In the freezer
6–9 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 6–9 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: butter keeps 6–9 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 1–2 months in the fridge.
How to freeze butter
- Freeze in an airtight container or the original sealed pack.
- Portion first (cubes or small jars) so you thaw only what you need.
- Thaw in the fridge; fats and nuts can be used straight from frozen.
How to thaw butter
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 6–9 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Butter Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
1–2 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
6–9 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about butter
FAQ
How long can you freeze butter?
About 6–9 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen butter?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze butter?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in butter?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number