How to Test the Freshness of Butter

Reviewed by Ashley Crawford

Last Updated: August 21, 2024 References

Butter has a shelf life of around 3 months for unsalted and 5 months for salted butter. However, depending on storage conditions prior to and after purchase, the butter can deteriorate sooner and impart a rancid flavor to your baking and food. Read on for quick, easy instructions on how to tell if your butter is still good to use and cook with.

1

Check the expiry date on the packaging.

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^{[1]
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Research source} If the date is close to the use-by date or past it, and the butter is less likely to be fresh.

2

Check how the butter has been stored.

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This is why it is thoroughly wrapped and it is best if wrapped in foil. If it has been unwrapped, it risks turning rancid faster than even the suggested use by date.^{[2]
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3

Examine the color.

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^{[3]
X
Research source} If the inside of the butter is the same as the outside, it is still fresh. However, if the inside of the butter is lighter than the outside of the butter, this means it has oxidized. As such, the butter is no longer fresh.^{[4]
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4

Smell the butter.

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Some people are better at using this method than others. If you use and consume butter a lot, it should be obvious when butter no longer smells fresh.^{[5]
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- A small taste test can also tell you much; it will taste sour or bad if it is no longer fresh.

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Tips

Purchase butter more frequently rather than stocking up. It is better to keep butter as fresh as possible in the household. Use half sticks or small blocks of butter if you don't get through butter very quickly.

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The life of butter can be prolonged by freezing it. However, frozen butter is not good for baking as it can impart moisture when thawed.

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This applies to butter from any dairy milk source, for example, cow milk or goat milk butter.

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