Almond butter Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
1 year
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
Not needed
shelf-stable
In the freezerFreezer
Not needed
keeps without freezing
Quick answer
Yes. Almond butter lasts 1 year in the pantry. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if almond butter is bad
Smell
Rancid: like crayons, paint or old nuts.
Taste
Bitter or soapy aftertaste.
Texture
Sticky or gummy residue around the lid.
Colour
Darkened or cloudy where it should be clear.
Almond butter past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened almond butter 1 year in the pantry, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Almond butter past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep almond butter fresh longer
- When stored in the pantry, almond butter may become hard and the natural oil may separate and float to the top; this is perfectly normal. To reincorporate the natural almond oils into the almond butter, simply mix it manually or with a hand mixer.
- Keep in a cool, dark place, tightly closed, away from heat.
- Refrigerating nuts, seeds and nut oils extends shelf life significantly.
More about almond butter
FAQ
How long does it take for almond butter to go bad?
1 year in the pantry, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can almond butter expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened almond butter 1 year in the pantry, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad almond butter?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep almond butter from going bad?
When stored in the pantry, almond butter may become hard and the natural oil may separate and float to the top; this is perfectly normal. To reincorporate the natural almond oils into the almond butter, simply mix it manually or with a hand mixer.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number