The Shelf Life of Almond Butter: How Long Will it Last?

Last modified on May 21st, 2022 at 11:30 am

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If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy eating almond butter.  It’s a delicious and healthy snack, and it’s perfect for on the go. I personally love to add homemade almond butter to my smoothie bowls. It’s a versatile spread that lasts a while, which makes it a great pantry staple. Just how long does almond butter last before it goes bad, though?  In this blog post, we will answer those questions and more!  We’ll also discuss how to store almond butter to make sure it lasts as long as possible.

Almond butter is made from almonds that have been ground into a paste.  It’s a popular choice for those who are looking for a healthy alternative to peanut butter.  Unlike peanut butter, almond butter does not contain any cholesterol or trans fats.  Additionally, it’s a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins.

So exactly how long does almond butter last?

If it is stored properly, almond butter can last for months – even years!  Raw almonds have a shelf life of about two years, so if you make your own almond butter at home, you can expect it to last just as long.  Unopened almond butter that’s sold in stores will also last for several months, or even up to a year if it’s stored properly.  Once opened, however, almond butter will only last for a few weeks.

To extend the shelf life of your almond butter, it’s important to store it properly.  Almond butter should be stored in a cool, dark place. A pantry or cupboard would make the perfect storage space.  It’s also important to make sure that the lid is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in.  If the almost butter isn’t going to be used right away, it can even be stored in the fridge and thawed to room temperature for easy spreading when ready for use.

How Long Does Unopened Almond Butter Last? 

Unopened almond butter will typically last for about two years, but factors such as storage conditions and the type of container used can affect how long it lasts.  It’s generally a good idea to store unopened almond butter in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

The container holding the almond butter must be tightly sealed to protect it from exposure to air and moisture.  Once opened, almond butter should be used within one month. Almond butter that has been opened should be stored in an airtight container and used within one to two weeks. 

Why Is There Oil on My Almond Butter?

Oil is a natural substance that is found in most food products, including almond butter.  There are several reasons why your almond butter may contain oil.  For instance, the almonds used to make the butter might contain a certain amount of naturally occurring oil.  On the other hand, the almonds may be roasted or ground before they are added to the butter, which can cause some of their oils to separate and rise to the surface as a thin layer of oil.  Oil separation is also common in nut butter. 

If you see oil forming on your almond butter, don’t worry; this is perfectly normal!  Simply give the jar a good stir before you use it, and the oil will be evenly distributed throughout the butter.  If you find that your almond butter is excessively oily, though, you may want to try a different brand.  Some brands of almond butter are made with less oil than others, so they might be a better option for you if you’re looking to avoid excess oil.

Do I Need To Put Almond Butter In The Fridge?

Most people keep their almond butter. This makes sense because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, right?  Well, the answer to that question might not be so simple. 

Almond butter can become rancid relatively quickly, especially if it’s not stored properly.  This basically means that the fat in the almond butter has gone bad, which will make the flavor unpleasant.  Rancid fats can also cause digestive issues.

Is there an easy way to check to see if almond butter has gone rancid?  Usually, the smell is the best indicator, given that rancid almond butter will have a strong, unpleasant odor.  It may also have a change in color or texture.

Why Does Store Bought Almond Butter Last Longer Than Home-Made?

One of the main reasons store bought almond butter lasts longer than homemade is because it generally contains more preservatives. Homemade almond butter, on the other hand, often doesn’t contain any preservatives at all. This means that homemade almond butter is more prone to going bad more quickly. Additionally, store bought almond butter is typically sealed in a jar or container that helps keep oxygen out, which also slows down the process of spoilage.

Overall, there are a number of factors that contribute to the longer shelf life of store bought almond butter in relation to almond butter that is homemade. If you’re looking for a way to preserve your homemade almond butter for longer periods of time, extra preservatives and an air tight container might just do the trick; however, even though store bought almond butter tends to last much longer than homemade, it’s still important to keep an eye on its expiration date and use it before that date has passed.

Can Rancid Almond Butter Make You Sick?

Many people are concerned about rancid almond butter and whether it can make them sick.  Though the health risks of eating rancid almond butter may not be fully known, there is some research to suggest that it could cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

 To stay safe, you should try to avoid eating any products containing rancid nut oils or butter.  If you do ingest a small amount of rancid nut oil or butter on accident, monitor your symptoms closely and consult your doctor if you experience any negative reactions.

how long does almond butter last

How To Make Your Own Almond Butter At Home?

Now that we have been talking about almond butter for a while, I am sure you have developed an appetite for it.  To make your own creamy almond butter be sure to follow our almond butter recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 

Optional ingredients:

  • vanilla extract (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey

Instructions:

1.  Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread almonds onto a baking sheet.  Roast almonds for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

2.  Let the almonds cool before adding them to a food processor.  Add salt and process for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes crumbly. 

3.  Continue processing for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed, until the mixture becomes a smooth batter. 

4.  Store almond butter in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to enjoy the delicious flavor of almonds, try making your own almond butter!  As you can see, it’s a pretty easy process. All you need is 1 cup of raw almonds, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a food processor.

how long does almond butter last

Homemade Almond Butter

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • vanilla extract (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread almonds onto a baking sheet.  Roast almonds for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

2. Let the almonds cool before adding them to a food processor.  Add salt and process for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes crumbly. 

3. Continue processing for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed, until the mixture becomes a smooth batter. 

4. Store almond butter in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Storing Your Homemade Almond Butter

Most importantly, make sure that your almond butter is stored in an airtight container.  I like to use a mason jar for this purpose.  Once your almond butter is in the jar, simply screw on the lid and store it in a cool, dark place.

One thing to keep in mind is that homemade almond butter will usually last for about a week or two before it starts to go bad.  However, if you want to extend its shelf life, you can always pop it in the fridge.  Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before you spread it on your favorite toast or add it to a smoothie!

Does Almond Butter Last Longer Than Peanut Butter?

Almond butter lasts longer than peanut butter because it has less moisture.  This is because peanuts are a lot more oily than almonds, which makes them go bad much more quickly. 

Almond butter is also slightly healthier for you since it contains fewer calories and more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats than peanut butter does.  So if you’re looking for a way to eat better, swapping out your regular peanut butter for almond butter could be one way to do so!

Conclusion

So there you have it!  Now you know everything there is to know about the shelf life of almond butter.  If you remember to store it properly, it can last for months on end.  Almond butter is a delicious and healthy snack that’s perfect for on the go. Thanks for reading!  

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