Freezing stops these processes and significantly extends butter’s shelf life. This makes freezing a great option if you have bought butter in bulk, found a good sale, or simply won’t be using it quickly.
How Long Butter Lasts in the Freezer
When stored at 0°F (−18°C) or lower — the standard temperature of most home freezers — butter can maintain its quality for a much longer time than when stored in the refrigerator.
Butter sticks or blocks containing at least 80% milk fat can usually keep their flavor and texture for 8 to 12 months in the freezer if they are packaged properly.
Salted butter tends to freeze slightly better than unsalted butter because salt acts as a mild preservative. In general:
Unsalted butter stays fresh for about 6–9 months
Salted butter can last up to 12 months
It is important to remember that freezing does not sterilize butter. Instead, it slows or stops bacterial growth. For best results, butter should be frozen before its quality begins to decline, ideally before the expiration date on the package.
How to Freeze Butter Properly
Continued on next page:Freezing butter successfully depends mainly on proper packaging. Here are a few important steps:
Keep it wrapped
If the butter is still in its original packaging, you can leave it as it is. However, it is best to add an extra layer of plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place it inside a freezer-safe bag to protect it from air and moisture.
Use airtight protection
If the butter has already been opened, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil and then place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or vacuum-sealed bag. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the butter from absorbing odors from other foods.
