Can peanut butter go bad in the fridge?
By
Dr Fernanda Papa Spada (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Fernanda Papa Spada (PhD) is a Food Scientist with expertise in Food Technology, eggs, meat, fruits, vegetable, and volatile compounds. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Spada’s Highlights:
Research at the University of São Paulo
PhD in Food Science and Technology at the University of São Paulo/ Brazil and six-month visitor Recherche at Reading University/ United Kingdom.
Bachelor of Food Science at the University of São Paulo/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Agrosup and Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) Dijon/ France.
The most important qualities that could be presented are determination and persistence. I am always willing to learn and have new goals. I have abilities to work in group, and technical abilities in languages (French and English), and in many computational tools such as data analysis and bio-statistical advanced analysis.
Professional Experience:
Dr Spada is PhD in Food Science and Technology. I have a partnership with the “Flavor center”; at the University of Reading-UK specialising in analysis chromatography olfactometry (GCO) and technical aids for identifying volatile compounds (GCMS and SPE).
Dr Fernanda Spada did her interuniversity exchange graduation (Brazil/France) in Food Science at USP/ESALQ and the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA-Dijon). In mid-2010 she returned to USP / ESALQ in 2012 and completed her Master’s in food science and technology, focusing on products with reduced fat and high sensory acceptance from consumer groups at different ages.
Education:
2019 – 2022 Post-doctorate
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, FCF/USP, Brazil
Knowledge area: Science and Technology of the Food
2013 – 2017 Doctorate Food Science.
Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, ESALQ, Brazil
with Sandwich Doctorate in University of Reading
Title: Roasted jackfruit seed as a potential substitute for chocolate aroma: obtainment, composition, olfactometry, and application, Year of degree: 2017
2011 – 2013 Masters in Food Science.
Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, ESALQ, Brazil
Title: Reducing fat levels in mortadella bologna and its sensory influence on tasters of different ages, Year of Degree: 2013
2005 – 2010 Undergraduate in Food Science.
Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, ESALQ/USP, Brazil
Title: Analysis of the water-soluble fraction in human milk and its impact on infants’ taste preferences.
Relevant Published Work:
Articles Published in Scientific Journals
- SPADA, F. P.; LAZARINI, J. G.; BATISTA, P. S.; SARTORI, A. G. O.; SALIBA, A. S. M. C.; AMARAL, J. E. P. G.; PURGATTO, E.; ALENCAR, S. M.
Cocoa powder and fermented jackfruit seed flour: a comparative cell-based study on their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE. Impact factor (2021 JCR): 4,1250, v.xx, p.10.1002/jsfa.12, 2023.
Home page: [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jsfa.12568]
- SPADA, FERNANDA PAPA; DE ALENCAR, SEVERINO MATIAS; PURGATTO, EDUARDO
Comprehensive chocolate aroma characterization in beverages containing jackfruit seed flours and cocoa powder. Future Foods., v.6, p.100158, 2022.
Home page: [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666833522000466]
- GIOVANINI DE OLIVEIRA SARTORI, ALAN; PAPA SPADA, FERNANDA; PENA RIBEIRO, VICTOR; ROSALEN, PEDRO LUIZ; IKEGAKI, MASAHARU; KENUPP BASTOS, JAIRO; DE ALENCAR, SEVERINO MATIAS. An insight into the botanical origins of propolis from permanent preservation and reforestation areas of southern Brazil. Scientific Reports. Impact factor (2021 JCR): 4,9960, v.11, p.22043 (2021), 2021.
Home page: [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01709-1]
- SPADA, FERNANDA PAPA; BALAGIANNIS, DIMITRIOS P.; PURGATTO, EDUARDO; DO ALENCAR, SEVERINO MATIAS; CANNIATTI-BRAZACA, SOLANGE GUIDOLIN; PARKER, JANE K. Characterisation of the chocolate aroma in roast jackfruit seeds. FOOD CHEMISTRY. Impact factor (2021 JCR): 9,2310, v.354, p.129537, 2021.
Home page: [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814621005434]
- SPADA, F. P.; MANDRO, GABRIELA FERNANDA; DA MATTA, MANOEL DIVINO; CANNIATTI-BRAZACA, S. G. Functional properties and sensory aroma of roasted jackfruit seed flours compared to cocoa and commercial chocolate powder. Food Bioscience. Impact factor (2021 JCR): 5,3180, v.37, p.100683, 2020.
Home page: [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212429220310208]
- SPADA, F. P.; SILVA, P. P. M.; MANDRO, G. F.; MARGIOTTA, G. B.; SPOTO, M. H. F.; BRAZACA, S. G. C. Physicochemical characteristics and high sensory acceptability in cappuccinos made with jackfruit seeds replacing cocoa powder. PLoS One. Impact factor (2021 JCR): 3,7520, v.13, p.e0197654, 2018.
