Peanut butter’s shelf life (the period during which it is at its finest) is largely determined by how you keep it. You should be able to eat or use it before it begins to lose flavor if you store it properly.
Peanut butter, like most other foods, can deteriorate, but this happens infrequently. If it’s been contaminated in any way, it could become worse. Even if it wasn’t, keep in mind that it loses its flavor over time.
We assume that peanut butter will have a long shelf life, and it does but how long is peanut butter good for after opening? Let’s find out
How Long is Peanut Butter Good for After Opening?
Whether you prefer smooth or chunky peanut butter, it will keep in the cupboard for 6 to 9 months unopened. Once opened, you may keep your peanut butter in the pantry for 2 to 3 months or in the fridge for 6 to 9 months after the “best by” date.
The “Best by” dates on the container is merely a guideline because peanut butter can survive a long time. If you store your peanut butter properly, it will keep for a long time after this date has passed.
How Long Does Peanut Butter Last?
Depending on the number of preservatives in peanut butter, unopened peanut butter might last for months or even years after the “best by” date. If kept in the fridge, opened peanut butter can be used for at least a few months after the expiration date on the package.
So, there is no simple answer to the question of how long peanut butter is good once it has passed its expiration date. It is dependent on the ingredients and how they are stored.
Can Peanut Butter Go Bad in Heat?
No, peanut butter cannot go bad in heat. The key concern is that the heat could separate the oil from the solids. There is no harm at all plus peanut butter contains no meat or other ingredients that can make it go bad quickly.
The natural peanut oil in the peanut paste (butter) is the portion that can deteriorate. It can go rancid, just like any other oil but this isn’t very common because peanut oil is very stable when heated. This is also why Peanut oil is a wonderful choice for frying foods because of its heat stability.
Does Skippy Peanut Butter Need to be Refrigerated?
No Skippy peanut butter doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Skippy peanut butter, whether opened or not, is best kept at room temperature. Although, you can keep it refrigerated to prolong the flavor, but keep in mind that it won’t spread as well because Skippy Peanut Butter doesn’t like too much cold, so make sure you also keep it out of the freezer.
Does Peanut Butter Expire?
Yes, peanut butter can expire and it will; however, because of the high fat and oil content, it will last a long time. But it will eventually go rotten, which you will notice before you consume it. You can expect it to last up to a year in the pantry or refrigerator if kept unopened. It will however spoil sooner if it’s opened and not properly preserved. It can last a few months past its expiry date if well refrigerated.
How Long is Peanut Butter Good for after the Expiration Date?
As long as it’s tasty. It does not have an expiration date. The date stamped on the container is applied by the manufacturer for you to know the estimated time of the product’s optimum quality.
The best by date for peanut butter in a plastic jar at the store is normally around 18 months after it is placed on the shelf. If it’s still unopened even after this date, it’s still fine. When peanut butter is opened, it will steadily develop rancid nut qualities over the next five or six years, until it tastes so horrible that not even the most peanut butter-obsessed youngster will eat it. However, you are unlikely to become unwell as a result of it. (Unless you’re allergic to peanuts, of course.)
Read also: Does Jelly Need to be Refrigerated?
Does Unopened Peanut Butter Go Bad?
Yes, unopened peanut butter can go bad. How soon this happens is dependent on storage conditions in most cases. For maximum shelf life, store in a cool, dry location. An unopened jar of peanut butter can keep its peak quality for roughly two years at room temperature under the right conditions.
Commercially packaged peanut butter will often contain a Best By,” “Best if Used By,” Best Before, or “Best When Used By” date, however, this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the peanut butter will remain at optimum quality.
The storage time indicated is for best quality only; after that, the texture, color, or flavor of the peanut butter may vary, but it will still be safe to eat if it has been stored properly, the package has not been tampered with, and there are no signs of spoiling.
Read also: How Long is Cookie Dough Good for in the Fridge?
How to Tell if Peanut Butter has Gone Bad?
Looking at your peanut butter is the most reliable way to tell if it’s gone bad. Substandard peanut butter frequently has a texture shift from smooth and creamy to hard and dry. The color of the spread may darken, and the pleasant aroma may fade away. Discard the peanut butter if it begins to smell rancid.
Regardless of the use-by date, bacteria and mold are unlikely to be a problem. This is due to the high oil content and low water content, creating an unfriendly habitat for both nasties. Peanut butter, on the other hand, is prone to spoilage due to oxidation due to its high-fat content.
Read also: Does Teriyaki Sauce Need to Be Refrigerated?
Conclusion
To recap, we have been able to see how long unopened and opened peanut butter is good for including the signs to know when they go bad. So, when people ask how long is peanut butter good for after opening? You can tell them that once opened, your peanut butter in the pantry will be good for two to three months or six to nine months in the fridge after the “best by” date.
