Can you freeze butter?

Last updated 31/01/2025

All forms of pure butter are safe to freeze and defrost really well in the fridge. To ensure your butter remains at the best quality, it should be used within 12 months of freezing - leaving it for any longer may impact the taste and texture. Always check the best-before date of your butter before freezing to ensure natural freshness and quality.

If the butter is wrapped in paper, as opposed to the more typical paper foil wrapped varieties, it's a good idea to wrap some foil around it before freezing to protect from freezer burn.

Other than freezing to extend the shelf life of your butter, butter is best kept refrigerated at 4°C, protected from light and sealed in its original wrapping until it's used. Butter will keep refrigerated for up to eight weeks, but it is best purchased when needed rather than stored. When used regularly, keep butter in a cool dark place is it is soft enough for spreading and cooking.