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Storing unopened peanut butter
The best place to store peanut butter at home is: the cupboard! A dry place, where temperatures remain between 15 and 22 degrees, and away from external heat sources.
Depending on the production date, it can have a shelf life of between 12 and 24 months. If it is still unopened, there is no need to put it in the fridge, unless the temperatures are too high.
If the jar isn’t swollen or leaking liquid, then it’s still good! It’s normal for the oil to separate from the butter; once opened, you can simply stir it back together.
Optimal storage conditions before opening
Peanut butter is in good condition if, when you go to open it, it has been stored in a dry place away from sources of heat. Otherwise, it may be unfit for consumption! Generally, if you follow these guidelines, the product will retain its nutritional properties.
Recommended storage locations and duration
It is advisable to store peanut butter in a cool, dry place such as a larder or storeroom with a stable temperature. Avoid places near radiators or heat sources.
Furthermore, it is essential to store the product in the fridge only if outside temperatures are high and if the product has been opened.
Generally, classic peanut butter containing sugars and oils has a shelf life of 12–24 months. Meanwhile, 100% natural peanut butter lasts up to 12 months.
Storing peanut butter once opened
Once opened, peanut butter can be stored in the cupboard, away from sources of heat. The product’s shelf life, provided the lid is kept tightly closed after use, isapproximately 3–6 months.
Avoid leaving the jar open for long periods, and above all, keep it away from damp. Always check the smell and taste; if, for example, it becomes bitter, it is best not to eat it.
Fridge or cupboard?
Once opened, peanut butter should be stored in the fridge at a temperature between 15 and 22 degrees. It is not strictly necessary to keep it in the fridge, but if temperatures are high, this is necessary to preserve it as well as possible. The fridge is preferable, especially in hot environments, but storing it in the cupboard is acceptable provided temperatures do not exceed 22 degrees.
The product’s shelf life varies depending on how it is stored: 3–4 months in the fridge, 1–2 months in the cupboard.
Tips for keeping it fresh
Keeping the jar tightly closed is one of the first tips for keeping the product fresh for longer. If you notice the oil has separated inside the jar, give it a shake to mix the contents back together, ensuring it remains more uniform and stable.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if peanut butter has gone off?
Firstly, the colour changes slightly; it becomes darker or more yellowish than usual. The presence of mould can be a sign that the product has gone off. As well as the smell and taste, abnormal separation of the oil should also alert you to the fact that the product’s consistency has been compromised, which is a sign of spoilage.
Are there any differences in shelf life between natural and processed peanut butter?
Yes, there are differences in the shelf life of the two types of peanut butter:
100% natural peanut butter:
- It tends to separate from the oil after a few days;
- It is essential to store it in a dry cupboard away from light;
- Unopened, it can last for a few months; once opened, 1–2 months at most.
Industrial peanut butter with added sugars and oils:
- Stabilisers keep the oil within the product;
- It has been stored in a cool, dry place;
- Unopened, it lasts 12–24 months; once opened, 3–6 months at most.
Can peanut butter be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze 100% naturalpeanut butter without any problems to extend its shelf life by up to 6 months. However, with commercial products containing stabilisers, the use-by date is generally not extended, even at low temperatures.
Peanut butter is a nutritious food, and to enjoy it at its best, it’s essential to store it correctly. We recommend Tn Food’s completely natural peanut butters by Tsunami Nutrition: now that you know all the tips for storing it properly, all that’s left to do is enjoy it!
