We reached out to the specialists for their insights.
Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.
Peanut butter could very well be among the most versatile helpers in your kitchen. Spread it on bread for a quick breakfast, mix it into ice cream to turn an evening treat into something special. Blend it with basic ingredients from your shelves, and create a luxurious sauce. Additionally, it’s rich in protein, easy on the wallet, and stays fresh for quite some time. (Let’s not forget—it tastes great as well.)
However, is it really okay to place an opened jar directly into your pantry? This query came up for me when I spotted a jar of Skippy peanut butter in the refrigerator at our house. Having been raised in a family where "peanut butter belongs in the pantry," I was surprised because my spouse believed it should always be stored in the fridge. To settle this disagreement, I consulted specialists from both Skippy and the National Peanut Board.
The main point is that peanut butter stands out as a resilient food in numerous aspects, Markita Lewis, M.S., RD A registered dietitian from the National Peanut Board stated, "There’s no need to treat it delicately."
Is It Advisable to Keep Peanut Butter in the pantry?
While peanut butter can withstand quite a bit, is leaving it uncovered at room temperature still considered safe? "Skippy peanut butter is completely safe when kept at room temperature," Sam Hovick The brand manager at Skippy mentioned that it's entirely acceptable to store your peanut butter in the refrigerator. He noted that both options are based on individual preferences. For those who like their peanut butter easier to spread, keeping it in the pantry works well. However, if you enjoy eating peanut butter right from the spoon, storing it in the fridge might be better since it tends to become thicker when chilled.
Lewis mentioned that the key consideration is the shelf life of your peanut butter. Once opened, it typically remains good for around three months when kept in the pantry before losing quality. However, she pointed out that many American families consume their peanut butter more quickly than this period suggests. Storing it in the refrigerator can help prolong its freshness somewhat.
What About Unflavored Peanut Butter?
Traditional peanut butters are designed for stability on shelves. Frequently, natural peanut butters do not include additives like hydrogenated vegetable oils, which enable regular peanut butter to remain stable at room temperature. Should your natural peanut butter be homemade, sourced from a boutique grocer, or consist solely of peanuts and salt, it's advisable to keep it refrigerated to preserve its freshness, longevity, and flavor.
Hovick pointed out that Skippy Natural Peanut Butter doesn’t require different storage from the rest of Skippy’s products. "Their formulation and processing help control oil separation," he clarified.
These guidelines similarly pertain to various nut butters including almond and cashew butter. Additionally, seed butters, for instance SunButter, can be stored at room temperature without issue.
Storage Tips
Although both refrigerating and keeping peanut butter at room temperature are safe storage methods, consider these guidelines to maintain its freshness. When storing peanut butter outside the refrigerator, make sure it remains in a cool, dry area since high temperatures and moisture can accelerate spoiling. Additionally, protect it from direct light because exposure to sunlight can diminish its quality. An ideal location would be a pantry closet or cupboard.
Regarding your refrigerator storage, ensure that open jars aren’t placed beside items with potent smells, according to Lewis. Additionally, refrain from keeping jars on the door because those spots undergo the greatest changes in temperature. "The uppermost shelf usually maintains the steadiest temperature and works well for pre-prepared foods such as peanut butter," she advised.
What Are Some Signs That My Peanut Butter Is Rancid?
Apart from examining the "best by" or expiration date, several indicators can show whether your peanut butter has spoiled. One key sign is smell; if it emits a bitter, metallic, or stale aroma, it should probably be discarded. Additionally, rancid peanut butter tends to appear drier or somewhat darker in hue, as noted by Lewis.
The Bottom Line
Peanut butter can safely be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature based on what you prefer. Those left out tend to have a smoother texture when spreading, whereas putting open jars of peanut butter in the fridge may increase their longevity. Natural varieties typically require refrigeration from start to finish. For those choosing not to chill commercial types, make certain they’re placed somewhere cool, dry, and away from light.
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