5 Smart and Tasty Ways to Repurpose Expired Peanut Butter

What to do with expired peanut butter

Expired peanut butter can pose a dilemma for many people – is it still safe to eat, or should it be thrown away? The answer depends on whether the peanut butter is unopened or has already been opened and what signs of spoilage to look for. Generally, unopened peanut butter is still edible after the expiration date, but opened peanut butter can develop a sour taste and a hard, dry texture over time. In this article, we’ll review the signs of expired peanut butter and give tips on using it safely and effectively.

Solution 1: Feed the Birds

Why peanut butter is a good source of energy and protein for birds

Peanuts are the best source of protein and fat for your birds. Peanuts are high in calories and blended into butter, making a tasty high-energy treat. Peanut butter for wild birds contains high levels of protein, fiber, fat, and moisture as it contains a specialized blend of suet, peanuts, and seeds. 

Step-by-step instructions for creating a bird feeder with expired peanut butter

1. Start by gathering your ingredients. These are peanut butter, a paper towel roll, bird seed, and string. Materials and tools like a butter knife, plate, and scissors are essential. 
2. Spread the peanut butter onto the tube using a  butter knife. Be generous. If you spread it on too thin, you will not have as many seeds sticking.
3. Coat the tube with birdseed and get the seeds on there. Roll the feeder tube on a plate. Try putting it on with your hands.
4. Tie some string through the tube, leaving enough hanging space so the bids can sit comfy. 

Tips for attracting different types of birds to your feeder

• Offer a variety of foods to attract birds to your feeder.
• Get your neighbors involved.
• Add water to your landscape.
• Maintain a four-season habitat.
• Put out nesting boxes.
• Keep food on feeders. 
• Place several feeders in different places to draw a greater diversity of birds.

Solution 2: Make Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Benefits of peanut butter for dogs

• High in protein: Peanut butter is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your dog’s body.
• High in fiber: Peanut butter also contains fiber, which helps to support healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
• High in healthy fatty acids: Peanut butter is a rich source of beneficial fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which can help to promote a healthy coat and skin.
• High in vitamins and minerals: Peanut butter contains vitamins B and E, which are essential for a healthy immune system and skin health, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium, which are essential for muscle and nerve function.
• Perfect for interactive toys: Many dogs enjoy the challenge of licking peanut butter out of interactive toys, which can help to keep them mentally stimulated and entertained.
• Useful for sneaking pills: Peanut butter can be a valuable tool for giving your dog medication, as the strong flavor and aroma can help mask the pills’ taste.
• Available in many dog treats: Many peanut butter dog treats are available on the market, providing a healthy and tasty snack for your dog.
• Good source of folic acid and magnesium: Peanut butter is a good source of folic acid, which is important for cell growth, and magnesium, which helps cells to metabolize B complex vitamins.

Recipe for making homemade dog treats using expired peanut butter

1. Gather your ingredients first. These are a cup of pumpkin puree, peanut butter, large eggs, and whole wheat flour.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
3. Beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually, add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating until incorporated. Add 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
4. Knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Place into the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Let cool completely.

Tips for storing and serving the treats

• Make sure your dog treats are dry.
• Always store your dog’s dry food in an airtight metal, glass, or plastic container. 
• Keep food in the original bag,
• Refrigerate treats to room temperature before serving.
• The store opened bags of treats within their original bag and placed them inside an air-tight container or resealable plastic bag.
• Keep treats in temperatures under 22 degrees Celsius.
• Keep the treats in resealable bags for freshness.

Solution 3: Use in Smoothies and Baked Goods

How to determine if peanut butter is still safe to consume

Start by checking and smelling the peanut butter. Bad peanut butter has a hard and dry texture. It may also be dark brown, compared with its usual light tan color. It has gone bad if it smells sharp, soapy, or bitter. If the peanut butter has a bitter or metallic odor, it’s a sign that the spread has spoiled. Additionally, rancid peanut butter may smell stale, like it’s been left too long in the pantry. 

The appearance of peanut butter determines if it is still safe to consume. Spoiled peanut butter may look darker in color, and the peanut butter may also appear dried out. If you have natural peanut butter, it may also grow mold as a sign of spoilage. Natural peanut butter is just peanuts and salt.  

