Rancid peanut butter will be hard and dry, and the color might even be darker. Of course, a classic sign of rancid food is a change in smell. Rancid peanut butter might smell, well, not like peanut butter (beware of bitter or metallic odors).
Reduced-fat peanut butters are some of the worst offenders. Manufacturers often take out healthy monosaturated fats, then add much more sugar and salt to boost the flavor. The average American already gets too much salt and sugar, so eating more in peanut butter is something you should definitely try to avoid.
Unhealthy peanut butter brands containing this GMO oil include Skippy, Jif, Reese's, Planters, Great Value Brand and Peter Pan. (Note that Peter Pan DOES lists both types, including Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil and therefore does have trans fats.)
Commercial peanut butter brands often have added sugars, oils, and fats. For the best health benefits from peanut butter, look for all-natural products without these added ingredients. Some people have peanut allergies, which can be fatal in some cases. Avoid all peanut products if you have a peanut allergy.
The answer is simple... No!
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.
“Peanut butter, when it is just ground peanuts, is an extremely healthy food that is full of healthy fats, carbs, fiber, and protein,” reiterates Ellis Hunnes, adding that you should aim to eat around an ounce (with a maximum of two ounces) per day; one ounce is two tablespoons of peanut butter.
Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Look out for added sugars or sweeteners in the form of evaporated cane juice, corn syrup solids, high fructose corn syrup, molasses, honey, etc. Hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenated oils are used to improve texture but add unhealthy trans fat, even in small amounts. Palm oil.
Bega Peanut Butter is a source of protein, vitamin B3 and magnesium and is rich in monounsaturated fats (the good fats!). Gluten free and with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives it's great anytime; breakfast, lunch or tea!
Almond butter has an edge when it comes to health benefits, but not by too much. Because of all of this, you can view almond butter as a slightly healthier version of peanut butter. This makes it a solid choice for those who are focused on nutrition.
It is OK to eat peanut butter every day, but in moderation. Do not eat more than 2 tablespoons, approximately 32 grams, a day. This protein-packed spread is made by blending roasted peanuts into a thick paste and contains various nutrients that promote good health.
Opt for sodium-free or low-sodium varieties.
The organization advises those with high blood pressure to limit their intake even further, to 1,500 mg per day. If sodium-free PBs aren't to your taste, choose the one with the lowest sodium.
Consult your doctor or dietitian if you're not sure how much PB you should eat, but a good general rule of thumb is around one to two tablespoons a day. Newell said a healthy serving of any high-fat food is roughly two tablespoons.
As an example, Poon says if a brand packs on three grams of sugar per two tablespoons of peanut butter, four spoonfuls would be half of the daily recommendation for sugar intake. "Consistently overeating added sugar can lead to weight gain, inflammation, chronic disease, heart problems, and more," she says.
An open jar of peanut butter stays fresh up to three months in the pantry. After that, it's recommended to store the peanut butter in the fridge (where it can maintain its quality for another 3-4 months). If you don't refrigerate, oil separation can occur.
"The separated oil in unrefrigerated natural peanut butter is more likely to become rancid sooner, leading to unpleasant taste and texture." Natural peanut butter is also more at risk for mold growth; refrigeration can help prevent this.
According to The National Peanut Board, an unopened jar of peanut butter can last six to nine months at room temperature. Once opened, they say that it can last two to three months in the pantry before you should move it to the fridge, where it can maintain quality for another three to four months.