Does natural {peanut, cashew, almond} butter require refrigeration?
I have purchased a few different types of natural peanut butter and all have stated that refrigeration is required after opening. However, I recently purchased Archer's Farms Almond, Peanut & Cashew Butter from Target which doesn't say anything about refrigeration after opening. From what I've read on other sites (anecdotal) and some .edu sites, raw/natural nut butters can grow mold and do require refrigeration. Any ideas on why Archer's Farms butter doesn't say anything about refrigeration?
Peanut butter
unopened 6-9 months Refrigeration not needed. Keeps
opened 2-3 months longer if refrigerated. Natural
peanut butter must be
refrigerated after opening.
Best Answer
I don't think I've ever seen peanut butter grow mold, natural or commercial, refrigerated or not. What will happen with natural peanut butter is that the fat (of which there's plenty) will go rancid over time.
The oxidation process that leads to rancidity requires heat, light, and usually oxygen; keeping it in the refrigerator will therefore slow the process down significantly.
Manufacturers are probably not required to put the "keep refrigerated" warning on nut butters because eating rancid food technically won't kill you or make you seriously ill. When a product says to keep refrigerated, sometimes that's for safety, sometimes it's just for quality - in the case of peanut butter it's typically the latter.
Commercial peanut butter has a ton of sugar and other preservatives, which is why refrigeration is not necessary, even for quality purposes.
Pictures about "Does natural {peanut, cashew, almond} butter require refrigeration?"
Does almond peanut butter need to be refrigerated?
You don't have to store almond butter in the fridge, but it's not a bad idea. The reason it's better to keep almond butter in the fridge than in your pantry or kitchen cabinet is simple. Even though a jar of the stuff is shelf-stable for up to two years when unopened, almond butter can go rancid.Do natural nut butters need to be refrigerated?
If you opt for a non-natural, \u201cno stir\u201d type of nut butter (think popular peanut butter brands like Skippy or Jif), storing them in the pantry is completely fine. If your nut butter contains a layer of oil on the top, it's suggested you refrigerate it. At the very least, keep it in a cool, dry place.Can almond butter be left unrefrigerated?
Unopened almond butter keeps for at least a few months past the printed date. Once you open the jar, almond butter lasts about 3 to 5 months if you leave it at room temperature, or between 6 and 9 months if you store it in the fridge. Homemade almond butter keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge.Does homemade cashew butter need to be refrigerated?
You don't need to refrigerate homemade cashew butter if it will be used within a week or so. But it's recommended to store in the fridge with an airtight lid as it will stay fresher and last for months.The Best Peanut \u0026 Nut Butter To Buy At The Store - And What To Avoid!
More answers regarding does natural {peanut, cashew, almond} butter require refrigeration?
Answer 2
Call the company directly and ask. I do that with all my foods (I live without a refeigerator). I met people who never refrigerate mayonaisse and lived to tell. Turns out you don't need to if you don't introduce any other food particles into it! Now I never refrigerate mayo, or many other foods and condiments. So it pays to call the company and insist on the truth :-)
Answer 3
I've never refrigerated my natural peanut or nut butters. I eat it regularly so it does not sit around for long. A quick stir before using.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Monstera, Mike, Polina Tankilevitch, Flora Westbrook