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How long does butter last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Refrigerator
2 months
Wrapped well; absorbs odors easily
Freezer
1 year
Freezes great
The short answer
Butter lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Churned milk fat. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if butter is bad
- Rancid smell (plastic-y, off)
- Mold on surface
- Hard yellow rind on edges (cut off, rest fine)
Storage tips
- Wrap tightly — butter absorbs fridge odors
- Buying salted? Lasts 30% longer than unsalted
- Counter butter: 1–2 days max for raw, salted version
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Frequently asked questions
How long does butter last in the refrigerator?
Butter lasts 2 months in the refrigerator. Wrapped well; absorbs odors easily
How long does butter last in the freezer?
Butter lasts 1 year in the freezer. Freezes great
How can you tell if butter is bad?
Watch for: Rancid smell (plastic-y, off); Mold on surface; Hard yellow rind on edges (cut off, rest fine).