Using Peanut Butter past expiration date for baking?

Question

I have an unopended jar of peanut butter that expired 1-15-09, and I wanted to make cookies, and my friend said as long as it doesn't smell bad it'd be okay to use for baking? Cept my friend isn't always the most reliable person to get info from so I was wondering if this is true, because I really don't wanna make cookies thats gonna make us sick. Thanks.

Answer 1

If it's unopened, it's ok for cookies. I use 'old' peanut butter ( peanut butter I've had open for a while and it kind of separates? not 'old' like I've had it open for 6 yrs) in peanut butter cookies and to make fudge with all the time, and it tastes just fine and no one has ever gotten sick. If I'm making a peanut butter sandwich, I want just opened really fresh peanut butter, but for baking and such...the older stuff works just fine.

Answer 2

Yes, I also NOW know also that condoms have an expiration date. I used a package of cream cheese yesterday that hadn't been opened that expired on march 10th - and yes, depending on the product, I use past the expiration date. I cannot afford to throw food away.

Answer 3

PB last almost forever. If you look closely it may say "best if used by" or "sell by" . I am sure it doesn't state "do not use after".

PB that hasn't been opened is more than likley good for 10 years at the minium. It needed be refrigerated either as is still good for ages and ages. If something has gotten into the PB off a dirty knife or something like that then you have a different situation. Mold would be your first sign of trouble in that case.

Answer 4

For peanut butter to go bad the oil in it will have to have gone rancid. Rancid oil has an unpleasant odor and taste. If the jar is sealed then air hasn't had much of a chance to spoil the oil. Rancid oil can't make you "sick" really, it may not be good for your health since the breakdown products of rancid oil create free radicals and may be carcinogenic. So if it tastes OK then go for it, but you may not want to keep it for long after it's been opened a while.

Answer 5

Don't risk it. Mold can develop before sour smells occur, and heat will not kill the toxins they produce. Get some new peanut butter.

Answer 6

Chef William has explained it better than I would have done. The FDA recommends it be used within 2 years if unopened. And they are VERY Conservative.

Answer 7

Chuck it, and get a new portion.