What is the proper way to store butter?

To store butter, keep most in the fridge (coldest spot, back) for long-term freshness, especially unsalted or whipped types, in its original wrapper or an airtight container; for soft, spreadable butter, use a covered butter dish or butter bell with a little water on the counter for up to 3 weeks, using salted butter and clean utensils to prevent rancidity. For longer storage, freeze it wrapped well.

Is it better to keep butter in the fridge or on the counter?

Unsalted, whipped or raw, unpasteurized butter is best kept in the fridge to minimize the chances of bacterial growth (4). Salted butter does not need to be stored in the fridge since the risk of bacterial growth is so low.

Is it better to store butter in plastic or glass?

If you do store butter in a butter dish outside of the fridge, we recommend a glass or porcelain butter dish. Just like being around aromatic foods, butter can take on off flavors from bamboo, plastic and other synthetic butter dishes.

Should you keep butter in an airtight container?

Keeping block butter in the fridge will keep it fresher for longer, but you can also keep it out so long as it's in a sealed container or a nice butter dish. Leaving it out will make it softer and easier to spread, but remember that it won't stay fresh as long.

How do the Amish preserve butter?

To store Amish butter, keep most in the refrigerator or freezer (wrapped well) for months to years, as it has no preservatives and large blocks are common. For daily use, portion it and keep smaller amounts in an airtight container or butter bell, away from strong odors, and change the water in a butter bell every few days. For very long-term storage, the Amish traditionally clarify and can it to make it shelf-stable for years.
 

Butter Saving Tip/Hack!

Why do Europeans not refrigerate butter?

Europeans often leave butter out because it keeps it soft, spreadable, and flavorful for daily use, especially since European butter tends to have higher fat content and salt, making it more resistant to spoiling than American butter; traditions, cooler climates in many regions, and the desire for immediate use on bread and pastries drive this habit. They store it in covered dishes (like butter bells/keepers) to protect it from air and light, using only a small amount at a time and keeping the bulk in the fridge.
 

What's the difference between Amish butter and regular butter?

Amish butter: Amish butter is similar to American butter, but producers make it by churning fresh cream with higher fat content, which they then roll into one- and two-pound logs. American butter contains eighty percent butterfat, while Amish butter contains eighty-four to eighty-five percent.

What is the best container to keep butter in?

The best butter keeper depends on your needs, with French butter crocks (Butter Bells) like the original Butter Bell being top-rated for keeping butter soft and spreadable on the counter with an airtight water seal, while OXO Good Grips offers a reliable, affordable, and classic dish with measurement markings, and premium stoneware options like Le Creuset provide durable style for countertop or fridge use, with some favoring simple glass containers for freshness.
 

How do you store butter for long term?

For longer storage, Land O Lakes® Butter can be frozen in the original carton for up to four months if put in freezer prior to USE BY date on package. To help maintain the butter's delicate flavor, we suggest wrapping the carton in aluminum foil or in an airtight resealable plastic freezer bag before freezing.

What is the healthiest container to store food in?

The healthiest food storage containers are made from non-toxic, inert materials like glass, stainless steel, ceramic, and food-grade silicone, as they don't leach chemicals into food, even when heated, unlike some plastics. Glass offers excellent visibility and microwave safety, while stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant, and ceramic is non-reactive. Look for options free from BPA, phthalates, and other harmful additives, with secure, food-safe lids.
 

Can you store butter in a Ziploc bag?

"Store butter in its original packaging in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not in the refrigerator door, for no longer than one week beyond the date printed on the package. Once the carton has been opened, place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store in refrigerator," says Engen.

How to tell if butter has gone bad?

To tell if butter is bad, use your senses: discard it if you see mold, discoloration (dark yellow, brown, green), or a slimy texture; if it smells sour, cheesy, or "off"; or if it tastes bitter or unpleasant. Rancidity from oxidation is the main issue, causing bad flavor and smell, but it's usually not harmful, just unappetizing, so trust the "look, smell, taste" test before tossing.
 

