We reached out to the specialists for their insights.
Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.
Peanut butter could well be among the most versatile helpers in your kitchen. Spread it on bread for a quick breakfast, mix it into ice cream to transform an evening treat into something more indulgent. Blend it with basic ingredients from your cupboard, and voilà—a luxurious sauce. Additionally, it boasts high protein content, comes at an affordable price, and stays fresh for extended periods. (And let's not forget how delicious it is!)
However, is it really safe to simply place an opened jar in your pantry? This exact query came up for me when I discovered a jar of Skippy peanut butter in the refrigerator at home. Having been raised in a "pantry for peanut butter" family, I was surprised since my spouse believed it should always stay refrigerated. Thus, I consulted the authorities from Skippy as well as the National Peanut Board to settle this disagreement once and for all.
The key point is that peanut butter is a resilient food in many aspects, Markita Lewis, M.S., RD A registered dietitian from the National Peanut Board stated, "There’s no need to pamper it."
Is It Advisable to Keep Peanut Butter in the Cupboard?
While peanut butter can be quite resilient, is it still okay to leave it uncovered at room temperature? "Skippy peanut butter is completely safe at room temperature," Sam Hovick The brand manager at Skippy mentioned that it’s completely acceptable to store peanut butter in the refrigerator. Ultimately, the choice between keeping it in the pantry or the fridge comes down to personal preference. For those who like their peanut butter smooth and easier to spread, storing it in the pantry works well. However, if you enjoy eating it right from the jar with a spoon, refrigerating it might be better since it stays firmer when chilled.
Lewis mentioned that the key consideration is the expiration 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 well before this period elapses. Storing it in the refrigerator can help prolong its freshness beyond those three months if done correctly.
What About Natural Peanut Butter?
Conventional peanut butters are formulated to be shelf-stable. Often, natural peanut butters lack the stabilizers, such as hydrogenated vegetable oils, that allow conventional peanut butter to be kept at room temperature. If your natural peanut butter is homemade, comes from a specialty grocery store or contains only peanuts and salt, it’s best to store it in the fridge to maintain its quality, shelf life and taste.
That said, Hovick noted that Skippy Natural Peanut Butter does not need to be stored any differently than the others in Skippy’s product line. “They are formulated and processed in a manner that helps to contain oil separation,” he explained.
The same guidelines also apply to other nut butters, such as almond and cashew butter. Seed butters, like SunButter, also can be kept at room temperature.
Storage Tips
While storing your peanut butter in either the fridge or at room temperature is food-safe, there are some tips to keep in mind to ensure that it stays as tasty as the day you cracked into a fresh jar. If you’re storing your peanut butter out of the fridge, you’ll need to ensure that it’s in a cool, dry place, as excess heat and humidity can cause it to spoil more quickly. It also should be in a dark place, as bright sunlight can degrade the quality. A pantry closet or cabinet is the perfect spot.
When it comes to the fridge, you’ll want to make sure that open jars aren’t stored next to anything with a strong odor, Lewis said. You’ll also want to avoid storing the jar on the door, as the foods stored there will experience the most drastic temperature fluctuations. “The top shelf tends to have the most consistent temperature and is great for ready-to-eat foods like peanut butter,” she said.
How Can I Tell If My Peanut Butter Has Gone Bad?
Besides just checking the expiration or “best by” date, there are a few telltale signs your peanut butter has gone bad. The first is its odor: if it smells bitter, metallic or stale, it’s likely time to toss it. Rancid peanut butter will also be dried out or look a bit darker in color, Lewis said.
The Bottom Line
It’s safe to store conventional peanut butter in either the fridge or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Peanut butter that is stored at room temperature will be easier to spread, but keeping peanut butter in the fridge once the jar is opened can help extend its shelf life. Most natural peanut butters should always be refrigerated. If storing commercial peanut butter at room temperature, be sure to place it in a cool, dry and dark place.
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