How long does Butter last?
Butter lasts 1–2 months in the fridge, 6–9 months in the freezer. Spoilage signs to check, storage tips, and cited food-safety sources.
Quick answer
Can I still eat it?
Use this as a conservative screen before you rely on the storage window. If anything seems unsafe, discard it.
Butter is within the fridge window if it stayed cold/dry as required and shows no discard signs.
Sealed / unopened: Same
Signs Butter has gone bad
- Yellow-orange surface darkening.
- Rancid crayon-like smell, oily separation.
- Mold spots (rare).
Discard immediately if
- Sharp rancid smell
- Visible mold
- Significant color change beyond normal yellowing
Why guidance varies
Salt content, air exposure, light, and room temperature affect how quickly butter develops rancid flavors. Refrigeration provides the longer storage window.
Get a heads-up before it expires. Search the full database instead.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Butter last?
In the fridge: 1–2 months. In the pantry: 1–2 days (covered). In the freezer: 6–9 months. Sealed / unopened: Same. Keep only a small amount covered at room temperature and use it within 1–2 days. Refrigerate the rest.
How can you tell if Butter has gone bad?
Signs that Butter has gone bad: Yellow-orange surface darkening; Rancid crayon-like smell, oily separation; Mold spots (rare).
What does the date label on Butter mean?
Butter usually carries a "Use By" date. The last date the manufacturer recommends for peak quality — for most foods this is still quality-based, not a safety cutoff (infant formula is the one exception). See our date-labels guide for the full breakdown.
Sources for this answer
- A USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data — Butter: refrigerator about 1–2 months; freezer about 6–9 months; may leave at room temperature 1–2 days.