Delicious, nutritious almond butter, rich in antioxidant compounds! Not only do you boost the immune system and facilitate brain and eye health with your vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acid content, but you taste amazing, too!
In addition to being a healthy snack, almond butter satiates hunger and aids weight maintenance with its high protein and fiber. Alongside other nut butters, almond butter ranks pretty high in protein content! Though calorie-dense, almond butter offers beneficial nutrients, while its small amount of saturated fat poses minimal harm.
So, how do we store this delicious peanut butter alternative? Let’s take a look.
How To Store Almond Butter
For optimum storage of almond butter, ensure it is kept in a cool area, shielded from direct sunlight and heat sources. Always seal the jar when not in use. To increase shelf-life by up to twice as long, refrigerate the almond butter. This is particularly important if you have preservative-free or homemade almond butter.
Homemade almond butter tends to go rancid pretty quickly when left in the pantry, so the fridge is a necessity unless you consume it within a few days. If I have store-bought almond butter, I usually keep it in the pantry because I can immediately use it without waiting for it to soften.
Can You Freeze Almond Butter?
Absolutely! Freezing almond butter is a breeze. You can easily do so by dividing it into a well-sealed container and popping it in the freezer for safekeeping. Keep in mind that consistency may be altered, and the almond butter may become more crumbly. To overcome this, just make sure to stir it thoroughly before each use.
How To Defrost Almond Butter?
For optimal almond butter defrosting, place it in the refrigerator overnight. If it’s a single blob or small cube, ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to avoid absorbing any fridge odors.
You can also leave it in a sealed container to defrost at room temperature, which may be faster. Just don’t use the microwave, as this can dry it out and change the texture.
How Long Does Almond Butter Last?
In my experience, unopened almond butter can be stored in the pantry for up to 3 months past its best-by date. In the fridge, it can last between 6 to 12 months beyond the best-by date.
Once opened, store-bought almond butter can be kept in the pantry for 3 to 5 months and in the fridge for 6 to 9 months.
Homemade almond butter has a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within two weeks.
Almond butter, whether homemade or store-bought, can be frozen and used for 3 to 6 months and possibly a little longer.
How To Know When Almond Butter Is Rancid?
If your almond butter, or any other nut butter for that matter, exhibits any of the following signs, it’s time to say goodbye.
Firstly, if it has turned rancid, you’ll notice a bitter and sharp taste, possibly accompanied by a chemical-like odor resembling nail polish remover.
Secondly, if the almond butter has separated irreparably, resulting in a solid bottom layer that resists stirring, it has gone bad. While a thin layer of oil on the surface is expected, a rock-solid consistency indicates spoilage.
Thirdly, keep an eye out for mold, which is uncommon but still possible. If you spot any fuzzy growth or dark spots on the surface, it’s best to discard the jar.
And finally, if you have exceeded the best-by date on the label and feel uneasy using the almond butter, trust your instincts and let it go. If anything seems off about your almond butter, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution and toss it. Remember: better safe than sorry.
FAQs
What’s almond butter good with?
Whether it’s spread on pancakes, French toast, or waffles, stirred into warm oatmeal or your favorite hot cereal, or added to a breakfast smoothie, almond butter adds a delicious touch. If you are feeling adventurous, I love almond butter on a whole wheat sandwich with carrots, lettuce, beetroot, and cucumber! Don’t knock it until you have tried it.
Why do people like almond butter?
Packed with nourishing fats, almond butter, and peanut butter are both excellent sources of monounsaturated fats. However, almond butter boasts a slightly lower sodium and saturated fat content than peanut butter, which is why many people prefer it.
Is almond butter dairy-free?
Almond butter is a dairy-free alternative. It does not contain any milk, making it a safe option for individuals with a milk allergy.
What is almond butter made of?
Almond butter is usually made solely with raw almonds, or roasted ones for a bolder flavor. No additional oil is necessary, as the almonds release their natural oils. Some store-bought butters may have additional ingredients.
Does almond butter have acid?
Compared to other nut butter like peanut butter, almond butter is less acidic. This can minimize the likelihood of acid reflux symptoms.
Who invented almond butter?
Supposedly, the Journal of the American Medical Association mentioned Kellogg’s almond butter in 1913, which likely referred to John Kellogg and his nutrition products available in the early 20th century.
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FAQs
The easiest way to prevent your almond butter from going bad and extend its shelf-life—by as much as twice as long—is to pop it in the fridge. Keeping your almond butter in the fridge is especially important if you tend to purchase nut butters without preservatives or if you like to make your own nut butter.
Are you supposed to refrigerate almond butter? ›
The easiest way to prevent your almond butter from going bad and extend its shelf-life—by as much as twice as long—is to pop it in the fridge. Keeping your almond butter in the fridge is especially important if you tend to purchase nut butters without preservatives or if you like to make your own nut butter.
How do you preserve almond butter? ›
Almond butter can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and may last even longer as long as you don't introduce any moisture to the jar. Nut butter will thicken when chilled, so that can make it slightly harder to spread on toast, but it will thin out when you bring it to room temperature again.
How do you make almond butter soft again? ›
Stir in some neutral oil
If you're down to the bottom of a jar and the nut butter is dry and crumbly (you didn't store it upside down, huh?), a surefire way to give it life is by adding some oil. Just put in a few drops of a neutral oil (like canola or peanut) and stir to get it all incorporated.
