Does Butter Go Bad if You Don’t Refrigerate It?

Butter is a critical component in many meals, from elaborate recipes to simple dishes. While most Americans regularly use butter, there remains debate over whether you should store butter at room temperature on the counter or inside the fridge. So, does butter go bad if you don’t refrigerate it? The answer is layered, and the butter type determines how it should be stored.

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Salted Butter Can Be Stored on the Counter

Salted butter can be safely stored at room temperature longer than unsalted, whipped, or raw butter. The salt acts as a preservative and prevents bacteria from forming. According to the Food and Drug Administration, only one type of bacteria can survive on salted butter. In contrast, many more bacteria thrive on unsalted butter, so always keep unsalted, whipped, and raw butter in the fridge. Butter will last for up to two months if kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator and six to nine months when frozen. 

The Ideal Counter Conditions

If you store your salted butter on the counter, its shelf life depends on the surrounding environment. Salted butter can last several weeks on the counter if it’s away from sunlight and heat, and temperatures never exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Store the butter in an airtight container because oxygen exposure can cause the butter to go bad quickly. You can also store the butter in a specially designed crock that uses cold water to keep the butter fresh.

How to Know When Your Butter is Bad

Butter’s high fat content allows it to survive in unrefrigerated conditions far longer than any other dairy product, but that doesn’t mean it will last forever. If you notice a discolored or moldy appearance, a texture that’s too soft or liquidy, or a sour odor or taste, your butter has gone bad.

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