Unless you are allergic to peanuts, there is no clear reason as to why you stock up on peanut brittle. It works as the perfect blend of sweetness and crunchiness- making it an ideal and healthy snack option.
While its crunchiness might prompt you to hoard peanut brittle, you might not always end up finishing it all. Should you be worried about its quality in such scenarios? Well, yes. Peanut brittles can last for up to 3 weeks, after which they will start losing their crunchiness.
But if you want to retain its quality, go through the following article as we have highlighted the best way to store your favorite peanut brittle. Along with that, you will also get the necessary information about its shelf life so that you can purchase it accordingly in the future.
How Long Does Peanut Brittles Last?
Unlike other baked goods, peanut brittle can stay fresh for a long time! The table below tells you the time for which peanut brittle will stay in edible condition!
How long does Peanut brittle last unopened?
As long as the Peanut brittle is unopened, it lasts for 6-7 months in the kitchen pantry and for 6-8 weeks in the refrigerator.
How long does Peanut brittle last once open?
Once you open the Peanut brittle bottle, it lasts for 2-3 months in the pantry and 6-8 weeks in the refrigerator.
How long does Peanut brittle last at room temperature?
Storing peanut brittle at room temperature is only favorable when it is stored in a cool and dark place. At most, it will last for 2-3 months.
| Pantry | refrigerator | |
| Peanut brittle(opened) | 2-3 months | 6-8 weeks |
| Peanut brittle( unopened) | 6-7 months | 6-8 weeks |
| Homemade peanut brittle | eight weeks | 6-8 weeks |
How Can You Tell if Peanut brittle Is Bad?
Peanut brittle does not go bad very easily. Over time they may lose their freshness and flavors and turn chewy.Â
Look for the below signs to check if your peanut brittle has gone badÂ
- Mold
If you can see mold growing on your peanut brittles, it’s time to throw them.
- Off smell
Smell the peanut brittles, and if you feel they do not smell right and are giving off a rancid smell, it’s a sure sign of them being rotten, do not eat them and throw them away.
- TasteÂ
If Peanut brittle starts tasting different, consider it a sign that the fats present in peanuts might have oxidized and turned rancid. It’s best not to take any risk and throw it in the bin.
- Has lost its crispiness
If the peanut brittle seems chewy and sticky, it has gone bad. But remember, this does not mean it cannot be consumed; it’s just that it won’t taste the best.
Is it okay to use expired Peanut brittle?
Nothing! Other than maybe the sadness of a lost crispy peanut brittle.
If you have brought commercial peanut brittle, remember the use-by date is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long he can guarantee the peanut brittle will stay in top condition. The expiration date is not the date after which the peanut brittle will go bad; instead, it’s just an estimate of how long it will stay in top condition. Beyond the expiration date, they will start losing flavors and turn chewy and sticky.Â
But if you have eaten peanut brittle that has gone bad and shows signs of mold growth, you might get a stomach ache and experience nausea. This is a reaction to the mold. If the condition worsens, consult a doctor.Â
Can You Freeze Peanut Brittle?
Yes, you can freeze peanut brittle! By freezing peanut brittle, you can enjoy it for up to three months, though freezing it is not advised as it will reduce the lifespan of the peanut brittle.
While freezing, make sure you don’t bring it in contact with moisture, as doing so will reduce its shelf life.
You can follow the following steps to freeze your peanut brittle-
Take the peanut brittle out of the oven and let it cool down on the kitchen table, and after it is completely cooled down,-
- Place it in an airtight container
Place the peanut brittles in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag and close the lid tightly.
Pro tip– close the container’s lid tightly and make sure to flatten the vacuum bag, and remove all air from it. This will prevent freezer burn or the peanut brittles from getting spoilt.
How to thaw peanut brittle?
You can either place it on your kitchen counter and allow it to thaw, or you can put the packet/container of peanut brittle in warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this will cause the peanut butter to melt.
To be on the safer side, just place it on the kitchen counter sometime before consuming it; this is the easiest and safest way to thaw peanut brittle.
Remember – do not put the peanut brittle in the fridge to thaw it, as the moisture present in your fridge will make it lose its crunchiness.
How long does Peanut brittle last in the Refrigerator Vs. Shelf Stable?
Peanut brittle is a shelf-stable snack and should be stored in your pantry. Refrigeration will make it lose its crunchiness.
Refrigerator:
You should not refrigerate peanut brittles because the moisture present in the fridge will make them turn chewy and lose their characteristic crunch.
If you must refrigerate it and do not care about it turning chewy, you can place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge, and it will stay well for 6-8 weeks.
Shelf-stable
Homemade or commercially bought, peanut butter is a shelf-stable confectionery!
You can store peanut brittle at room temperatures for 2- 3 months, and it will keep fresh given that you store them properly ( more on that below).Â
How to Store Peanut brittle?
 Storing peanut brittle is an easy job. You just need to make sure you are keeping it away from moisture!
You can follow the below-mentioned steps-
- Store in an airtight container
Store your peanut brittle in an airtight container, and make sure to keep the lid closed at all times. This will prevent moisture from coming in and destroying your peanut brittles!
Pro tip– while storing peanut brittles put wax paper or parchment paper between two brittles to prevent them from sticking.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Store your peanut brittles in a place that is dry and away from moisture. Also, make sure not to store them in a cabinet that is too close to the stove or any place that gets heated frequently.Â
The best place to store them will be your pantry cabinet, tucked safely away from moisture, oxygen, and heat.Â
- Keep it away from sunlight.
Your peanut brittle hates the sunlight, so make sure to keep it in the dark place away from it. A closed cabinet will work fine.
Pro-tip- you can use darkened or opaque( metallic) containers to store your peanut brittle to keep it away from the sunlight.
- Do not store it in the fridge.Â
Your fridge is full of moisture, making the peanut brittles get moist, avoid storing them in the fridge.
- Freeze it
Freezing is the best way to keep your peanut brittle good for long! Check the section above for tips on how to freeze.
What are the Alternatives to Peanut brittle if it has gone bad?Â
If you want to enjoy the crunchiness of peanut brittle, but you can’t seem to get your hands on it, you can try the following alternatives:
- Macadamia Nut Brittle
- Coconut Brittle
- Crunchy Pistachio Brittle
- Salted Chocolate Brittle
- Spicy Peanut Brittle
FAQ
Why did my peanut brittle turn out chewy?
Your homemade peanut brittle is chewy because you must have supplied less heat while cooking it. While it is still safe to consume, you will miss its crunchiness.
Can you get sick from expired Peanut brittle?
No, you will not fall sick from consuming expired peanut brittle. You will only notice a difference in its crunchiness after a point. But it will not pose harm to your health.
Does peanut brittle go bad if not refrigerated?Â
Peanut brittle will last for a good couple of days, even without refrigeration. But if you want to elongate its shelf life and retain the crunchiness, it is best to refrigerate it.
The Bottom LineÂ
Peanut brittle is a go-to crunchy snack that you can make easily at home!
Through this article, you now know peanut brittle should not be exposed to moisture. Store it in an airtight container in your pantry, and check for molds if you feel the peanut brittle is spoilt.
Tell us in the comments which information you found most useful!
