The short answer: Butter keeps about 1 to 3 months in the fridge and 6 to 9 months in the freezer.
How long butter lasts
- Fridge: About 1 to 3 months
- Freezer: About 6 to 9 months
- Counter: A day or two, covered, in a cool kitchen
How to tell butter has gone off
- A sour or rancid smell
- A strong cheesy or stale taste
- Dark, dry or discoloured edges
How to make it last longer
- Keep it wrapped; butter picks up the smell of other food.
- Freeze extra sticks in their wrappers inside a sealed bag.
- Keep only what you will use this week out for spreading.
Common questions
Can you leave butter out?
A small amount, covered, for a day or two in a cool room. In a hot kitchen, keep it in the fridge.
General guidance only. These times are for food bought fresh and kept at 40°F (4°C) in the fridge or 0°F (-18°C) in the freezer. Your own fridge, the packaging and the state of the food always come first, and when in doubt, throw it out. The official US chart is on FoodSafety.gov.
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