Does Almond Butter Go Bad? How Long Does It Last?

by Editorial Staff | Updated on July 26th, 2022

Is it possible for almond butter to go bad? How long can almond butter keep if properly stored, and how can you tell if it’s gone bad? Here are the solutions.

It’s not necessary to keep almond butter in the refrigerator, although it’s not a terrible idea. Keeping almond butter in the fridge rather than your cupboard or kitchen cabinet is straightforward. Even though a jar of almond butter may be stored unopened for up to two years, it can grow rancid.

Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats that benefit the heart and help maintain blood sugar homeostasis. This implies that almond butter is an excellent alternative to conventional butter for vegans or anybody attempting to consume less dairy daily.

Almonds are also high in fiber, which helps you feel full faster and keeps your cholesterol in check. Furthermore, almonds are high in protein, ideal for vegans or vegetarians looking to improve their veggie protein consumption.

However, because store-bought almond butter is typically sweetened with additional sugar, it should not be taken in excess. As a result, some people choose to produce their almond butter at home.

Almond butter, like everything else prepared from almonds, may deteriorate.

So, what is the bottom line?

While open store-bought almond butter may be stored in the fridge for up to 9 months after its expiration date, homemade almond butter has a significantly shorter shelf life, lasting only a few weeks.

What exactly is almond butter?

In our search for a better diet, we frequently hear and read about almond butter. It is just a nut butter made using almonds, as the name says. However, it has an appealing nutritional profile, which will be discussed more below.

Almond butter is helpful because it has a high quantity of protein, among other things.

It can aid tissue healing and prevent additional injury in this way. Athletes and gym-goers like it. It takes a long time to digest to feel fuller for a longer period, and your cravings will be reduced.

Another advantage of almond butter is that it contains lipids that are good for the body. According to one study from Pennsylvania State University, almond butter has a low saturated fat content and a high unsaturated fat content. It also contains ingredients that help to decrease harmful cholesterol levels in the body.

Furthermore, it is claimed that almond butter might influence the body’s insulin sensitivity. Therefore, this might be an excellent butter option for people with diabetes, similar to the advantages of eating mixed nuts.

Facts about Almond Butter

Several factors determine the shelf life of almond butter. First, it is important to understand that not all almond butter is created equal. For example, some store-bought goods include preservatives, while others, such as natural or organic ones, may not.

Because preservatives “preserve,” you may be confident that almond butter with preservatives will keep longer than non-preserved items. Homemade almond butter, on the other hand, will not stay long.

Almond butter jars have a best-by date; however, there are ways to extend the life of your almond butter beyond that date. The location and manner in which you store the jar will significantly influence how long it keeps fresh, and it is advised that you keep the container in the refrigerator for best results.

Another alternative for storage is the freezer, especially if you have a lot of almond butter and know you won’t be able to utilize it before the expiration date.

One expert-recommended storage method is to put your jar of almond butter upside down. By doing so, the oil is spread throughout the jar rather than pooling at the top. This will keep your almond butter fresher and prevent it from hardening in the jar.

How Long Does Almond Butter Last?

Almond butter has a long shelf life. How long it takes varies on whether it is handmade or shop-purchased, as well as if you have opened the jar or not.

It also depends on whether you keep the almond butter in the refrigerator or the cupboard. It will keep much longer in the fridge.

It’s important to remember that the expiry date on store-bought almond oil is usually the best before the date. This signifies that the product will likely be at its best before this date and decay later. However, food does not indicate that it will go bad on this date, and it is frequently safe to consume for quite some time afterward.

Unopened store-bought almond butter may be stored in the refrigerator for up to a year after the expiration date or in a cold, dark, dry pantry for up to six months after the expiration date.

A jar that has been opened will not survive as long, although it will likely stay up to nine months in the fridge after opening or 3-5 months in the pantry.

Homemade almond oil differs from store-bought almond butter because it lacks the chemicals and preservatives in store-bought nut butter. It will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks, but I wouldn’t keep it in the pantry.

Timing for storing almond butter. All figures are approximations based on the cool, dark, and dry pantry, and the almond butter is stored in an airtight container.

If you reside in a warmer region, especially a humid one, I recommend keeping your almond butter in the fridge to minimize the pantry periods listed above.

How Long Will Almond Butter Keep Outside?

Almond butter may be kept on a pantry shelf, but it should be kept from heat and light. A cold, dark pantry is ideal for storing almond butter.

The best-by date should be marked on your jar. Unopened jars of almond butter can be kept in the pantry for up to six months after the best-by date. Almond butter has a shelf life of three to five months after its opening.

To keep your almond butter as fresh as possible, carefully shut the container before keeping it in the pantry.

How Long Does Almond Butter Keep in the Refrigerator?

Almond butter may also be kept in the refrigerator, but keep it in the coldest area of the fridge and away from the door to minimize temperature variations.

Check the expiration date on the container of almond butter. Unopened jars can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a year beyond the best-by date. Opened jars can be kept in the refrigerator for six to nine months beyond the best-by date.

You should leave your almond butter on the counter for ten to fifteen minutes before using it to make it easier to spread. In the refrigerator, it will stiffen up.

How Long Can Almond Butter Be Stored in the Freezer?

Almond butter may be stored in the freezer for up to six months, but you must be mindful of portion quantity because the almond butter will solidify.

