Does PB2 Go Bad?

PB2 is a powdered alternative to peanut butter. It is different from regular peanut butter in terms of the amount of fat and calories in it.

But what about its shelf life? Does powdered peanut butter last longer than traditional peanut butter? Let’s find out!

So, does PB2 go bad? Yes, PB2 comes with an expiration date and can go bad if it is not stored properly. While the powder itself may not go bad, you may notice a decline in its taste, texture, and overall quality. Generally speaking powdered peanut butter like PB2 can last around 2 years if unopened, and around 6-9 months after being opened.

Read on to find out more about PB2, how to tell if it has gone bad, the best ways to store it, and much more:

What Is PB2?

PB2 is a popular brand of powdered peanut butter. A few years back, the only form of peanut butter that we knew of was the spread that we grew up eating.

But now, it is available in powdered form and is marketed as a healthier alternative.

It is prepared by pressing the natural oils and fats out of roasted peanuts and then grinding the nuts into a fine powder.

What you’re left with is powdered peanut butter that is packed with flavor, 70% fewer calories, and 90% less fat than regular peanut butter.

It also has significantly less sugar and is a good source of protein. PB2 is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, making it a healthy snack to eat for people with certain dietary restrictions as well.

Buy your jar of PB2 powdered peanut butter here on Amazon. You can also find other variants such as crunchy powdered peanut butter, organic PB2, and peanut powder with cocoa.

How To Use PB2?

To use PB2, you need to rehydrate it by mixing it with water to form a paste and spread it just like regular peanut butter.

You can also enjoy it in its original powdered form in things like shakes, smoothies, and baked goods to give them a delicious nutty flavor.

In fact, I have an amazing recipe for peanut butter cookies made with powdered peanut butter.

You can kick-start your mornings with some PB2 powder added to your oatmeal or muffins for a protein-rich first meal.

PB2 also makes a great snack for kids and adults alike. Some homemade granola bars loaded with some PB2 are sure to do the trick.

You can also make protein balls or a protein shake with PB2 powder for your post-workout recovery. In addition to that, you can use it in all kinds of recipes for lunch, dinner, and of course, dessert!

Does PB2 Go Bad?

Yes, PB2 can go bad if it is not consumed within the recommended time frame and if the storage conditions are not up to the mark. 

Every jar comes with a manufacturing date as well as an expiration date, which is usually a year apart.

An unopened jar of PB2 should be good for about 2 years, whereas an opened jar should be consumed within around 9 months.

PB2 has less oil, is dehydrated, and is vacuum-packed, all of which postpone its spoilage for a longer time, but it can still go bad if not stored properly in a cool, dry place away from heat, air, and moisture.

Also, although PB2 doesn’t “expire”, it undergoes quality degradation over time, which is why it is recommended to use it within 6 months after opening the package.

The longer you store PB2 powder, the more the flavor and texture can degrade, making it generally less appealing and appetizing.

If the powder is exposed to water or moisture, bacteria may start to grow inside the jar. In that case, you need to dump it right away, regardless of its expiration date and date of opening.

Consuming bacteria-laden PB2 can make you sick, which is why you must be very careful about how you store the container.

Keep the jar away from warm and humid environments and make sure to never put a wet scooper inside the jar.

How To Tell If PB2 Is Bad?

The best way to determine the quality of PB2 is to check its expiration date and see how long the jar has been opened. It may, however, not always be the best way to assess the powder’s quality. 

Depending on how well you store it, it could last longer or shorter than the expiration date on the package. Luckily, there are other ways to tell if PB2 has gone bad:

Smell

The first thing that you may notice when your PB2 has gone bad is its smell.

It will smell off and rancid and, although it won’t be as bad as spoiled milk, you will know that it is not safe for consumption any longer.

Look

PB2 powder has a light tan color and a smooth and fine consistency. If it has gone bad, you will notice changes in its appearance, color, and consistency.

If the color seems darker or if the texture becomes grainy, it is no longer safe to use. Also, any blue, green, or grey bits (mold) added to it means that it is contaminated and must be discarded immediately.

Taste

If you’re unsure about its quality after smelling and looking at the PB2, you can do a little taste test.

Make sure to taste a very small amount and not go overboard with the serving.

Take just a pinch of the powder and taste it. If it tastes different and bad, it is time to throw it out.

How Long Can You Keep Mixed PB2?

Can you mix a big batch of PB2 at once and keep it for later use? If so, how long can you keep the mixture?

It is generally not recommended to mix PB2 beforehand as it is formulated to be used on a need basis.

If you have leftover mixed PB2, you can store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

After the 2-day mark, it probably shouldn’t be eaten.

How To Store PB2?

The best way to store an unopened jar of PB2 is to keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from all the elements such as air, light, heat, and moisture.

Since PB2 is in powdered form and not creamy like traditional peanut butter, it doesn’t necessarily have to be refrigerated after opening either.

However, since storing foods in colder temperatures makes them last longer, you can always do so.

Once opened, just make sure to store it tightly sealed in its original packaging. F

or best results, you can stir or shake the contents of the jar every time before use to evenly distribute all the ingredients and prevent them from clumping.

If you want your PB2 to last even longer, you can freeze it! You can either put the jar of PB2 in the freezer as it is or transfer the powder into an airtight freezer-safe container and make it last much longer.

Using an airtight container is very important as it will prevent exposure to moisture. It will also prevent the powder from absorbing any odors and flavors from the other items in the freezer.

If you choose a freezer-safe bag to store the PB2, try and remove as much air out of the bag as possible before freezing as it will help keep it fresher for longer and extend its shelf life. Also, never combine new and old jars of powdered peanut butter as it may shorten the shelf life of the newer powder. 

If done right, you can expect to extend the shelf life of PB2 by a good 6 months in the freezer!

Related Questions

Now that you know all about PB2 powder and whether it goes bad, here are a few additional questions we thought you might have:

How long does PB Fit powder last?

Like PB2, PB Fit is also a powdered alternative to traditional peanut butter. If stored properly in a cool, dry place, PB Fit powder has a shelf life of approximately 2 years. Once opened, it must be consumed within 6 months.

How long does peanut butter last?

The shelf life of peanut butter depends mainly on how well you store it. An unopened jar of peanut butter can last for 6 to 9 months without refrigeration.

Once opened, it can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the pantry, after which, it is recommended to transfer it to the fridge where it can maintain its quality for 3 to 4 more months. Oil separation may occur if you leave opened peanut butter unrefrigerated for too long.

Is PB2 better than traditional peanut butter?

There is an ongoing debate over whether powdered peanut butter is better than traditional peanut butter. If you compare them in terms of calories and fat content, PB2 is the clear winner as it contains less of both. When it comes to flavor and texture, traditional peanut butter is the clear winner as PB2 tends to taste a little beany which distracts from the actual flavor and has a grainy texture.