[ViLMaNiaC51]

I just had a craving for some PB&J so I go to the kitchen, and there is an unopened jar of peanut butter. The expiration date is august of 2006, it tastes fine and was still factory sealed so I figured it will be alright. But does it really ever go bad?

[dabrowsk1]

Originally Posted by ViLMaNiaC51

I just had a craving for some PB&J so I go to the kitchen, and there is an unopened jar of peanut butter. The expiration date is august of 2006, it tastes fine and was still factory sealed so I figured it will be alright. But does it really ever go bad?

I would say yes. Peanuts, and therefore peanut butter, has natural oils. And since it contains oils it can go rancid. How long it takes I am not sure. And since it is factory sealed it should slow things down, but if it tastes fine it probably is....maybe

[ThunderbirdJet]

Yes, it goes bad, but when it does, it just develops off flavors.... won't make you sick, but you will know when it's gone south. It isn't just the taste, the smell is a dead give away too. A sealed jar could be good well beyond the expiration date.... once it's opened (talking a fresh jar here) , 6 months at the most, unless it's fridged.... then a bit longer.

[jetsaholic1094]

I'm sure it's fine. After all, the expiration date is probably only a suggestion, right? Like biohazard or red lights.

[Mantana Soss]

Originally Posted by jetsaholic1094

I'm sure it's fine. After all, the expiration date is probably only a suggestion, right? Like biohazard or red lights.

As sarcastic as you meant that, it IS a suggestion. Food doesn't magically turn to poison on the expiration date.

Most prescription drugs are 1 year by default, but I still take stuff issued in like 2002, just as effective.

[OhioJetsFan]

It will taste strong and especially bitter. Your body will know if it is skanky by the second bite.

[vcoach]

i read somewhere that the only food that does not "go bad" is honey.
never researched it, but i read that a while back.

[Jetzz]

I have never had a jar of peanut butter in my house long enough for it to go bad... they just don't last that long around here.

[The Predator]

Originally Posted by vcoach

i read somewhere that the only food that does not "go bad" is honey.
never researched it, but i read that a while back.

Yea, I've read and heard that many times. I think it dries up, but doesn't get rotten or anything like that.

And as for peanut butter, it will go bad eventually if opened, but can last a loooong time. The first sign of it going bad is when the oil starts seperating from the solid, but even at that point it's still edible. A sealed container will be good for way past the expiration date.

[jkgrandchamp]

Peanutbutter goes bad 1 yr from the date it was made ...
Honey can last a life time but Id only use it a year after I bought it...

[abyzmul]

Peanut butter does not go bad. Most people are just not strong enough to eat it at all times.