Transfer your almond butter to smaller freezer-friendly containers or ice cube trays before freezing, and then transfer the cubes to a food storage bag. Almond butter frozen in ice cube trays is fantastic for smoothies, for example, and the cubes don’t even need to be thawed.

If you opt to freeze your almond butter, don’t be tempted to refreeze it if you have an excess. The texture of the almond butter will change dramatically if it is refrozen, and it will no longer be the same.

Almond butter may be kept in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer, although it lasts the longest in the refrigerator. Of course, cold almond butter can be difficult to spread, but leaving it out on the counter for a few minutes before using it should remedy the problem.

Signs That Your Almond Butter Is Bad

Almond butter is formed from a nut; like any other nut, it can get rancid. The rancidification process occurs because this form of butter contains the natural oil found in almonds. When this oil is exposed to moisture, air, light, heat, or bacteria, it gradually becomes rancid.

By smelling it, you may readily determine whether your almond butter has gone rancid. When butter becomes rancid, you will notice a sour, unpleasant odor. If you do the smell test and still can’t tell, you may test the taste with a tiny quantity of butter. If it no longer tastes sweet and nutty, it has most likely gone rotten.

Another clue that your almond butter is no longer safe to eat is the formation of black or brown patches on the surface, which shows mold growth.

You may see oil coating on top when you open the jar after a lengthy period of not using the almond butter. This does not signal that the almond butter has gone bad; whisk to re-combine the oil and nut butter. This oil aids in the smoothness and spreadability of the almond butter.

Can I consume almond butter after it has passed its expiry date?

Unopened almond butter has a shelf life of around six months after the “best before” date. And, if refrigerated, it may keep for up to a year. On the other hand, opened or used almond butter has a shelf life of around three months past its “best before date” and a maximum of up to five months.

What is the flavor of rancid almond butter?

You may not expect the day your nut butter turns rancid, but it may come. Because of the oils in the nuts, the butter is susceptible to temperature, air, and other variables that might shorten its shelf life.

Rancid almond butter has an unpleasant flavor. It has a weird paint-like appearance and may remind you of turpentine. It’ll taste strange, not sweet like when it’s fresh.

What Is the Best Way to Store Almond Butter?

Almond butter has a short shelf life. As a result, it cannot proceed swiftly. As a result, you must arrange a whole storing operation to store it. The storage methods for peanut butter and almond butter are quite similar. Therefore, you must take the following precautions when storing almond butter.

Place it in a cool location.

When it is sealed and unopened, store your almond butter in a cool and refrigerated area, away from sunlight or other heat sources. If the jar is maintained in a heated environment, the oil will separate, and the possibility of mold growth will increase.

Place it in a cupboard.

Almond butter may be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Then, place the jar on a kitchen cabinet or shelf where the temperature remains stable.

Please keep it away from refrigerators and ovens that are hotter than room temperature.

If the temperature is too high, avoid storing almond butter since it may become heated and cause oil separation. Keeping almond butter on a kitchen cabinet or shelf is preferable if you reside in a cold climate.

Store it in the refrigerator.

Keeping almond butter in a closet or in your refrigerator is fine. However, if the temperature in your area is rather high, it is best to keep the almond butter refrigerated. It will keep in the refrigerator for a few months.

Refrigerating the almond butter prevents oil separation and reduces the possibility of mold growth. If the oil separates, thoroughly whisk it before keeping it in the refrigerator.

Can Almond Butter Be Freeze? How?

Almond butter freezes exceptionally well. With a little forethought, you can ensure that you have frozen almond butter on hand for various purposes.

• Small quantities: Consider how you intend to utilize your frozen almond butter. An ice cube tray will be useful for smaller serving sizes if you cook with it. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a food storage bag.
• Take out all the air: Remove as much air as possible from the container where you will freeze your nut butter. You may also wrap the nut butter in plastic to keep it fresh.
• Allow space in the container: Because almond butter expands in the freezer, ensure some space in the container before freezing.
• Place in the freezer’s coldest section: You’ll want to minimize temperature swings, so don’t keep your almond butter in the freezer door.

What Is the Best Way to Freeze Almond Butter for Smoothies?

You may freeze almond butter for smoothies by portioning it into ice cube trays.

Once frozen, transfer it to an airtight freezer bag to avoid freezer burn and preserve it fresh and tasty. It will take around 24 hours for your almond butter to freeze completely.

How Should Almond Butter Be Thawed?

Almond butter freezes nicely and can be quickly thawed for any of your favorite recipes. However, if you intend to use it in a recipe, let the frozen almond butter defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight.

If you intend to use your frozen almond butter in a smoothie, put it in the blender frozen. There is no need to defrost it before blending it into your smoothie.

Conclusion

Unopened almond butter can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 months beyond the expiration date and at room temperature for roughly half that period.

Once the jar of almond butter is opened, you may disregard the best-by date unless you decide to open it right before it expires. If the expiration date is still a long way off, remember that almond butter will last 3 to 5 months in a cupboard or pantry and 6 to 9 months in the refrigerator.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you may make your almond butter instead of purchasing it at the supermarket. However, be aware that homemade almond butter has a significantly shorter shelf life than store-bought nut butter, often lasting only a few weeks.

Editorial Staff

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