Does butter go bad?
I'm sitting with with my friends in residence (University) eatting her expired food. We want to know if the butter/margarine we're putting on crackers is bad. The butter had been opened since last September.
How long does butter last for?
There is no expiry date on the container. The packaging was taken off in September.
23 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
Butter and oils will go rancid if exposed to light, heat or air. For this reason oil should be kept in a cool dark place( when in bottle ). As for butter and margarine if bought but not planning of using them quick, makes sense to freeze the quarter packs and take it to the refrigeration side as needed. For the same reason, all nuts (all have high oil content) should be kept refrigerated or frozen.
If butter has been kept under refrigeration, and there is no visible signs of melting or discoloration, should still be good for at least 5 to 6 months. But a taste test can always tell. If rancid, there is a sour smell in butter and the taste is strong and unusual.
Source(s): A professional executive chef for over thirty years. - PinoyLv 41 decade ago
Butter lasts a long time even after the expire date but it does eventually go off
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- margaritaLv 71 decade ago
Butter can go bad. It's is after all an animal byproduct. Margarine can probably go rancid too however it is a plant byprodcut. Both should be kept refrigerated and/or frozen.
- 1 decade ago
Salted butter keeps for 1 to 2 years in the freezer and up to three months in the refrigerator. Unsalted butter, on the other hand, keeps for 2 to 3 months in the freezer and 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. It is advisable not to leave unsalted butter at room temperature.
- mrjnix911Lv 41 decade ago
Butter and margarine can go bad. Make sure you check the expiration dates on them.
- blueyesLv 51 decade ago
Don't know the shelf life. It will usually say "use by..." I know it will go rancid after awhile, which tastes bad but won't make you ill. When it comes to food, a good rule of thumb is when in doubt, DON'T eat it! Food poisoning is not a pleasant experience!
- 1 decade ago
Yes butter does go bad. If you look at the expiring day, it will tell you when it expires. If you have butter for more than a month and a half then it probaly goes bad. You can post some of your questions on my website at: www.freewebs.com/pinkistite
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Source(s): my mom teaches me all about food and how to cook. - 1 decade ago
Check for the expiration date on the container, or smell it- butter will smell sour when it's bad. If it smells ok, it's probably fine.