How long does peanut butter last?

An unopened jar of commercial peanut butter lasts about 6–24 months; once opened, plan on 2–3 months in the pantry or 6–9 months in the fridge.

	Peanut Butter
Unopened	6–24 months (commercial; check the best-by date)
Opened	2–3 months in the pantry; 6–9 months in the fridge. Natural peanut butter: refrigerate
Ideal storage	Cool and dark; heat speeds up rancidity.

Storage tips

Oil separating on top of natural peanut butter is normal; stir it back in.
Powdered peanut butter keeps longer than jars because most of the fat is removed.

Signs it has gone bad

A rancid smell, often described as crayons, putty or old paint (oils, nuts, nut butters, whole-milk powder)
Mold on the surface or under the lid
Off colors or a sour smell
Hard clumps in sugar or salt are only moisture and are harmless; break them up

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