Once opened, Peanut butter (commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers) keeps about 3–4 months in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 12 months.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 6–9 months |
| Unopened · fridge | 12 months |
| Opened · pantry | 2–3 months |
| Opened · fridge | 3–4 months |
About 3–4 months refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128.
Peanut butter (commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers) is shelf-stable at room temperature: cool, dry pantry, sealed — refrigerating after opening is optional and mainly preserves quality. Refrigerating it mainly preserves quality rather than safety.
Look for: A rancid, paint-like, or musty smell; Bulging, leaking, deeply dented, or rusted cans; Insects or webbing in dry goods; Mould or discoloration. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.