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How long does butter last?
Butter is forgiving thanks to its low water content.
in the fridge
1–3 months
Keeps one to three months chilled and tightly wrapped.
Butter storage times compared
| Storage | Keeps for | |
|---|---|---|
| ❄️ Fridge | 1–3 months | |
| 🧊 Freezer | 6–9 months | |
| 🍽️ Counter | 1–2 days |
Times assume a fridge at or below 4°C / 40°F and a freezer at -18°C / 0°F.
🛒 Store it better
Keep butter fresher for longer with the right airtight food containers.
Shop airtight food containers →How to tell if butter has gone bad
- Rancid, crayon-like smell
- Sour taste
- Discolored, darker edges
Storage tips
- Wrap well — butter absorbs fridge and freezer smells fast.
- Only counter-store salted butter, and only a small amount.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you leave butter on the counter?
- Salted butter is fine covered for a day or two; refrigerate unsalted butter.