Can peanut butter go bad? How do you know if it's no good? We'll tell you how to identify funky PB.
Can Peanut Butter Go Bad? Here’s the Scoop.
Updated on Mar. 25, 2019
You reach into the pantry and find a jar of peanut butter that’s been sitting there for, well, who knows how long. After taking a peek at the best-by date (you’re in the clear!), you open the jar and stare into an ocean of oil. The peanut oil has separated from the solids during its long sit, which makes you wonder if it’s safe to eat.
Actually, it makes you question whether peanut butter is one of those foods you never knew had an expiration date!
Can peanut butter go bad?
Yes, it can go bad. But separated oil isn’t a sign of expired peanut butter. Natural peanut butter doesn’t contain additives, stabilizers or hydrogenated vegetable oils, all of which keep the peanut solids and oils together. The oil on top is actually a sign that you bought a high-quality peanut butter!
(Psst: There’s a genius tip to prevent this kind of separation, and it kind of changed my life.)
It’s hard for peanut butter to spoil because it’s mostly fat—that’s what makes it taste so good. Natural peanut butter only contains peanuts and sometimes salt, and while some nut butters also contain oil, sugar or stabilizers, there’s nothing there to add any water. This gives peanut butter its extremely low moisture content.
Since the majority of spoilage comes from microorganisms that grow in water, unopened peanut butter can happily sit on your shelf without going bad for a long, long time.
How do you know if peanut butter is bad?
You won’t find mold growing on it, but its high fat content means it can go rancid. (That’s the same reason we don’t recommend buying cooking oil in bulk.) Oxygen is the enemy here, and exposure to air can cause your peanut butter to develop off flavors. Rancid foods won’t kill you, but they also don’t taste great, either.
A sure sign of rancid peanut butter is a change in texture—perhaps it used to be soft and creamy, and now it’s dry and hard. It may also look darker in color or it might smell funky (sharp, bitter, soapy or metallic odors are a giveaway).
How should you store peanut butter?
To keep your peanut butter safe and fresh, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. This is a requirement for natural or homemade peanut butter since these varieties lack preservatives. Once opened, it should last five to eight months past the best-by date.
If your peanut butter has been in the fridge for a while, it might be time to create an excuse to eat more peanut butter!
Have extra PB in the pantry? Find a recipe for dessert
Peanut Butter Cream PieThis no-bake peanut butter pie is rich, decadent and packed with as much peanut butter flavor as possible. The hardest part of the recipe is waiting for it to chill overnight!
Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream SandwichI created this giant peanut butter cookie cake for my husband, adding light and low-fat products to the cookie dough. It was so fantastic that I fixed it with conventional ingredients for guests. Since it can be made ahead of time and frozen, it cuts stress for busy hostesses. And really, who doesn't love peanut butter ice cream? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida
Mini Peanut Butter Sandwich CookiesPeanut butter lovers go nuts for these rich little sandwich cookies. On a hot day, sandwich ice cream between the cookies instead of frosting. It cools you right down. —Keri Wolfe, Nappanee, Indiana
Peanut BarsWith peanut butter in both the batter and frosting, plus chopped nuts sprinkled on top, these treats have triple the goodness. It's one of my favorite recipes for peanut bars. —Ren Reed, Tavares, Florida
Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter BrowniesA friend gave me the recipe for these layered brownies, but I added my own touch--chunky peanut butter. Every time I take these to a group gathering, I get requests for the recipe. It's a real crowd-pleaser! —Judy Sims, Weatherford, Texas
Reese’s Peanut Butter CheesecakeIndulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Reese's peanut butter cheesecake. With a graham cracker and Oreo crust, a peanut butter layer and a decadent cheesecake filling swirled with hot fudge, this dessert is a chocolate and peanut butter lover's dream come true.
Peanut Butter CupsYou don't have to own any fancy or expensive equipment to make irresistible peanut butter cups at home. In fact, it only takes a microwave and some mini muffin liners.
Brownie TriflePeanut butter brownie trifle is a tower of bite-sized, peanut butter chip-studded brownies and creamy peanut butter mousse, crowned with whipped topping and an exuberant garnish of chopped peanut butter cups for a showstopping dessert.
