in smell. Rancid peanut butter might smell, well, not like peanut butter (beware of bitter or metallic odors).

Why does peanut butter not need to be refrigerated?

Thanks to stabilizers, such as palm oil, that are found in processed versions of peanut butter, the product has a long shelf life; this means you do not need to refrigerate it, says Dr.

What is the shelf life of homemade peanut butter?

Because homemade peanut butter contains just peanuts, it’ll last for up to 3 months if kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can you get food poisoning from peanut butter?

The peanut butter may be contaminated with salmonella, bacteria that cause food poisoning.

How do you store natural peanut butter?

Store your peanut butter container upside-down. Yes, it really is that simple. See, the liquids that separate from the solid body of peanut butter rise to the top. Storing it upside-down will force the oils at the top to travel back through the butter, mixing right in themselves.

Do you need to store homemade peanut butter in the fridge?

Sometimes referred to as “natural” peanut butter, this version of peanut butter is only ground peanuts, and nothing else. It’s best to refrigerate because the oils can become rancid and spoiled when left at room temperature for weeks.

How do you know if peanut butter has gone bad?

Aside from the pungent taste of rancid peanut butter, the spread will also emit a foul odor. If the butter gives off a bitter, metallic, or soap-like scent, it is time to part ways. Additionally, if the color darkens, the texture becomes dry, or there are signs of mold growth, the peanut butter has gone bad.

What temp kills salmonella in peanut butter?

“What we’ve learned,” Doyle said, “is that peanut butter needs heat over 190 degrees Fahrenheit for over 40 minutes to kill salmonella, but such lengthy heating times may affect the quality of the product.”

Can you leave homemade peanut butter out?

The oils present in homemade peanut butter can go rancid very quickly if left outside for a long time. So, it’s best to transfer it to an air-tight container and keep it in the fridge to extend its shelf life.

Can bacteria live in peanut butter?

The peanut butter may be contaminated with salmonella, bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Does Salmonella grow in peanut butter?

Studies have shown that salmonella can survive for many months in peanut butter once it’s present. Fatty foods are also more protective of salmonella, so when it gets into the acid of the stomach — which is our first line of defense — it may not get destroyed.

Can you get sick from natural peanut butter?

Peanut butter has a high fat content, which means it will go rancid after a certain amount of time. Eating rancid peanut butter may result in stomachache, diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent this, peanut butter should be stored in the refrigerator, away from heat and humidity and eaten before the expiration date.

How long does natural peanut butter last?

An open jar of peanut butter stays fresh up to three months in the pantry. After that, it’s recommended to store the peanut butter in the fridge (where it can maintain its quality for another 3-4 months). If you don’t refrigerate, oil separation can occur.