Buzz
I was raised in a household where peanut butter always went in the fridge. Every jar of opened food was refrigerated, so why would peanut butter be any different? However, it might surprise you that many people choose not to refrigerate their peanut butter. In fact, peanut butter is totally safe at room temperature.
Of course, some might prefer to keep their peanut butter chilled. The choice is entirely yours and can depend on the type of peanut butter you use. But first, let’s tackle the question of safety.
Peanut butter stored at room temperature is completely safe
Peanut butter is one of those foods that doesn’t require refrigeration (similar to items like oil, honey, tomatoes, and even butter, with some exceptions).
According to the USDA’s Q&A database, an unopened jar of peanut butter can last in the pantry for six to nine months. Once opened, it remains good for about two to three months. In their guide to shelf-stable foods, peanut butter is considered safe indefinitely. While it might develop a stale flavor, change texture, or lose color over time, it’s unlikely to pose any harm.
So how does this work? Peanut butter is primarily made of oil and solids. Like dairy butter, it doesn't contain enough water to create an environment where bacteria can thrive.
How do you decide where to store your peanut butter?
While peanut butter is safe at room temperature, storing it in the fridge isn’t necessarily bad. However, there are a few factors to consider when making your decision.
One factor to consider is how quickly you go through a jar of peanut butter. Some people can finish a jar in just a few weeks or even days, while others may find a jar sitting around for months, which is beyond the USDA's recommended two to three months. To keep the peanut butter fresh for a longer period, it's best to store it in the fridge.
Another thing to think about is the texture. For those who use natural peanut butter that separates into oil and solids, mixing it well before storing it in the fridge helps keep it from separating. On the other hand, if you prefer your peanut butter to have a smoother, more spreadable texture, keeping it in the pantry might be the better choice.
