How long does butter last?
Quick answer
Butter keeps 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator and 3 months in the freezer.
Fridge
From purchase
1-2weeks
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
3months
Pantry
No known time
-
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long does butter last in the refrigerator?
- Butter1-2 weeksFrom purchase
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
How long does butter last in the freezer?
- Butter3 months
Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.
Your freezer should be around -18°C
A freezer acts as a pause button - food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it.
Can you freeze butter?
Yes.
How to thaw butter safely
- In the refrigerator
- In cold water, cook it right after thawing
- In the microwave, cook it right after thawing
- Cook it from frozen
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
Can you refreeze butter?
- In the United StatesYes
- In the United KingdomOnly after cooking
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
Can butter be stored at room temperature?
Official sources give no room-temperature (pantry) storage time for butter.
What the official sources say
“Butter can be stored for up to two weeks at refrigerator temperatures (below 40 °F).”
“Butter 2 weeks Wrap, cover tightly”
“Butter 2-3 weeks 6-9 months”
“Butter 1 to 2 weeks Wrap or cover tightly.”
Frequently asked questions
How long does butter last in the refrigerator?
Butter: 1-2 weeks.
How long does butter last in the freezer?
Butter: 3 months. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Can you freeze butter?
Yes.
Can you refreeze butter?
In the United States: Yes; In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking.
Can butter be stored at room temperature?
Official sources give no room-temperature (pantry) storage time for butter.
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last verified: October 1, 2026.
- FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart US
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension US
- Clemson University Extension US
- Love Food Hate Waste (WRAP) GB
- Ohio State University Extension US
- Virginia Department of Health US
- USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data US
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US
Values we do not display (1)
Values below were set aside: unconfirmed by a second independent source, or contradicted by a shorter time.
- Butter, fridge: 1-2 months (fsis.usda.gov, a source gives a shorter time)