Expiration & Storage Tips
When does salted butter expire?
Unopened salted butter can last for around 4 to 5 months in the refrigerator if kept at a constant temperature of 40°F or below, or up to a year in the freezer. Compared to the printed date on the package, it usually lasts about a month past it. Once it has been opened, you can expect it to last approximately 2 to 3 weeks if you always cover it and place it back in the refrigerator after each use.
How do you tell if salted butter is bad?
First, use your senses. Butter that has gone bad will often develop a sour smell and taste. It may also develop a darker yellow or brown color, particularly around the edges or bottom, and may have visible mold. A rancid odor, which may remind you of cheese, is a strong sign it's past its prime. Also, if you notice water separating from the butter, it's a sign that it may have started to spoil.
Tips for storing salted butter to extend shelf life
• Keep salted butter in its original packaging to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from your fridge.
• To prolong its shelf life, store the butter at the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is consistently cold.
• If you buy butter in bulk, freeze the extras. To defrost it, simply move it to the refrigerator about a day before you'll need to use it.
• Using a butter dish with a lid for your daily butter supply can maintain freshness while making it convenient for use.
• Avoid keeping butter in the door of the fridge. The repeated opening and closing can cause temperature fluctuations which can shorten the product's life.