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
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.
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.
Almond butter is a dairy-free alternative. It does not contain any milk, making it a safe option for individuals with a milk allergy.
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.
Compared to other nut butter like peanut butter, almond butter is less acidic. This can minimize the likelihood of acid reflux symptoms.
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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