How long can salted butter keep in the refrigerator?

Question

Also, is there a test to see whether it has expired or not?

My package of butter doesn't have an expiration date on it, and it comes in the form of individual butter chips, like the ones you get in hotels.

Answer 1

Evil, that's a very good question. I end up using mine before it has a chance to go bad.

However, there will be an expiration date on the butter.

I just checked mine. I bought it over the summer. The expiration date is 4-1-07.

I don't know about any tests, other than to taste or smell it. Dairy products that are bad make themselves known.

Answer 2

If properly wrapped (to avoid it picking up odors) and kept at "refrigerator temperature," it'll be good for a couple months. The combination of the salt, the cold, and the process that makes butter combines to make it a relatively long-lasting item. You're more likely to pick up bad flavors that have it go bad.

I'm not aware of a conclusive test, outside of taste. If, when you open it, it doesn't look right... it likely isn't. For example, if it's deformed or an off-color, it's likely melted at some point.

If it doubt, throw it out. Butter isn't dirt-cheap, but it's cheap enough that it's not worth it for a few sticks.

Butter kept in the freezer should last many many months.

Answer 3

Following the expiration date on the wrapper is a good idea. By truly keeping the butter in an airtight container, you will improve the quality of its' flavor and the overall appeal up to, and past its expiration date.
Really expired butter will begin to separate and become rancid smelling.

Answer 4

Butter refrigerated and sealed will last almost eternity. The way to tell if its bad is if it get a cheese type of odor. If the package has been opened and its able getting air to it. It wont last as long simply because it will start to absorb the other "smells" in your refrigerator.

Answer 5

The salt preserves it longer. A year or longer

Answer 6

Keep it in the freezer