Can almond butter be frozen? ›
You can also use a different oil if you prefer. Storage: Keep your almond butter stored in a glass jar in the fridge (covered) for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen, place into a freezer safe container and freeze it.
Is almond butter healthier than peanut butter? ›
Peanut butter has higher saturated fats, which should be taken in moderation. Almond butter, on the contrary, has more monounsaturated fats that are thought to be heart-healthy and can contribute to lowering harmful cholesterol levels. These fats are high in energy and help in the digestion of fat-soluble vitamins.
How to store fresh nut butter? ›
Storing Homemade Nut Butter
Since homemade nut butter doesn't have added preservatives like most store-bought nut butters it can go rancid more quickly. The key is to limit your home made nut butter to light, heat and air, preferably keeping it refrigerated or even frozen.
Is it OK to eat almond butter everyday? ›
You can eat this substance regularly if you want to – but it's important to make sure that you're only consuming it in moderation. There are a lot of calories in almond butter, and you could end up facing issues with your weight if you eat too much at once.
Why does almond butter go bad? ›
Temperature and light have a notable impact on the shelf life of almond butter. Temperature: Almond butter should be stored at a consistent, cool temperature to preserve its natural oils and prevent rancidity.
Can you microwave almond butter to soften it? ›
For larger quantities of almond butter or if it's not as creamy as desired, microwave it in intervals of 5-10 seconds until content with the texture. Remember to stir the almond butter between each interval!
Roasting them for just 10 minutes before blending allows the natural oils within the almonds to release toward the skin, which really helps in the blending process. So if you don't want to roast them, you will need to add some oil, about 2 or so tablespoons to help it become creamy.
What makes almond butter taste better? ›
A pinch of salt is a must for any nut butter IMHO. To give it a little sweetness, try honey or maple syrup (or for a more subtle approach, just a touch of vanilla extract). Everyone's taste will vary, but for 2 cups nuts, start out with 1 tsp. sweetener.
Where is the best place to store almond butter? ›
Homemade raw almond butter will keep in the refrigerator for about two weeks, and store-bought may keep for months. A cooler with block ice or reusable freezer packs can also substitute for refrigeration. To store almond butter without a fridge or cooler, choose a cool, dry, dark place.
What happens if you don't refrigerate almond butter? ›
Do you have to refrigerate nut butters after opening? Storing our butters in the fridge will prolong their quality, but it makes them hard to spread. Unrefrigerated, they will harden over time due to the naturally occurring oil. We suggest storing in a cool dark place for easiest use.
How many almonds are in 1 tablespoon of almond butter? ›
If you have a jar of almond butter that contains 24 almonds and you use 2 tablespoons of it, you can estimate that each tablespoon would contain around 12 almonds (24 almonds / 2 tablespoons = 12 almonds per tablespoon).
What are the pros and cons of almond butter? ›
The Pros: Almond is a tree nut, so people allergic to peanuts can eat it. It's higher in calcium, potassium, manganese and monounsaturated fat than peanut butter, with half the saturated fat. The Cons: Almond skin can't be removed before processing, so almond butter often has a grainy or gritty texture.
Is almond butter bad for cholesterol? ›
Almond butter is high in monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats help to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Many other nutrients in almond butter also help improve your heart health and lower your risk for heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent irregular heart rhythms.
What's the healthiest nut butter? ›
"Of all the nut butters, walnut butter has the most omega-3 fatty acids," Andrea says. The healthful fat ratio helps lower LDL cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol, and reduce inflammation.
How can you tell if nut butter is rancid? ›
You'll be able to tell fairly quickly tell if your peanut butter has turned rancid: It will have a metallic, bitter and almost stale smell. It may also be darker and dried out in appearance. If it's natural peanut butter, it may be moldy. Any of these features signal it's time to throw away your jar of peanut butter.
What does rancid almond butter taste like? ›
Rancidity occurs when the fats in almond butter break down, often due to exposure to air and light. Indicators include: Taste: A change to a bitter or off taste can signify rancidity. Odor: A sharp, unpleasant odor is another clear sign of rancid almond butter.
Stir 1-2 drops of peanut or canola oil into dry almond butter to revive it. Carefully pour just a drop or 2 of the oil into the almond butter. Use a butter knife to stir it in thoroughly. Peanut oil and canola oil are both neutral oils that can make it more creamy and spreadable without changing the flavor.
Does Justin's almond butter need to be refrigerated? ›
We recommend storing our nut butters at room temperature so that it's easier to spread. Once opened, it can last several months. As with any product made without artificial preservatives, it will spoil over time. We recommend consuming our nut butter within 1-6 months after opening.
Does Barney almond butter need to be refrigerated after opening? ›
While not required, refrigeration after opening does prolong the freshness of Barney Butter products. If not refrigerated, keep your Barney Butter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight!
What natural peanut butter doesn't need to be refrigerated? ›
Teddie All Natural Peanut Butter does not need to be refrigerated.
Does Costco almond butter need to be refrigerated? ›
I suggest using a knife to stir all the way to the bottom and then to store it upside down so that the oil distributes. Otherwise, the bottom fourth of the jar will be extremely dry. It must also be refrigerated after opening.
