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Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

<p>
 We reached out to the specialists for their insights.
</p>
<strong>
 Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.
</strong>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1yxYeu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1yxYeu.jpg"/>
<p>
 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.)
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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."
</p>
<h2>
 Is It Advisable to Keep Peanut Butter in the pantry?
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 What About Unflavored Peanut Butter?
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 Storage Tips
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 What Are Some Signs That My Peanut Butter Is Rancid?
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 The Bottom Line
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 Read the initial article on
</p>

Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

Unknown debate, diet and nutrition, food science, food storage, peanut butter

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 …

Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

<p>
 We reached out to the specialists for their insights.
</p>
<strong>
 Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.
</strong>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1yxYeu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1yxYeu.jpg"/>
<p>
 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!)
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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."
</p>
<h2>
 Is It Advisable to Keep Peanut Butter in the Cupboard?
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 What About Natural Peanut Butter?
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 Storage Tips
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 How Can I Tell If My Peanut Butter Has Gone Bad?
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 The Bottom Line
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 Read the original article on
</p>

Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

Unknown debate, food science, food storage, health advice, peanut butter

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…