Home page: [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197654] or
[https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/authors?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0197654]
- SPADA, FERNANDA PAPA; ZERBETO, LAIS MASSON; RAGAZI, GABRIEL BERNARDES CABREIRA; GUTIERREZ, ÉRIKA MARIA ROEL; DE SOUZA, MIRIAM COELHO; PARKER, JANE K.; CANNIATTI BRAZACA, SOLANGE GUIDOLIN. Optimization of Chocolate Aroma Production in Roasted Jackfruit Seeds. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY. Impact factor (2021 JCR): 5,8950, v.21, p.2017 – 1208, 2017.
Home page: [ http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.6b04836]
- SELANI, M.; SHIRADO, G. A. N.; MARGIOTTA, G. B.; SPADA, F. P.; PIEDADE, S. M. S.; CASTILLO, C.J.C.; BRAZACA, S. G. C. Effects of pineapple byproduct and canola oil as fat replacers on physicochemical and sensory qualities of low-fat beef burger. Meat Science. Impact factor (2021 JCR): 7,0770, v.112, p.69 – 76, 2016.
Home page: [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0309174015301157]
- SPADA, F. P.; SELANI, M.; COELHO, A.A.D.; SAVINO, V.J.M.; RODELLA, A. A.; SOUZA, M.C.; Fávia Salgado Fischer; LEMES, D. E. A.; Solange Guidolin Canniatti. Influence of natural and synthetic carotenoids on the color of egg yolk. SCIENTIA AGRICOLA. Impact factor (2015 JCR): 0,9540, v.73, p.234 – 242, 2016.
Home page: [https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-9016-2014-0337]
- SALDANA, E.; LEMOS, A. L. C.; SELANI, M.; SPADA, F. P.; ALMEIDA, M. A.; CASTILLO, C.J.C. Influence of animal fat substitution by vegetal fat on Mortadella-type products formulated with different hydrocolloids. SCIENTIA AGRICOLA. Impact factor (2015 JCR): 0,9540, v.72, p.495 – 503, 2015.
Home page:
[http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0103-90162015000600495&script=sci_arttext]
Conference Papers:
- SPADA, FERNANDA PAPA; GIOVANINI DE OLIVEIRA SARTORI, ALAN; ALENCAR, S. M.; PURGATTO, EDUARDO. Brown propolis as an authentical functional ingredient to food industry, 2021. (Symposium, Presentations in Events). Additional references: Canada/English. Home page: http://www.pangbornsymposium.com/; Canada; Vancouver; Pangborn2021; Elsevier.
- SPADA, FERNANDA PAPA; SALIBA, A. S. M. C.; DE ALENCAR, SEVERINO MATIAS; PURGATTO, E. Evaluating the peculiar aroma of Syzygium malaccense, 2021. (Symposium,Presentations in Events). Additional references: China/English. Online; SenseAsia2021; Elsevier.
- SPADA, F. P.; BATISTA, P. S.; PURGATTO, E.; JACOMINO, A. P.; ALENCAR, S. M. Evaluating the peculiar aroma of Eugenia pyriformis Cambess, 2020. (Congress,Presentations in Events). Additional references: Holanda/English. Netherlands – Online; Netherlands; Evento: Eurosense; Elsevier.
- SPADA, F. P.; ALENCAR, S. M.; PURGATTO, E. Production of natural chocolate aroma by jackfruit seeds applied and their application in beverages, 2020. (Congress,Presentations in Events). Additional references: Holanda/English. Netherlands – Online; Netherlands; Eurosense; Elsevier.
- SPADA, FERNANDA PAPA. The use of jackfruit seeds as a chocolate aroma in food, beverages and make-be products., 2020. (Conference or lecture, Presentations in Events). Additional references: Great Britain/English. England; London; 29th World Conference on Food and Beverages; Food Tec Conferences.
- SPADA, F. P.; METHVEN, L.; Solange Guidolin Canniatti; PARKER, J. K. Jackfruit seed as a potential substitute for chocolate aroma, 2015. (Congress,Presentations in Events). Additional references: Great Britain /English. Home page: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/news-events/events/2015/07/3rd-nursten-postgraduate-flavour-symposium/; Local: Newcastle; Newcastle; Evento: 3rd Nursten Postgraduate Flavour Symposium; Northumbria University.
Other References:
Reading University -SPADA 2017
https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/68248/1/FINAL%20Paper%20Jack%20I%20-22nd%20Jan%202017.pdf
Confectionery News – SPADA 2017
PubMed SPADA 2023 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36960787/
EUREKALERT – SPADA 2018 – https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/506333
LIVEKINDLY – SPADA 2018 – https://www.livekindly.com/chocolatey-aroma-jackfruit-seeds/
DAILY NEWS – SPADA 2018 – http://dailynews.lk/2018/11/05/tc/167435/jackfruit-seed-may-soon-be-substitute-cocoa?page=16
You can view some of Dr. Spada’s research, as well as links to her professional profile:
In this article, we will explore the question, “Can peanut butter go bad in the fridge?” We will also delve into other significant topics, including proper storage methods for peanut butter..
