Once opened, Peanut butter (natural) keeps about 3–4 months in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 12 months.
3–4 months opened in the fridge, against 12 months sealed in the fridge. Green is what this situation leaves you; husk is what it spends.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · fridge | 12 months |
| Opened · fridge | 3–4 months |
Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.
Keep Peanut butter fresh longer ↗ Need a fresh one? ↗
Ad · Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. They appear after your answer and never change it.
About 3–4 months refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. Refrigerate it once it's open.
Yes — keep Peanut butter (natural) at 40°F (4°C) or below once it's open. Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.
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. Those are the general signs for pantry staples — USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Peanut butter (natural) specifically. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.