What is almond butter?
Almond butter is a food spread made from almonds. It has a creamy, nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute for peanut butter or other nut butters. Almond butter is made by grinding whole, blanched almonds into a paste. Some almond butters may also contain added oils, salt, sugar, or other ingredients to adjust the taste and texture.
Almond butter provides a good source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and other nutrients. However, like other nut butters, almond butter has a high fat content coming mostly from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Due to its composition, almond butter does have the potential to spoil and go rancid over time.
What causes almond butter to go rancid?
There are a few factors that can cause almond butter to spoil or go rancid:
– Oxygen exposure – When almond butter is exposed to oxygen, the fats can oxidize and become rancid. This happens more quickly if the almond butter is not stored in an airtight container.
– Warm temperatures – Heat and warmer temperatures accelerate the oxidation process and can quicken spoilage. Storing almond butter at room temperature or higher increases the chances of it going rancid.
– Moisture – Any moisture introduced to almond butter can promote mold growth and bacterial spoilage. Condensation inside the container can also cause moisture buildup.
– Age – Like other foods, almond butter has a shelf life. Over time, the natural oils will slowly oxidize and go rancid. Most almond butters last about 1 year after opening.
How can you tell if almond butter has gone rancid?
Here are some of the main signs that indicate your almond butter has spoiled and gone rancid:
– Appearance – Rancid almond butter may change from a smooth, creamy consistency into a grainy, separated, or cracked texture. Oils may rise to the surface.
– Smell – Almond butter that has gone rancid will have a distinctive foul, bitter odor that smells “off.” It may smell almost paint-like or smell like chemicals.
– Taste – Rancid almond butter will simply taste “off.” It may taste bitter, metallic, or sour rather than having the typical mild, nutty almond flavor.
– Color – The color of almond butter can darken and change to a brownish hue over time as it oxidizes and goes rancid. New almond butter is more of a light beige or cream color.
How to store almond butter properly
To help maximize freshness and prevent almond butter from going rancid, it’s important to store it properly:
– Seal tightly – Always keep almond butter tightly sealed in an airtight container. This prevents oxygen exposure which can cause rancidity.
– Refrigerate – For best quality, store almond butter in the refrigerator after opening. The cool temperature helps slow oxidation.
– Minimize temperature fluctuations – Avoid leaving almond butter out on the counter where temperatures fluctuate. Consistent cool storage is best.
– Check for moisture – If any moisture or condensation gets in the container, wipe it away immediately since moisture promotes spoilage.
– Use clean utensils – Always use clean utensils and knives when taking almond butter out of the container to prevent introducing bacteria. Do not re-dip dirty utensils back in the jar.
– Watch expiration date – Discard almond butter after 1 year from the printed “best by” expiration date, even if it still smells and tastes okay.
How long does almond butter last?
Here are some general guidelines for how long almond butter lasts:
| Almond Butter Type | Unopened Shelf Life | Opened Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|---|
| Plain almond butter | 1 year | 6-8 months |
| Flavored almond butter | 6-8 months | 3-4 months |
| Raw almond butter | 6-8 months | 4-6 months |
– Unopened, almond butter lasts for about 1 year past the printed “best by” date when stored in a cool, dry pantry.
– Once opened, plain almond butter lasts about 6-8 months and flavored almond butters last around 3-4 months if refrigerated.
– Raw almond butter has a slightly shorter shelf life than plain almond butter. Store opened raw almond butter in the fridge and use within 4-6 months.
Can you eat almond butter after the expiration date?
It is not recommended to eat almond butter past its printed expiration date on the jar. This date accounts for potential spoilage. However, the expiration date does not necessarily mean the almond butter will be rancid or harmful if eaten shortly after.
Use your judgment if you find almond butter in your pantry past its date. Check for the signs of rancidity in appearance, smell, and taste. If it appears, smells, and tastes normal with no “off” characteristics, then it should be safe to consume. But be wary of any almond butter that is more than a few months past its expiration. When in doubt, it’s best to discard old almond butter.
