Open a jar of nut butter and you may find oil floating on top. It doesn’t mean the jar has gone off.
What is happening
Nuts and seeds contain natural oil. Ground into butter, the solids settle and the oil rises. Many commercial spreads add stabilisers or hydrogenated fat to stop this. When the jar contains only nuts or seeds, as ours do, the oil separates.
How to fix it
Stir the jar from the bottom up with a clean knife or spoon until it is smooth. It is easier to stir if the jar is at room temperature.
How to keep it smooth
Store the jar as the label says. Once it is stirred, a jar kept upright and closed stays mixed longer. If you keep it in the fridge after opening, it will be firmer and less runny.
Use a clean, dry spoon each time, and check the best-before date printed on the jar.