Chippy Peanut Butter Cookies"Hey, these are good!" is the surprised remark I hear when I bake these for the family. As simple as it may seem, all I do is follow directions. This works exceptionally well when it comes to making cookies. —Ian Badeer, Hickman, Nebraska
Peanut Butter Pudding DessertHere's a fun layered dessert that will appeal to all ages. If you want it even nuttier, you can use chunky peanut butter, and if you're not a fan of cashews, substitute your favorite nut. This peanut butter lasagna is one of my favorite pudding desserts. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
No-Bake Peanut Butter TreatsPerfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska
Peanut Butter Caramel BarsWhen my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, "What's for dessert?" I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. They're chockfull of yummy ingredients. —Lee Ann Karnowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
BuckeyesBuckeyes are an Ohio-born treat that need just five ingredients. The hardest part of this recipe will be saving any buckeyes for your loved ones.
Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter CheesecakeAfter a co-worker shared a recipe for a great bar cookie, I made it into a cheesecake using my standard recipe and tweaking it a bit. It’s a wonderful combination of sweet and salty. —Joyce Schamberger, Amboy, Illinois
Peanut Butter Custard Blast"Ooey, gooey, great!" is how friends and family describe this chocolate-peanut butter dessert. I appreciate the make-ahead convenience. —Marilee Evenson, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Healthy Peanut Butter CookiesThese healthy peanut butter cookies are a great baking project to do with kids. You can make and shape the dough ahead of time so that you can bake a few cookies whenever you want.
Chocolate Peanut Butter CakeDecorate like a professional baker and become everyone's favorite host when you bake this sweet and salty chocolate peanut butter cake.
Peanut Butter Popcorn BarsIf you're looking for a fun snack for kids, try this chewy peanut butter popcorn recipe that have a mild peanut butter taste. They're easy to mix and can be pressed into a pan to form bars, or shaped into balls. —Kathy Oswald, Wauzeka, Wisconsin
Chocolate Peanut Butter CheesecakeFamily and friends always ooh and aah when I bring out this tempting cheesecake after holiday dinners! Filled with peanut butter and cream cheese and drizzled with chocolate in a fudge crust, it's a showstopper. —H.L. Sosnowski, Grand Island, New York
Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke CakeWhen my family is planning a get-together, I can count on three or four people to ask if I'm bringing this dessert. If you don't have a chocolate cake mix, use a white or yellow one and stir in 3 tablespoons baking cocoa. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Peanut Butter Pie CookiesI love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, but my favorite—peanut butter pie—is tough to eat on the go. I dreamed up these cookies to get my favorite flavor combo in a bite-size package. They can be made ahead and taken to any holiday gathering. —Ashley Moyna, Elkader, Iowa
Easy Peanut Butter & Pretzel PieMy crispy, salty pretzel crust just begs for a creamy no-bake peanut butter filling and a layer of chocolate ganache. — Gina Nistico, Taste Recipes Food Editor
Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich CookiesYou’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
Peanut Butter Popcorn BallsFriends and family are always happy to receive these tasty peanut butter popcorn balls. I love making them as well as eating them! —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Peanut CookiesWhen I want chocolate chip cookies, I bake this variation, which is full of other goodies, such as candy and peanuts. The cookies are crisp on the outside and moist and tender in the middle. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Peanut Butter Cookie CupsI’m a busy schoolteacher and pastor’s wife and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick and easy
to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky
Crunchy Candy ClustersThese cereal and marshmallow clusters are so simple that I make them for the holidays each year, as my family looks forward to them. —Faye O'Bryan, Owensboro, Kentucky
Peanut Butter CookiesWe cream shortening instead of butter for this dough, resulting in an ultra-rich-tasting version of traditional peanut butter cookies. Also nice? They take less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Peanut Caramel Brownie BitesWith their multiple decadent layers, these brownies are my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
Peanut Butter Pretzel BarsMy secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust. They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Peanut Butter Cutout CookiesI used peanut butter in place of the butter in my take on a traditional cutout cookie, which turned out super nutty and soft. My children love to decorate the cookie with frosting, sprinkles and some creativity. —Cindi Bauer, Marshfield, Wisconsin
Chewy Peanut Butter Pan SquaresWith seven of us in our family, including two teenage boys, these peanut butter squares never last long! It's hard to believe how simple they are to prepare. —Deb DeChant, Milan, Ohio
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip BarsPart protein bar and part cookie, these oatmeal chocolate chip bars are the perfect sweet treat for an after-school snack or a quick and easy on-the-go breakfast. Enjoy the delicious, satisfying combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter BlossomsGluten-free peanut butter blossoms put a chocolate twist on creamy butter treats!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip CookiesWith this easy recipe for peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, you get two great cookies in one soft, chewy treat.
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