How long does peanut butter last?

FoodKeeper gives peanut butter 6 to 24 months unopened, as a guide to quality. Once opened, that's 2 to 3 months in the pantry.

How to store it

Keep it in a cool pantry. Natural peanut butter with no stabilizer may separate, so store the jar upside down or stir it. FoodKeeper gives no refrigerator figure, and USDA's outage chart lists it as fine to keep.

USDA says temperatures below 85°F are best, and to avoid anywhere above or beside the stove, under the sink, or in a damp garage or basement. Once it's open, follow any storage instruction on the label.

What to look for

Oil on top is normal. A bitter or paint-like smell means it's rancid. USDA says to discard moldy peanut butter.

Don't use food from a cracked jar, or a jar with a loose or bulging lid. Don't taste it to check.

Worth knowing

The range is wide, 6 to 24 months unopened, because recipes differ. Use the date on the jar, then use the 2 to 3 months for an opened jar.

Similar foods

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

FoodKeeper is USDA's food storage database. Its figures are guides to quality for food stored at cool room temperature, not safety cut-offs, and we show them as USDA gives them. FoodKeeper counts this from the date of purchase. Opened times start when you open the pack.

Where FoodKeeper gives no figure, we say so instead of guessing. The date printed on a package is the manufacturer's, and it's about quality except on infant formula.

Common questions

How long does peanut butter last unopened?

6 to 24 months, according to USDA FoodKeeper, as a guide to best quality. FoodKeeper counts this from the date of purchase.

How long does peanut butter keep once opened?

2 to 3 months in the pantry. FoodKeeper gives no refrigerator figure.

Does peanut butter go bad after the date on the package?

USDA says dates are about quality, except on infant formula. A product should still be safe if handled properly until spoilage shows, so check for an off smell, taste or texture.

What should I look for before using peanut butter?