Can peanut butter go bad in the fridge?
Yes, peanut butter can spoil in the refrigerator. It is generally recommended to follow the instructions provided on the packaging label for proper storage.
Open jars of commercially processed peanut butter can be stored at room temperature for two to three months. However, refrigerating the jars can extend their shelf life by an additional two to four months (1).
Unopened jars of peanut butter can be kept in the pantry for six to nine months, but it is important to check the expiration date on the jar as well.
How do you know if peanut butter has gone bad?
Signs of spoiled peanut butter include a rancid or off odor, a change in texture and appearance, and an altered taste.
Spoiled peanut butter may have a distinct soapy or bitter smell, and its texture becomes hard and dry instead of soft and creamy. The color of spoiled peanut butter may appear lighter than its usual brown color.
Furthermore, the taste of spoiled peanut butter turns sour or bitter due to the rancidity of fats, contrasting with the nutty and rich taste of fresh peanut butter (3). It should not be consumed.
How should all-natural peanut butter be stored to maintain its freshness?
If you have purchased all-natural peanut butter, which is unrefined and typically made solely from ground peanuts and salt, it is advisable to refrigerate the jars after opening. This is because the oils in all-natural peanut butter can become rancid more quickly (2).
However, if you consume the peanut butter quickly, it is generally safe to store it in a cold and dry area. Just make sure not to double-dip or use knives that have come into contact with jelly, as all-natural peanut butter lacks stabilizers and antioxidants (3).
What factors contribute to peanut butter’s extended shelf life?
Peanut butter generally has a long shelf life due to its high fat content and low moisture levels. Additionally, it contains stabilizers as food additives, which contribute to its stability on the shelf life.
The presence of preservatives in peanut butter also extends its shelf life, even after it has been opened. When stored under proper conditions, opened peanut butter can last for approximately 3 to 4 months in refrigeration (1).
How should peanut butter be stored?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store and use peanut butter:
Step 1: Fill a clean container halfway with peanut butter and secure the lid tightly.
Step 2: Refrigerate the peanut butter for two to four weeks, making sure to prepare only the amount you anticipate using during this period.
Step 3: Freeze the peanut butter in a freezer-safe storage container for six months or longer. Prior to use, defrost the peanut butter thoroughly in the refrigerator.
Step 4: Before each use, stir the peanut butter well as both the peanuts and the oil may separate when frozen or refrigerated.
To safely enjoy peanut butter for an extended period, follow precautions and check the “use by” date on the packaging. Peanut butter should be stored in a cool, dark place as it does not tolerate hot and humid environments well (4).
Can you eat expired peanut butter?
No, it is not recommended to eat expired peanut butter. Eating expired peanut butter can pose certain risks (2).
Rancidity: The fats in peanut butter can become rancid for a long time, resulting in an unpleasant flavor. Consuming rancid peanut butter could cause digestive issues (5 and 6).
Mold and bacterial growth: Expired peanut butter may have a higher risk of mold or bacterial growth, especially if it has been improperly stored. These microorganisms can lead to food poisoning or other infections (2).
Nutrient degradation: As peanut butter expires, decrease in nutritional value. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants were degraded over time, leading to nutritional benefits (5).
Conclusion
In this article, we have addressed the question, “Can peanut butter go bad in the fridge?” Yes, peanut butter can go bad in the fridge. When properly stored in the fridge, unopened peanut butter can remain stable for up to 12 months, while opened peanut butter is typically good for about 4 months.
References
1. USDA. Food Safety and Inspection Service [Internet]. [cited 2023 May 29]. Available from: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/shared/data/EN/FoodKeeper-Data.xls
2. GONG A na, SHI A min, LIU H zhi, YU H wei, LIU L, LIN W jing, et al. Relationship of chemical properties of different peanut varieties to peanut butter storage stability. J Integr Agric [Internet]. 2018;17(5):1003–10. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2095-3119(18)61919-7
3. Isleib TG, Pattee HE, Sanders TH, Hendrix KW, Dean LO. Compositional and sensory comparisons between normal- and high-oleic peanuts. J Agric Food Chem. 2006;54(5):1759–63. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1021/jf052353t
4. S.; Huang, T. ; International Association for Food Protection , Des Moines , USA , Food Protection Trends. Consumer storage period and temperature for peanut butter and their effects on survival of Available from: https://<ixmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml”>Salmonella</i> and <i xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml”>
5. S.; Huang, T. ; International Association for Food Protection , Des Moines , USA , Food Protection Trends. Consumer storage period and temperature for peanut butter and their effects on survival of Available from: https://<ixmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml”>Salmonella</i> and <i xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml”>
6. Linscott AJ. Food-Borne Illnesses. Clin Microbiol Newsl [Internet]. 2011;33(6):41–5. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2011.02.004
