Peanut butter is one of those foods sent from heaven. It’s absolutely delicious and we always seem to be running out of it. But while we always have a spare jar, we can’t seem to figure out if it should be refrigerated or it should sit in our pantry. So, which one is it? The answer is it depends.
Processed brands of peanut butter have a long shelf life due to the addition of stabilizers like hydrogenated oils and palm oil. After they’re opened, it’s fine to store them in the pantry. When stored this way, they should last between two to three months after opening. After that, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator, which will extend their shelf life for about three to four months. Unopened jars will last six to nine months in the pantry, but make sure you check the expiration date before eating them.
In regards to all-natural peanut butter, which is usually made from just ground peanuts and salt, they should be stored in the fridge after opening them because the oils can go bad quickly. If you plan on going through them within a few weeks, it’s fine to store them in the pantry. If you notice any weird smells or mold, toss the peanut butter.
