Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

We reached out to the specialists to get their insights.

Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.

Peanut butter could very well be among the most versatile helpers in your kitchen. Spread it on bread for a quick breakfast. Mix it into your ice cream to transform an evening treat into something more indulgent. Blend it with basic ingredients from your cupboard, and you can create a luxurious sauce. Additionally, it’s high in protein, easy on the wallet, and stays fresh for quite some time. (Let's not forget—it tastes great as well.)

However, is it really okay to simply place an opened jar in your pantry? This exact issue came up for me when I discovered a container of Skippy peanut butter inside the refrigerator at my house. Having been raised in a family where "peanut butter goes in the pantry," this puzzled me, whereas my spouse believed it should always be stored in the fridge. To settle the argument, I reached out to the authorities from both Skippy and the National Peanut Board.

The main point is that peanut butter is a resilient food in numerous aspects, Markita Lewis, M.S., RD , a registered dietitian affiliated with the National Peanut Board, stated. "There’s no need to pamper it."

Is It Safe to Keep Peanut Butter in the pantry?

While peanut butter can be quite durable, is it still okay to leave it uncovered at room temperature? "Skippy peanut butter is completely safe at room temperature," Sam Hovick The brand manager at Skippy mentioned that it's completely acceptable to store peanut butter in the refrigerator. The choice between keeping it in the pantry or the fridge comes down to individual preference. For those who like their peanut butter smooth and easier to spread, storing it in the pantry works well. However, if you enjoy eating peanut butter right from the jar with a spoon, refrigerating it might be better since it stays firmer when chilled.

Lewis mentioned that the key consideration is the expiration of your peanut butter. Once opened, a jar typically remains fresh for around three months when kept in the pantry before it starts to degrade. However, she pointed out that many American families consume their peanut butter more quickly than this timeframe suggests. Storing it in the refrigerator can help prolong its freshness beyond those initial three months.

What About Unflavored Peanut Butter?

Traditional peanut butters are designed to remain stable over time without refrigeration. Typically, natural peanut butters do not include additives like hydrogenated vegetable oils, which help conventional peanut butter stay fresh at room temperature. Should you have a homemade version, one sourced from a specialized market, or an option made with just peanuts and salt, it's advisable to keep it in the refrigerator to preserve its texture, longevity, and flavor.

Hovick pointed out that Skippy Natural Peanut Butter doesn’t require different storage from the rest of Skippy’s products. He elaborated, "Their formulation and processing help manage oil separation."

These guidelines similarly pertain to various nut butters including almond and cashew butter. Meanwhile, seed butters such as SunButter can be stored at room temperature without issues.

Storage Tips

Although both refrigerating and keeping peanut butter at room temperature are safe storage methods, consider these guidelines to maintain its freshness: When storing peanut butter outside the refrigerator, make sure it remains in a cool, dry area since high temperatures and moisture can accelerate spoiling. Additionally, protect it from direct light because exposure to strong sun rays can diminish its quality. An ideal location would be a shaded pantry closet or cupboard.

Regarding your refrigerator storage, ensure that open jars are not placed near items with potent smells, according to Lewis. Additionally, refrain from keeping jars on the door since those spaces undergo the greatest changes in temperature. "The uppermost shelf usually maintains the steadiest temperature and works well for ready-to-consume goods such as peanut butter," she advised.

What Are Some Signs That My Peanut Butter Is Rancid?

Apart from examining the "best by" or expiration date, several indicators can show whether your peanut butter has spoiled. One key sign is its smell; if it emits a bitter, metallic, or stale aroma, you should probably discard it. Additionally, rancid peanut butter tends to appear drier or slightly darker in hue, as mentioned by Lewis.

The Bottom Line

Peanut butter can safely be kept in the refrigerator or left out at room temperature based on what you prefer. Storing it outside of the fridge makes it simpler to spread, whereas putting an open jar back into the fridge may increase its longevity. Natural peanut butters generally require refrigeration all the time. When opting for room-temperature storage with commercially made peanut butter, ensure it stays in a cool, dry, and shaded spot.

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