Most people automatically put their butter in the fridge after a food shop, but waste experts have shared a surprising storage tip that could make butter easier to use and help reduce food waste
Butter is a kitchen essential you’ll always want within reach. Whether it’s for baking, cooking or simply spreading on toast, having butter ready to use is invaluable.
Yet when kept in the fridge, it frequently becomes rock-solid and impossible to use immediately, resulting in waste, annoyance or needless microwave sessions.
Most shoppers instinctively pop their butter straight into the fridge after unpacking their groceries, but waste reduction specialists have revealed a surprising storage hack that could make butter more convenient to use while helping cut down on food waste.
The tip involves keeping butter outside the fridge, which is not only perfectly safe but can actually “extend” how long it lasts.
Waste reduction specialists at Wheeldon Brothers revealed that leaving butter at room temperature, provided it’s kept in a covered container, can preserve it for over a fortnight.
They 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.”
“Storing it on the counter, in the right conditions, makes it easier to use and reduces how often it’s wasted.
“Because butter has a low moisture content and minimal protein or carbohydrates, it’s less appealing to bacteria and mould compared to other dairy items.”
Leaving butter uncovered or keeping it in its original wax wrapping can allow harmful bacteria to accumulate, so experts advise storing it in a proper butter dish with a lid.
It’s also crucial to keep it away from heat sources such as windowsills or near the cooker, reports the Express.
The experts stated: “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.
“This simple butter storage hack could help you reduce food waste, save money, and make baking and spreading far easier.
“Small changes like this can have a big impact. 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.”