Check the taste. The rancid peanut butter will have a sharp or bitter taste and tastes different. Try a small amount to check its quality. That does not come with any negative effect on your body. If your peanut butter has any of these indications of spoilage, discard it.

Suggestions for incorporating expired peanut butter into smoothies and baked goods

Peanut butter is an addition to any smoothie. The healthy fats and fiber in peanut butter help make any protein-packed smoothie more nutritionally balanced (Medicalnewstoday.com). When adding peanut butter to your smoothie, use the right peanut butter. You can incorporate it into baked goods by swapping it out. 

Recipe for a peanut butter and banana smoothie

Here is a new and unique recipe for a peanut butter and banana smoothie with some additional ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract
• 1/2 cup of ice cubes
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Add the sliced bananas, almond milk, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, almond extract, and ice cubes to a blender.
2. Optional: add a tablespoon of maple syrup for added sweetness.
3. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.

Solution 4: Make Homemade Peanut Butter Soap

The benefits of using peanut butter in soap

Here are some benefits of using peanut oil and peanut butter in soap:

1. Peanut oil adds stable lather and conditioning properties to soap: Peanut oil has a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, giving it excellent moisturizing and conditioning properties. It also produces a stable lather, making it a popular choice for soap-making.
2. Peanut oil and butter contain antiseptic properties: Both peanut oil and butter contain antiseptic properties that can help to soothe and heal damaged skin.
3. Peanut butter can moisturize skin and boost hair growth: Peanut butter is rich in vitamins E and B, as well as healthy fats and protein, which can help to moisturize and nourish the skin. Additionally, the biotin in peanut butter may help to promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles.
4. Peanut butter may promote cognitive health: Peanut butter contains healthy fats and antioxidants that have been shown to support cognitive health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Recipe for making homemade peanut butter soap using expired peanut butter

Here is a recipe for making homemade peanut butter soap using expired peanut butter:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of melt-and-pour soap base
• 3/4 cup of expired peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• Optional: dark brown chunks of strong vanilla, butter, and chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Cut the melt-and-pour soap base into small chunks and melt them in a double boiler or microwave according to the package instructions.
2. Add 3/4 cup of melted expired peanut butter to the soap base at a trace, stirring well to combine.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the soap base and stir well.
4. Add dark brown chunks of strong vanilla, butter, or chocolate chips to the soap base and stir well if desired.
5. When the oils in the recipe are hot, pour a little (about 1/4 cup) over each additive, butter, and chocolate chip, mixing well so they won’t harden up again.
6. Pour the soap mixture into a mold and let it cool and harden completely.
7. Once the soap has hardened, please remove it from the mold and cut it into bars.
8. Allow the bars to cure for at least 2 weeks before using them.

Tips for storing and using the soap

Here are some additional tips for storing and using soap:

1. Store soap in a cool, dry place: Keep your soap away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Exposure to these elements can cause the soap to soften and deteriorate more quickly.
2. Use a soap dish with drainage: Choose a dish that allows drainage so the soap can dry between uses. This will help to prevent the soap from becoming waterlogged and mushy.
3. Let soap air dry between uses: After using your soap, let it dry completely before putting it away. This will help to prolong its lifespan and prevent it from developing mold or bacteria.
4. Store smaller pieces in a soap-saving pouch: Don’t throw them away if you have small pieces of soap left over! Instead, store them in a soap-saving pouch, a mesh bag that allows you to use up every last bit of soap.

Solution 5: Repurpose for Household Cleaning

How can peanut butter be used for cleaning?

Here are some additional ways that peanut butter can be used for cleaning:

1. Remove scratches from CDs/DVDs: Apply a small amount of peanut butter to the scratched surface and use a soft cloth to rub it in gently. Rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
2. Shine stainless steel: Apply a small amount of peanut butter to a soft cloth and rub it onto stainless steel surfaces in circular motions. Then, buff with a clean cloth to remove any excess peanut butter.
3. Remove ink stains: Mix equal parts of peanut butter and white vinegar to create a paste. Apply the paste to the ink stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse with warm water and blot dry with a clean cloth.
4. Polish leather: Apply a small amount of peanut butter to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather in circular motions. Then, buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth.

