In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleDoes Peanut Butter Go Bad?How to Tell If It Has Gone BadHow to Store It
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Does Peanut Butter Go Bad?
How to Tell If It Has Gone Bad
How to Store It
Whether you’re team creamy or team crunchy, peanut butter is a pantry staple in many households. The nutty spread can be used in an array of recipes, fromenergy ballstoovernight oats, so keeping a jar on hand is always a good idea. But if you’ve left that jar on the shelf a little too long, you may be wondering, “Does peanut butter go bad? And if so, how can I tell?”
To help answer your questions, keep reading for all the details. Plus, get tips for how to store peanut butter so it stays delicious.
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How to Tell If Peanut Butter Is Bad
When peanut butter has turned rancid, there are three key indicators that you can check for in the jar. First, check the smell: If the peanut butter has a bitter or metallic odor, it’s a sign that the spread has spoiled. Additionally, rancid peanut butter may also smell stale, like it’s been left too long in the pantry.
The next indicator to look at is the appearance of the peanut butter. Spoiled peanut butter may look darker in color. The peanut butter may also appear dried out. If you have natural peanut butter (i.e., peanut butter made without stabilizers), it may also grow mold as a sign of spoilage.
Finally, check the taste. Rancid peanut butter will have a sharp or bitter taste, and it won’t taste like the spread you know and love. Don’t worry about consuming rancid peanut butter—trying a small amount to check its quality shouldn’t have any negative effect on your body. If your peanut butter has any of these indications of spoilage, it is best to discard it.
How to Store Peanut Butter
Peanut butter, whether it’s an opened or unopened jar, should be stored in a cool, dark place, like the pantry. An open jar of peanut butter can also be stored in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. If you have natural peanut butter, which doesn’t have as long of a shelf life as conventional peanut butter, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator.
Here’s how long you can store peanut butter,according to FoodSafety:
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Seneca White Corn No-Bake Energy Balls
How to Make Hummus from Scratch
5 Delicious and Easy Ways to Use Tahini (That Aren’t Hummus)
5 Surprising Foods You Should Refrigerate
Which Peanut Butter Is Best? Reduced-Fat vs. Natural Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter-Strawberry-Kale Smoothie
Peanut Butter-Chocolate Mug Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Crackers with Peanut ButterNo-Bake Peanut Butter CookiesBanana Buster PopsSpaghetti Squash with Peanut Sauce & EdamameApple & Peanut Butter ToastSpinach, Peanut Butter & Banana SmoothieNo-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate CookiesPeanut Butter-Banana Roll-Ups
Crackers with Peanut Butter
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Banana Buster Pops
Spaghetti Squash with Peanut Sauce & Edamame
Apple & Peanut Butter Toast
Spinach, Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie
No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies
Peanut Butter-Banana Roll-Ups
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