Practical guides

🧈 How long does butter last?

Q: How long does butter last?

In the fridge, unopened: until the date on the label. Once opened (in the fridge): 2–3 weeks. In the freezer: 6–9 months. These are general guidelines and don't replace what's written on the pack: if the label says something different, follow the label. "Use by" is a real expiry date; "best before" is about quality. If in doubt, don't eat it.

Guideline times for a product stored properly, with the fridge at 4 °C or below.

Where	How long
In the fridge, unopened	until the date on the label
Once opened (in the fridge)	2–3 weeks
In the freezer	6–9 months

To make it last longer

Keep it well wrapped or in a closed container: it absorbs fridge smells.
If you use little, cut it into pieces and freeze what you don't need straight away.
Frozen butter can be grated straight into dough.

When to throw it away

Rancid smell, bitter taste, mould spots or a darker colour on the surface.

These are general guidelines and don't replace what's written on the pack: if the label says something different, follow the label. "Use by" is a real expiry date; "best before" is about quality. If in doubt, don't eat it. The difference between the two dates →

FreshyWith Freshy you note when you open a pack and the app reminds you before it goes off.

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Other foods

Fresh milk Long-life (UHT) milk Yogurt Eggs Mozzarella Hard cheeses (Parmesan, Grana, Pecorino)Cooked ham and sliced meats Minced meat Raw chicken Fresh fish Fresh bread Bagged salad Passata and ready-made sauces Mayonnaise and jarred sauces Leftover cooked rice Berries and strawberries Bananas Fresh and filled pasta Cooked leftovers