Keeping butter in a covered dish at room temperature can keep it fresh and spreadable for more than two weeks, according to waste specialists at Wheeldon Brothers. The tip is intended to make butter easier to use and help cut down on food waste.
Why room temperature butter is safe
Wheeldon Brothers explained that butter left out of the fridge, as long as it is stored in a covered dish, can be preserved for over a fortnight. They noted that many people discard butter simply because it has gone hard or they assume it has spoiled when left out.
The specialists said: "We often see people throw away butter simply because it's gone hard or they think it's spoiled when left out. In reality, butter is much more stable than people think, especially salted butter."
How to store it properly
Butter should be kept away from heat sources such as windowsills or near the oven. Leaving it exposed or in its original wax wrapper can cause bacteria to accumulate, so a butter dish with a lid is recommended.
The experts added: "If you prefer to keep butter chilled, salted butter can last one to two months in the fridge, and up to nine months in the freezer. But storing it cold often makes it too firm to use quickly, leading many to cut off more than they need, or letting it melt wastefully on the counter."
Impact on waste and convenience
Because butter has a low moisture content and minimal protein or carbohydrates, it is less appealing to bacteria and mould compared with other dairy items. The storage tip could help households reduce food waste, save money, and make baking and spreading easier.
"Small changes like this can have a big impact," the waste specialists said. "By storing food in smarter ways, like keeping butter soft and ready to go, we can make our kitchens more efficient and cut down on unnecessary waste."