Can you freeze almond butter?
Yes, freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of almond butter and prevent rancidity over time. To freeze almond butter:
– Check date – First check the “best by” date and only freeze unopened containers of almond butter that have not reached this date.
– Leave headspace – Leave at least 1-inch headspace at the top of the container since almond butter can expand as it freezes.
– Seal tightly – Make sure the lid is sealed tightly so no air can get in.
– Label and date – Label the container with the name and freeze date so you know when you stored it.
– Freeze for up to 1 year – Store frozen almond butter for up to 1 year before quality slowly declines. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.
Can rancid almond butter make you sick?
Yes, consuming rancid almond butter could potentially make you sick. Rancidity is caused by the oxidation of fats, which creates free radicals and compounds that can irritate the digestive system or cause other health issues when eaten.
Symptoms from eating rancid almond butter may include:
– Stomach pain or cramping
– Nausea and vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Headache
– General weakness and fatigue
In severe cases, rancid oils and foods can even negatively impact liver function over time. Mold growth triggered by moisture in rancid almond butter can also make you sick. Some people’s digestive systems may be more sensitive to these effects than others.
To avoid getting sick, inspect almond butter carefully before eating and look for any signs it has gone bad. Discard rancid almond butter immediately rather than risking eating it.
How to use up almond butter about to go rancid
If you notice your almond butter is approaching its expiration date or might be starting to turn rancid, there are some easy ways you can try to use it up quickly:
– Baking – Use rancid-prone almond butter in baked goods like cookies, bars, or granola where other added ingredients can help mask any off tastes. The heating process can help destroy bacteria too.
– Smoothies – Blend almond butter into smoothies packed with frozen fruit, yogurt, and juices to disguise any bitter flavor. The coldness also suppresses rancid flavors.
– Sauces and dressings – Whip almond butter into sauces like satay sauce, use it in salad dressings, or blend into hummus or pesto to cover up off tastes.
– Oatmeal – Mix almond butter into a bowl of oatmeal along with fruits, cinnamon, honey, or other toppings to overpower any rancid flavors.
– Ice cream – Swirl almond butter into homemade or store-bought ice cream for a treat that hides unfavorable rancid notes.
If the almond butter tastes particularly bitter or unpleasant, it’s best not to risk eating it and to discard it instead. But if just slightly “off,” masking the flavor in recipes can be an appropriate use.
Tips for choosing fresh almond butter
Here are some tips to follow when buying almond butter to help pick out the freshest options and avoid purchasing a jar that is already going rancid:
– Check expiration date – Closely read expiration or “best by date” and only buy almond butter with a date well into the future. Avoid any jars close to expiring.
– Inspect packaging – Look for an airtight container without any holes, tears, or openings where air could have entered.
– Avoid separated product – Do not buy almond butter with any oil pooled at the top, which indicates it is older and separating.
– Shop refrigerated options – For maximum freshness, look for almond butter stored in a refrigerator case at the store rather than on regular shelves.
– Give it a smell test – Open the container and sniff the almond butter. It should smell pleasant with no rancid, chemical smell.
– Read the ingredients – Check for added preservatives like vitamin E which can prolong freshness and delay rancidity.
– Buy smaller containers – Opt for smaller jars that will be used up quickly rather than large bulk containers if you don’t eat almond butter often.
Conclusion
Catching rancid almond butter early on and preventing it comes down to proper storage techniques like sealing airtight containers, keeping in the refrigerator, monitoring expiration dates, and avoiding moisture and hot temperatures. If you do end up with a spoiled jar of almond butter, look for signs like foul bitter smell, change in texture and color, or sour taste before eating it. Consuming truly rancid almond butter can cause unpleasant stomach issues so it’s best to discard it. With extra care taken to store almond butter optimally and check for signs of spoilage, you can enjoy this tasty nut butter while keeping it safe to eat.
