Pantry storage

Does natural peanut butter need to be refrigerated?

FoodKeeper lists natural peanut butter in the fridge only, even sealed: 12 months, or the package date if that comes first. After opening, yes. Once open, it keeps 3 to 4 months in the fridge.

These times are a guide, not a safety guarantee, and a label that says to refrigerate comes first.

How we checked this: the storage times here come from the sources named on the page, and each one is checked against its source before the page goes live. Editorial policy

If mold shows up, discard the jar. FSIS lists peanut butter among the foods to throw out rather than trim, because foods processed without preservatives are at high risk for mold. Source: USDA FSIS: molds on food (opens in a new tab)

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Unopened and opened

Unopened and opened packages keep for different times. These are the times the source gives.

Unopened
12 months in the fridge, or the package date, whichever comes first
After opening
3 to 4 months refrigerated
Where to keep it once open
Refrigerator. Refrigeration is required here, not optional.

Sources and limits

The after-opening time runs from the day you opened it, not from the date printed on the package, so write that day down. Well Stockd doesn’t know when your package was made, bought or opened: follow the package directions, keep it in the fridge at 40°F or below once it’s open, and check the official listing when food safety is in question.

The storage times above are quoted from the sources below. They’re a guide, not a safety guarantee: quality varies with packaging, temperature and how the package is handled between uses. Nothing here overrides a label that says to refrigerate. This page was last updated .