Almond butter is a healthy alternative to peanut butter; it’s tasty, creamy, and has a lot less fat and sodium than its PB counterpart.
If you’re one of the many people who have made the switch or are thinking about giving almond butter a try, then you might find yourself wondering, “does it go bad?”
The answer is yes. But the good thing is that, unlike peanut butter, which spoils easily, almond butter has a long shelf life. You can store it in your pantry, refrigerator, or freezer for at least six months or up to a year.
Here’s what you need to know about this nut butter, including whether or not it goes bad, how to tell if it is bad, and how to make it last longer.
What Is Almond Butter?
Almond butter is made from almonds (duh) that are ground into a paste until smooth and creamy. It is an excellent source of nutrition and a great alternative to peanut butter if you have peanut allergies or just want to try something new.
You can use almond butter as a spread on toast, bread, or sandwich. It is also a great base for hummus and can add a whole new dimension to your favorite recipes.
Almond butter is widely available, and you can purchase it at most grocery stores and online. You can also make your own by grinding almonds in a food processor until they turn into a paste.
SEE: Does Tofu Go Bad?
Does Almond Butter Go Bad?
The answer is yes, but it takes quite a while. Almond butter has a long shelf life, partly because of its fat and protein content, which act as natural preservatives.
Generally speaking, you can keep almond butter at room temperature for about 6 months past its best-by date. But if you live somewhere very hot, or if your counter gets direct sunlight often, then your nut butter will go bad sooner.
To make your nut butter last longer (about one year past its best-by date), keep it in the fridge. This may cause it to harden and separate a bit (the oil rises to the surface), so use a knife or spoon to stir it back together when you’re ready to eat it.
SEE: Everything You Need to Know About The Shelf Life of Shea Butter
What Is the Shelf Life of Almond Butter?
The shelf life of almond butter depends on whether it has been processed with preservatives or not. If you buy raw almond butter (which does not have preservatives), then it will go bad much sooner than its processed counterpart.
Unopened raw almond butter will last up to 3 months in the pantry and up to 9 months in the refrigerator/freezer. Its processed counterpart, however, will last up to 6 months in the pantry and up to a year in the refrigerator/freezer.
Once you open a jar of almond butter, the shelf life decreases by half. If you want to extend the shelf-life of your opened product, put it in an airtight container so that moisture won’t get in and contaminate your nutty spread.
Can You Eat Expired Almond Butter?
Yes, you can. The good news is that the expiration dates stamped on foods are more like guidelines than hard-and-fast rules.
They’re set by manufacturers, who have no way of knowing how long their products will last once bought by consumers. If you store it properly, your nut butter can last for months after its stated expiration date.
However, according to the FDA, you’ll want to make sure that there are no signs of deterioration on the product before you dig in.
A sour smell or moldy appearance indicates the product has spoiled and shouldn’t be eaten. Discard your nut butter if it looks or smells off and don’t risk getting sick by consuming it.
SEE: How to Get Free Food At Wendy’s
How to Tell if Almond Butter Is Bad
Smell the butter
The first thing to do is open the jar of your nut butter and give it a sniff. If the product smells rancid, like vinegar or ammonia, don’t eat it— it has gone bad.
Look at the color
The color of this butter can vary from light tan to dark brown, depending on the ingredients in your brand. If you notice that your product seems darker than usual or has a greenish hue, discard it immediately.
Check for floating water
Does your product have a watery layer on top? This is a sign that your butter has become rancid due to exposure to air or sunlight.
Check the texture
Put some of the product in your fingers and feel it. Small gritty bits indicate that your butter has gone bad. These are tiny pieces of almonds that have oxidized and turned rancid. Oxidized almonds can be harmful, so toss the product out.
Taste it
If you’re not sure about any of these signs, just do a taste test. Taste the nut butter and check for any off-flavors. If there is any, throw the product out immediately.
SEE: How to Stop Food Spoilage and Food Poisoning
How to Preserve Almond Butter
Use an airtight container
Transfer the product into an airtight container (to limit the amount of air that gets inside the container). If there’s air in your container, then it could cause mold growth, which would eventually lead to spoilage of your nut butter.
If you can’t get an airtight container, try putting a plastic wrap around the top of your container before screwing on the lid. This will help prevent air from getting inside the container and forming mold over time.
Store in a cool dark place
The easiest way to store your nut butter is by putting it in a cool, dark place. Almond butter will keep at room temperature for up to six months before going bad. Just be sure to keep it away from moisture sources like kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
Refrigerate the nut butter
If you intend to keep your nut butter for more than six months, make sure to store it in the refrigerator. This will help slow down the oxidation process and prevent it from becoming rancid quickly.
Store in the freezer
This method of storage is best for those who don’t use their nut butter often. To do this, pour your nut butter into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Then put the frozen cubes of nut butter into a freezer bag and they’re ready whenever you need them.
SEE: You Should Avoid These Food Storage Mistakes
FAQs
How do you eat almond butter?
There are many different ways to eat almond butter. You can eat it plain or add it to a smoothie. You can spread it on toast, wraps, and sandwiches. And you can use it as a substitute for peanut butter in your favorite recipes.
What is the difference between almond butter and peanut butter?
The most obvious difference is that almond butter is made from almonds, while peanut butter is made from peanuts. Another difference is that almond butter is less allergenic than peanut butter, which makes it a good choice for those with allergies to peanuts.
Is almond butter good for weight loss?
Yes, it is. Almond butter is a healthy option for those trying to lose weight. It is high in healthy fats and protein, which are both important for keeping your hunger at bay.
However, it also contains calories- so if you’re trying to lose weight, be sure to keep track of your overall calorie intake. You should also consider ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
What does almond butter taste like?
Almond butter has a mild nutty flavor. It tastes similar to peanut butter, but it isn’t as sweet, and it has a distinct almond-like taste.
Can you eat almond butter every day?
Yes, you can. Almond butter is a nutritious food that you can incorporate into your daily diet. It is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all of which are beneficial for your health.
However, it’s important to remember that this butter contains calories, so you may need to take its calorie content into account.
Conclusion
Almond butter is any butter made from ground almonds. It’s a great alternative for those with peanut allergies or those looking for something new.
The shelf-life of this butter varies depending on how it is processed. All varieties will come with a recommended expiration date, but they may last beyond the date if stored properly.
If you want your nut butter to last longer, put it in an airtight container, then store it in a refrigerator. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays and then transfer the frozen cubes of nut butter into a freezer bag.
Thanks for reading.
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