Peanut butter is a kitchen staple for a reason. The thick, creamy consistency and intense nutty flavour means it's perfect for jazzing up your morning oats, drizzling over pancakes, or adding to your favourite bakes. 

It's also amazing for using in savoury meals, especially stir-fry sauces and marinades, so many of us will probably have a jar in the cupboard at home. While some varieties have a longer shelf life than others, it's pretty common to open up your peanut butter jar only to find it's gone mouldy or dry. And according to experts, one common mistake could be making this problem a lot worse. 

The food storage pros at Southern Living say there's a way to keep your peanut butter much fresher for longer - and it's so easy to do. 

This trick works whether you prefer processed peanut butter, which usually has added sugar, or a more natural variety. Either way, they can both benefit from this trick that prevents mould growth. 

How to keep peanut butter fresh

When you're digging into the jar with a knife or spoon, one thing you should always do is make sure the utensil is totally clean. Double dipping can cause bacteria to build up in the jar, which leads to mould and spoilage. 

Where should peanut butter be stored? 

Many of us probably keep peanut butter in the cupboard, but it can actually last longer if it's kept in the fridge. Processed peanut butter can last up to nine months if kept refrigerated, compared to six months in the cupboard. 

When it comes to the more natural variety of peanut butter, this only lasts a couple of weeks in the cupboard due to the oil content. However, pop it in the fridge and it will last up to two months. 

How to tell if peanut butter has gone bad 

Like all other foods, peanut butter can go bad - especially if it's been contaminated with other food crumbs or dirty utensils.  Any mould, discoloration, or excessive oil separation are signs it should be thrown away.

If the peanut butter has an off taste or smell, or if it's become gritty, thick or dry, then throwing it in the bin is the safest option.