How Long Does Nutella Last?

How do you like your Nutella? I like mine on waffles! Yum! Ever wondered how long Nutella even lasts? Let’s discover the same! 

Nutella is a hazelnut spread, and an unopened bottle of Nutella can last for one year or more according to its “best by” date, whereas an opened bottle tends to last for twelve months.

From being the favorite breakfast spread in Italy or a popular after-school snack in France, it is one of the most popular spreads in the world. Nutella is an original hazelnut spread with a combination of roasted hazelnuts, skim milk, and cocoa,

A creamy substance, Nutella has a chocolate flavor with hints of roasted nut flavor. From a health point of view, It contains calcium that strengthens your bones and teeth.

However, quite a few things need to be clarified about the shelf life of Nutella and how to store it properly to ensure it stays good for an extended period. This blog post will discuss how long Nutella will last, how to keep it properly, and how to tell if it has gone wrong. So, let’s get right into it!

How Long Does Nutella Last?

Nutella has a best-by date on its jar and has a shelf life of months or even years without opening. Nutella will last 12 months if opened, as opposed to unopened for one to two years.

As time goes on, the quality will suffer, and the flavor will change. You can eat Nutella after the best-by date, but remember it is not good as it was fresh. 

Of course, these are only guidelines; your Nutella may last longer or expire earlier.

Note: Ferrero’s website says Nutella has a 12-month shelf life after opening and should be kept in a cool and dry environment.

Do You Need to Refrigerate Nutella? 

Suppose you want to keep your Nutella fresh and prevent it from going rancid. The temperature needed for Nutella is 18° and 20° C, or 64° and 68° F, and its ideal storage conditions are cool and dry.

On the Nutella jars, a note informs consumers that refrigeration is not required. 

In all honesty, freezing Nutella is not required, but if you live in a hot climate, freezing can help your Nutella last longer. Remember that freezing changes Nutella’s texture, and it may be difficult to spread.

If you want to freeze Nutella, simply place it in a container that is freezer-safe and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Simply leave it out all night before using it to melt it and make it convenient.

Can Nutella Be Used Past Its Expiration Date? 

Yes, like every other food item, Nutella has an expiration date. Many products are past the expiration date. So, is it the same with Nutella? 

The answer to this question is yes, you can use Nutella after its expiration date. You may have noticed Nutella has a “best before” date rather than a “use by” date. It means that the best flavor you will get from the Nutella is before the date given in the jar. 

If Nutella’s texture changes from soft and creamy to hard and dry or begins to smell rancid, your Nutella has gone bad, and you must toss it.

To check if your Nutella has gone rancid, scroll through the article’s content.

How To Tell If Nutella Has Gone Bad? 

By keeping an eye out for a few signs, you can determine whether your Nutella should be eaten or discarded. 

1. Appearance

Suppose you want to know if your Nutella has gone rancid or not. Just look at its appearance. Appearance can tell everything.

It’s probably time to throw away your Nutella if the color shifts from a dark brown to a lighter shade, the texture appears granny, there are clumps in it, or it has a strange texture.

2. Smell

If your Nutella has a sour or unpleasant odor and its smells resemble crayons, play-doh, aldehydes, or wet cardboard, it’s gone bad. Rancid hazelnuts have an unpleasant odor. If your Nutella smells like that, it is the perfect time to discard it. 

Note: Avoid tasting Nutella if the smell is nasty; it may lead to food poisoning.

3. Taste 

Try some for yourself if you’re not satisfied. It’s time to throw it away if the sweet flavor replaces it with a bitter and sharp taste.

4. Texture

Nutella’s texture can tell if it has gone rancid or not. When the oils in Nutella start to degrade, they begin to harden and alter the spread’s consistency. If its texture changes from soft and creamy to hard and dry.

If this happens, it is better to trash it and buy a new Nutella jar and know how to store it properly so it lasts long. Continue reading if you want to learn the proper way to store Nutella.

How To Store Nutella Properly

Storing Nutella is effortless as you should store Nutella jars similarly to other sandwich spreads, such as peanut butter. I can help you keep your Nutella more effective in two different ways.

1. At Room Temperature

It is the best way to store open and unopened Nutella jars. Nutella stays fine at room temperature if stored in a dark and cool place. Avoid letting any heat source, including direct sunlight, come in contact with the bottle. 

In addition, be sure to properly and firmly close the bottle after it opens. Nutella is prone to oxidation and rancidity if not sealed properly. 

2. In The Refrigerator

You can chill your Nutella if you live in a hot, humid climate. Otherwise, on the Nutella jar, refrigeration is not necessary.

Conclusion

Nutella storage is a simple procedure. To increase its lifespan, you must adhere to proper storage guidelines. I hope this article has answered all your questions about Nutella and how long it lasts.

Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below if you have any additional queries about Nutella.