Step-by-step instructions for using expired peanut butter to remove gum, stickers, and other sticky substances

Here are some step-by-step instructions for using expired peanut butter to remove gum, stickers, and other sticky substances:

1. Gather your materials: You will need expired peanut butter, a spoon or spatula, a soft cloth or paper towel, warm water, and dishwashing liquid.
2. Remove as much sticky substance as possible: Use your fingers or a scraper to remove as much gum or sticker as possible without spreading it further.
3. Apply peanut butter: Using a spoon or spatula, apply a small amount of expired peanut butter to the remaining sticky residue. Spread it over the affected area, covering it completely.
4. Wait: Let the peanut butter sit on the sticky residue for at least 5 minutes to allow it to break down the stickiness.
5. Wipe away the peanut butter: Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away the peanut butter and the sticky residue. You may need several clean cloths or paper towels to remove the residue.
6. Clean the area: Mix warm water with a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to remove any traces of peanut butter or sticky residue. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, gently dab the area, and then rinse with clean water.
7. Dry the area: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the area thoroughly.

Tips for using peanut butter as a natural and eco-friendly cleaning solution

There are several ways to use peanut butter as a natural and eco-friendly cleaning solution. Here are some additional tips:

1. Remove gum: Peanut butter can remove gum from hair or clothes. Apply a generous amount of peanut butter to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently remove the gum with a comb or your fingers.
2. Remove sticky residue: Peanut butter can also remove sticky residue from surfaces like stickers or tape. Apply a small amount of peanut butter to the residue and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe away the peanut butter and the residue with a cloth.
3. Shine leather: Peanut butter can shine leather shoes or accessories. Apply a small amount of peanut butter to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather in circular motions. Then, buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth.
4. Clean wood furniture: Peanut butter can also clean and shine wood furniture. Apply a small amount of peanut butter to a soft cloth and rub it into the wood in circular motions. Then, buff the wood with a clean, dry cloth.

FAQs

Is it safe to eat expired peanut butter?

Unopened peanut butter has a longer shelf life than opened peanut butter but can still spoil and potentially lead to foodborne illness. The expiration date on the package is an important indicator of when the product is no longer safe to consume, and it’s generally recommended that these guidelines be followed.

It’s also worth noting that storage conditions can affect the shelf life of peanut butter. For example, light, heat and humidity can accelerate the breakdown of the oils in peanut butter and cause it to spoil more quickly.

How can I tell if my peanut butter has gone bad?

While texture and smell changes can indicate that peanut butter has gone bad, there are other signs to look out for. These include:

1. Oil separation: Over time, natural oils in peanut butter may separate and rise to the surface. While this is a normal occurrence, if the oil appears rancid or smells off, this could be an indication that the peanut butter has gone bad.
2. Mold: If you notice any mold growth on the surface of your peanut butter, discard it immediately. Mold can produce harmful toxins that can cause illness if consumed.
3. Unusual taste: If your peanut butter tastes sour, bitter, or has an off-flavor, this could be a sign that it has gone bad.
4. Discoloration: If peanut butter has developed an unusual color, such as a greenish or yellowish tint, this could be a sign of spoilage.

Can I still use expired peanut butter for cooking or baking?

If the peanut butter has been opened and is past its expiration date, it’s best to play it safe and discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. Generally, it’s always a good idea to check the expiration date on food before using it and store it properly to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

How long does peanut butter typically last?

Unopened commercial peanut butter without preservatives can be stored in the pantry for up to two years. Natural peanut butter without additives usually has a shorter shelf life of about six months. Once opened, however, both types of peanut butter should be stored in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life and prevent rancidity.

Are there any health risks associated with consuming expired peanut butter?

While it is true that consumption of expired peanut butter can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, the likelihood of this occurring depends on several factors, such as storage conditions and the length of time the product has been deteriorating. Therefore, making a blanket statement about the likelihood of health risks associated with eating expired peanut butter is inaccurate. In general, it is recommended that the expiration date on the package is observed and that food that has passed its expiration date be discarded to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Conclusion

In conclusion,  there are five solutions for repurposing expired peanut butter. It makes stain removers, dog treats, soap, smoothies, and bird feeders. You might not use your expired peanut butter for all these but try one or more solutions. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming peanut butter.