Food storage
How long does butter last?
Opened butter keeps about 2–4 weeks in the fridge. Salted lasts longer than unsalted because the salt slows spoilage. You can also freeze butter for 6–9 months.
| Butter | Fridge (opened) | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Salted | 3–4 weeks | 6–9 months |
| Unsalted | 2–3 weeks | ~6 months |
| Spreadable / dairy blend | 3–4 weeks | Not ideal |
Can you leave butter out of the fridge?
Salted butter is fine in a covered dish at cool room temperature for a day or two, which keeps it spreadable. Unsalted butter, or any butter in a warm kitchen, is better kept in the fridge, as it turns rancid faster. Only leave out what you’ll use in a couple of days.
How to store butter so it lasts
Keep it well wrapped in its original foil or an airtight tub, away from strong-smelling foods, as butter readily absorbs odours. The fridge door is fine for butter (unlike milk), since it copes with the slightly warmer temperature.
How to tell if butter has gone off
- A sour, cheesy or rancid smell
- Darker, waxy or discoloured edges
- An off, bitter taste
Use it up
Lots to get through? Butter freezes beautifully, or bake with it: shortbread, a cake, or a batch of garlic butter for the freezer. See also: how long cheese lasts and the full fridge storage chart.
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