Does Almond Butter Go Bad? Everything You Need to Know

Are your almond butter still safe to eat? If so, you’re not alone! Almond butter is a nutritious and delicious food, but it can go bad if not stored properly. This blog post will cover everything you need to know about almond butter shelf life and storage.

What Is Almond Butter?

Almond butter is a delicious and nutritious food paste made from grinding almonds into a smooth and creamy texture. It is an excellent alternative to traditional nut butter, offering the same benefits as almonds with a creamy consistency. Almond butter is made from ground-roasted almonds, which are the seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree, and may contain additional ingredients such as salt, honey, or sugar.

Homemade almond butter is easy to prepare, requiring just a food processor or blender. It can be used to create a variety of dishes and snacks that are both healthy and delicious. The almond butter has a nutty, toasted flavor and is perfect for spreading on toast or adding to smoothies.

Shelf Life of Unopened Almond Butter

Unopened almond butter can last up to 12 months after expiration if stored in a cool, dark place. It can last even longer if kept in the refrigerator, up to two years. Making your own almond butter at home with raw almonds will also give you a shelf life of about two years. It’s important to note that almond butter will only last for a few months before going rancid once opened and used. This is why it’s important to store unopened almond butter properly and use it within a reasonable amount of time.

Shelf Life of Opened Almond Butter

When it comes to almond butter, it is best to store unopened containers in a cool, dark place for up to six months past the expiration date. Once opened, however, almond butter should be used within three months if stored at room temperature or up to six months if stored in the refrigerator. For longer shelf life, homemade raw almond butter should be refrigerated and can keep for up to two weeks. Store-bought almond butter can also last for several months if kept refrigerated and should be consumed within half that time if unrefrigerated. Additionally, storing almond butter in a cooler with block ice can help extend its shelf life.

Storage Tips for Unopened Almond Butter

1. Unopened almond butter can last for up to two years when stored properly.
2. Keep almond butter in the pantry or cupboard and away from heat, light, and air exposure.
3. Check the printed date on the almond butter before purchasing to ensure maximum shelf life.
4. Refrigerate unopened almond butter for extended storage time and to prevent separation.
5. Place opened almond butter into an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator for best results.
6. To freeze almond butter, store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh for longer periods of time.
7. Consider using almond butter within three to five months after opening for best quality results.

Storage Tips for Opened Almond Butter

1. When storing almond butter after opening, it is best to keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place. The ideal temperature should be below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Refrigeration is recommended to help keep almond butter fresh for longer periods of time.
3. Store-bought almond butter will last for a few months beyond the printed date when stored properly.
4. It is important to remember that some homes may have a heating system that can affect the ideal temperature for storing almond butter in a cool place.
5. Almond butter should always be kept airtight and sealed after opening to help prevent oxidation of the healthy oils from the nuts.
6. If you choose to store it in the refrigerator, be aware that it will become harder to spread once chilled.

How to Tell if Almond Butter Has Gone Bad?

It’s important to know if almond butter has gone bad, as it can spoil quickly. Unopened almond butter has a shelf life of about six months past its “best before date.” After opening, almond butter lasts about three to four weeks. If you want to extend the life of your almond butter, you can refrigerate it, which will help keep it fresh for up to six months.

The signs that your almond butter has gone bad are a sour smell, a color change, or a grainy texture. You should not consume almond butter if you notice any of those signs. Instead, it should be discarded.

The easiest way to tell if your almond butter has gone rancid is by sniffing it. If the product smells sour or unpleasant, it indicates that it has gone bad and should be thrown away. It’s also important to check for any discoloration in the product or for a grainy texture.

When you doubt whether or not your almond butter is safe to eat, err on the side of caution and discard it. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.

Is It Ok to Eat Expired Almond Butter?

A new report warns consumers against eating almond butter that has passed its expiration date. According to food safety experts, consuming food past its expiration date can be dangerous and may lead to food-borne illnesses.

The report states that unopened almond butter generally has a shelf life of about six months past its “best before date.” If the container is refrigerated, it can last for up to a year. After opening, however, you should consume almond butter within three to four weeks.

The best way to tell if your almond butter has gone bad is by looking at the expiration date on the jar or package. Homemade raw almond butter should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks, while store-bought almond butter can last for several months if kept unopened in the pantry.

Experts advise against eating expired almond butter, as it can pose a health risk due to bacteria growth that could have occurred while stored at room temperature. It is also important to note that you should not consume it if your almond butter has an “off” smell or flavor.

Consumers are encouraged to take food safety precautions and always check expiration dates before eating any food product, including almond butter.

How to Make Homemade Almond Butter?

Making homemade almond butter is a simple and healthy recipe that can be made in minutes with a few ingredients and a high-speed blender or food processor. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and spread 2-3 cups of raw almonds on a baking sheet. Bake the almonds for 8–10 minutes until they are lightly toasted. Once cool, transfer the almonds to a large food processor fitted with an “S” blade and process until creamy.

Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once your desired consistency is achieved, transfer the almond butter into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy the homemade almond butter on toast, in smoothies, or simply with a spoon!

What to Do with Leftover Homemade Almond Butter?

1. Use Leftover Homemade Almond Butter to Make Delicious Chocolate Chip Granola Bars: Create delicious and healthy granola bars using your leftover homemade almond butter and chocolate chips for a tasty snack.
2. Raw Fudge or Pudding Recipes: Incorporate almond butter into raw fudge and pudding recipes for an extra nutty flavor.
3. Homemade Crackers: Transform almond pulp into delicious homemade crackers with herbs and spices for a savory snack.
4. Almond Pulp Brownie Bites: Satisfy your sweet tooth with these rich and chocolaty almond pulp brownie bites.
5. Peanut Butter Substitute: Replace peanut butter in recipes with almond butter to reduce your saturated fat intake.
6. Almond Butter Bars: Make delicious almond butter bars that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks or frozen for longer storage times.

FAQS About Does Almond Butter Go Bad

Can You Get Food Poisoning from Nut Butter?

It is possible to get food poisoning from nut butter if it is contaminated with salmonella bacteria. People who become sick with the symptoms of Salmonella may have eaten bacteria that was in peanut butter, but the bacteria can also be present in other foods. To avoid food poisoning, it is important to stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks and to store nut butter properly. A sealed jar typically lasts around a year, while nut butter with added sugars and other oils may have a more stable shelf life.

Should I Refrigerate Almond Butter?

Whether you need to refrigerate almond butter depends on which brand you buy. Some labels clearly state the product should be refrigerated, but some butter doesn’t require it. Organic almond butter should be refrigerated after opening. Refrigerating almond butter helps prevent it from separating and prolongs its freshness.

Is Almond Butter Supposed to Be Liquidy?

Almond butter is usually more liquid than peanut butter. It doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, but doing so can help maintain its texture. Stirring almond butter before storing it in the fridge can help make it less runny. If you buy Maisie Jane’s almond and cashew butter, you don’t have to worry about added oils because it only contains nuts. To get a creamy texture, let the almond butter blend for a longer period of time.

Conclusion

I hope this article has answered all your burning questions about almond butter. We’ve looked at how to store it, how to tell if it’s gone bad, and the best ways to enjoy this creamy, nutty spread. Now it’s time for you to share your thoughts. What’s your favorite way to eat almond butter?

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/senftenberg-05-22/index.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almond_butter

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/news/20070215/peanut_butter_food_poisoning_warning