Which is the coldest part of the fridge?

The coldest parts of a refrigerator are generally the bottom shelf and the back of the compartment, because cold air sinks and the back is furthest from the door, but it can vary with modern fridges using fans, so always check with a thermometer; store raw meats, poultry, and dairy in these super-cold zones to prevent spoilage.
 

What kind of butter does not need to be refrigerated?

You can use salted butter or ghee (clarified butter) on the counter, but for regular butter, it's best to keep a small amount in a covered dish for a few days while storing the rest in the fridge to stay fresh and prevent rancidity. Salted butter's salt content acts as a preservative, making it safer for short periods at room temperature (especially in cooler kitchens < 70°F), while unsalted, whipped, or low-fat butters should be refrigerated.
 

How do the Amish store butter?

To store Amish butter, keep most in the refrigerator or freezer (wrapped well) for months to years, as it has no preservatives and large blocks are common. For daily use, portion it and keep smaller amounts in an airtight container or butter bell, away from strong odors, and change the water in a butter bell every few days. For very long-term storage, the Amish traditionally clarify and can it to make it shelf-stable for years.
 

What do cardiologists say about butter?

Cardiologists generally advise limiting butter due to its high saturated fat content, which can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase heart disease risk, recommending replacing it with healthier unsaturated fats from plant oils (like olive, canola) or whole foods like avocados for better heart health. While some studies suggest butter isn't as bad as once thought and might have neutral effects in moderation compared to processed fats, the consensus points to healthier alternatives for frequent use, viewing butter as an occasional indulgence.
 

How do French people store butter?

How the french store butter to keep it fresh. The secret lies in a traditional French device known as a butter bell or water butter crock. This simple yet clever container has two parts: an upper lid where you pack the butter, and a lower basin filled with cold water.

Is 2 year old butter safe to eat?

Yes, you can likely eat 2-year-expired butter if it's been stored properly (especially frozen or salted) and passes the look, smell, and taste test, as dates are usually for peak quality, not safety; check for off colors, mold, sour smells, or rancid taste, and discard if any signs of spoilage are present, but it's generally safe if it looks and smells normal. 

What gadget keeps butter soft?

Luckily, there's a kitchen tool that can help: a butter dish. A quality butter dish, butter bell, or crock will keep your butter soft and easily spreadable, while also preserving its taste and protecting it from light and dust.

Why do people not put butter in the fridge?

If a dairy product is in a temperature higher than 41 degrees for 4 hours or more, it must be thrown out. Butter, however, can be the exception to that rule. According to a report by the FDA, pasteurized butter is not always a TCS food, meaning it does not have to be refrigerated to keep it safe.

Which butter is 100% butter?

"100% butter" generally means pure butterfat from cream, with brands like Kerrygold, Challenge (unsalted), Président, and Minerva Dairy emphasizing their high quality, natural ingredients, or higher butterfat content (80-85%), often from grass-fed cows, ensuring no added oils or fillers, just cream and sometimes salt/cultures. Look for labels listing just cream (and maybe salt/cultures) for true 100% butter, avoiding spreadable versions with vegetable oils.
 

Why is Irish butter better than American butter?

Irish butter is often considered better due to its richer flavor, creamier texture, and beautiful golden color, stemming from its higher butterfat content (82% vs. 80% in American butter) and the grass-fed diet of Irish cows, which imparts more beta-carotene and omega-3s, making it superior for spreading and creating flaky pastries. 

What is the healthiest butter you can eat?

The healthiest butter is typically grass-fed, organic butter, as it contains higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3s and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and avoids GMOs and pesticides. Kerrygold, Vital Farms, Organic Valley, and Truly Grass-Fed are popular brands known for these qualities, with European-style butters often being richer. For general health, choose options with minimal ingredients (cream, salt) and be mindful that all butter is high in saturated fat, so moderation is key, with plant-based alternatives sometimes offering lower saturated fat.
 

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