How Long Does Butter Last in the Fridge?
Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026
Butter is about 80% fat and very little water, which leaves bacteria almost nothing to grow in, so it keeps far longer than milk or cream even though it comes from them.
Storage tips for butter
- Fridge at 0–5°C. A fridge thermometer is the cheapest food-safety upgrade — many home fridges run warmer than their dial suggests.
- May be left at room temperature for 1 - 2 days.
You can also check the calorie content of butter alongside its safety information. Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
Why this time limit?
Butter is about 80% fat and very little water, which leaves bacteria almost nothing to grow in, so it keeps far longer than milk or cream even though it comes from them. What limits it is rancidity rather than bacteria: the fat slowly oxidises and takes on flavours from the rest of the fridge, so keep it wrapped or covered. A butter dish on the worktop is fine for a day or two, as the storage tip above notes, but for longer keep it in the fridge. Butter freezes very well, so if you buy more than you will use, freeze the surplus in its original wrapper.
Butter and other dairy fats
| Product | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 1–2 months | 6–9 months |
| Margarine | 6 months | 12 months |
| Double cream | 10 days | 3–4 months |
| Sour cream | until the use-by date | — |
| Milk | until the use-by date | 3 months |
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Store it properly
Fridge thermometer
These storage times assume 0–5°C — check what your fridge actually runs at.
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More storage essentials
Vacuum food sealer
Removes the air that speeds spoilage — extends shelf life by days.
Check Price →Airtight glass containers
Fridge, freezer and microwave safe — one less transfer step.
Check Price →Butter next to similar foods
| Food | Fridge time |
|---|---|
| Tub Whipped Topping | 2 weeks |
| Liquid Coffee Creamer | 3 weeks |
| Aerosol Whipped Cream | 3–4 weeks |
| Ultra-Pasteurised Whipping Cream | 1 month |
| Butter | 1–2 months |
Of the 16 dairy foods with a fridge time in this guide, butter keeps for longer than 13 and less time than 2.
Butter: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Safe |
| In the freezer | Yes — freezes well (best quality for 6–9 months) |
| Left out overnight | Ok short-term |
Common questions
How long does butter last in the fridge?
1–2 months in a fridge running at 0–5°C (USDA FoodKeeper guidance). After that, quality and safety both start to slip, and because the bacteria that cause food poisoning are invisible, ‘it seems fine’ is not a reliable test. When in doubt, throw it out.
How can I tell if butter has gone off?
A sour smell, lumps or curdling, a changed taste or any mould (other than on hard cheese) mean it should go. Do not rely on this alone: the time guideline matters even when everything looks fine.
Can I freeze butter to keep it longer?
Yes. For best quality, freeze it for around 6–9 months; it stays safe beyond that because freezing halts bacterial growth, and only texture and flavour decline.
Does my fridge temperature really matter?
Yes. These times assume a fridge at 0–5°C, which is what the Food Standards Agency says to set it to. Bacteria grow faster in a warmer fridge, and many fridges run warmer than their dial suggests, so a cheap fridge thermometer is worth having.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.