How Long Food Lasts

Shelf Stable Foods

How long does peanut butter last?

Quick answer

Peanut butter (commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers) keeps 12 months in the refrigerator.

  • Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers 12 months in the refrigerator
  • Natural 12 months in the refrigerator
  • Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers, opened 3-4 months in the refrigerator
Form

Fridge

From purchase

12months

Freezer

No known time

-

Pantry

6-9months

Mine has been in the fridge for

Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?

United States
Yes
United Kingdom
Only after cooking

How long does peanut butter last in the refrigerator?

  • Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers12 monthsFrom purchase
  • Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers, opened3-4 monthsAfter opening
  • Natural12 monthsFrom purchase
  • Natural, opened3-4 monthsAfter opening

Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.

Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.

Can you freeze peanut butter?

    Can you refreeze peanut butter?

    • In the United StatesYes
    • In the United KingdomOnly after cooking

    Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.

    Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.

    After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.

    You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that

    Can peanut butter be stored at room temperature?

    • Commercial6-24 months
    • Commercial, opened2-3 months
    • Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers6-9 months
    • Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers, opened2-3 months

    All forms at a glance

    FormFridgeFreezerPantry
    Commercial--6-24 months
    Commercial, opened--2-3 months
    Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers12 months-6-9 months
    Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers, opened3-4 months-2-3 months
    Natural12 months--
    Natural, opened3-4 months--
    General guidance---

    Frequently asked questions

    How long does peanut butter last in the refrigerator?

    Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers: 12 months; Commercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers, opened: 3-4 months; Natural: 12 months; Natural, opened: 3-4 months.

    Can you refreeze peanut butter?

    In the United States: Yes; In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking.

    Related foods

    Sources

    We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last verified: October 1, 2026.