Smucker’s Finally Settles the Question: The Best Way to Store Peanut Butter

Whether spread on waffles for a quick breakfast, mixed into a noodle sauce, or simply enjoyed straight from the spoon as a protein-packed snack, peanut butter is one of the most versatile ingredients. A jar rarely lasts long in my house. But one day, I opened a jar from the pantry only to find dry, crumbly peanut butter. Was I storing it wrong? Did it spoil unnoticed? What went wrong?

Smucker’s Guide: Where to Store Your Peanut Butter

Unlike many other condiments we've discussed, opened jars of peanut butter are perfectly safe in the pantry as long as they’re kept away from heat and direct sunlight. A Smucker's spokesperson explained when contacted:

“Stabilized peanut butters, such as our Jif products, should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from strong smells and sunlight. This applies whether the jar is opened or unopened. There's no need to refrigerate, as it could make the peanut butter difficult to spread. Natural peanut butters, like Smucker’s Adams and Laura Scudder’s varieties, should be kept at room temperature, whether they’re open or not.”

How Long Can Peanut Butter Stay Fresh in the Pantry?

According to the National Peanut Board, an open jar of peanut butter can remain good for up to three months when kept in the pantry. The National Peanut Board is an organization that advocates for peanut farmers and supports allergen research.

“After three months, it’s best to transfer peanut butter to the fridge, where it can maintain its freshness for another 3 to 4 months... Unopened jars can last between 6 to 9 months in the pantry,” said Markita Lewis, MS, RD, from the National Peanut Board. If left unrefrigerated, oil separation may occur.

What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Natural Peanut Butter?

The storage method for your peanut butter depends on whether it’s natural or not. According to the FDA, peanut butter should be made up of at least 90 percent roasted, shelled peanuts, with up to 10 percent consisting of seasonings and stabilizers. These additives may include hydrogenated oils, sugars, or other sweeteners, but cannot exceed 10 percent of the product’s weight.

Natural peanut butter typically contains just peanuts and salt, whereas conventional peanut butter includes sweeteners and hydrogenated vegetable oils to maintain a smooth, spreadable texture. Peanut butter with only peanuts and salt should be stored in the fridge since it lacks the stabilizers that prevent it from becoming rancid.

When to Throw Out Peanut Butter

Bacteria thrive in moist environments, but according to the NIH, peanut butter is different from other processed foods like mayonnaise, salad dressing, and butter because its low moisture content makes it resistant to spoilage. However, if moisture does get in, mold may form on the surface—so keep that knife clean!

The Takeaway

Like many condiments, peanut butter’s shelf life is fine at room temperature but can last longer if kept in the fridge. If it develops off smells, a strange taste, discoloration, or visible mold, it's time to toss it out!