Were not sure if its the separation of oil or the act of vigorous stirring, but theres something about natural peanut butter that has people confused.

Does it, or does it not, have to be refrigerated?

To refrigerate or not is a serious question we ask about many of the most common ingredients in our kitchens. But when it comes to natural peanut butter, its especially important. Natural differs in that its just ground roasted peanuts, sometimes with added salt; it doesnt include ingredients like hydrogenated oils that make traditional PBs into a homogenized spread thats definitely not in need of a fridge. Storing natural peanut butter in the fridge means a rock-hard product, but many natural peanut butters instruct us to refrigerate on the label. Whats the deal?

Heres the short answer: no, you dont have to refrigerate. Even a trusted natural peanut butter company, Teddies, says so on the landing page of their website .

Natural peanut butter keeps just fine in a cool, dark place like the pantry for at least a month which is more than enough time for many peanut butter lovers to consume it. But if you dont eat this nutty spread that quickly, the fridge will keep it fresher longer . The oils present in natural peanut butter can go rancid, and the rate at which that happens is accelerated by heat and humidity.

Please note: Its important to notice the aroma of the peanut butter before use if its off, toss it. And if it should develop any mold, toss it.

If you do refrigerate your natural peanut butter, be sure to stir it before doing so once its cold, it can be hard to stir the oil back into the peanut butter. But once thats done, a jar will easily keep in the fridge for six months .

So long as you dont finish it first.