How long is butter good for after expiration date

Using butter past its expiration date can be safe if it has been properly stored, but quality slowly declines after the “best by” date.

Here is a quick look at how to tell if butter is still good and how long it lasts beyond its date.

Can you use butter after the expiration date?

Yes, butter can safely be used past its expiration date, provided it has been kept refrigerated at 40°F or below and has not acquired any off odors or flavors.

The expiration date on butter simply indicates the “best by” date – the timeframe where the manufacturer guarantees peak quality and freshness.

After the printed date, butter gradually loses quality in terms of taste and texture but remains edible.

If unopened and continuously refrigerated, butter lasts for 1-3 months past its date. An opened package only lasts 1-2 weeks.

How to tell if butter is still good

Here are some signs that butter has gone bad and should be discarded:

• Mold or fuzzy growths appear
• Liquid or water pools on the surface
• Rancid smell
• Sour or “off” taste
• Discolored portions
• Texture changes to greasy, crumbly, or g
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