How long does buttermilk last?

Checked 25 Oct 20265 official publishers, 5 sources

Buttermilk: 1-2 weeks in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer for best quality.

Storage times for buttermilk by state and place
State	Counter	Fridge 40 °F	Freezer 0 °F
Buttermilk	2 hours max CDC	1-2 weeks FoodKeeper Extension Sources disagree: 14 days Extension	3 months best quality FoodKeeper Extension

Times assume continuous refrigeration at 40 °F or below. When in doubt, throw it out. Freezer times are for quality: “Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.” FDA

Sources compared

Source	State	Counter	Fridge	Freezer
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018	Buttermilk	-	1-2 weeks	3 months
Utah State University Extension	Buttermilk	-	14 days	-
NDSU Extension	Buttermilk	-	1-2 weeks	3 months
CDC 2025	Buttermilk	2 hours	-	-

A dash means that source gives no time for that place.

Handling and freezing notes

“Yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk Keep refrigerated and use within 3 weeks of the date stamped on the package.” Extension
“Cover tightly. The flavor is not affected if buttermilk separates; remix before serving.” Extension
“Check the date on the carton; buttermilk will keep several days after that date.” Extension

What the sources say

FoodKeeper gives buttermilk 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer, both counted from the date of purchase.¹

The NDSU Extension food storage guide lists exactly the same pair of times, 1 to 2 weeks in a refrigerator at 32 to 40 °F and 3 months in a 0 °F freezer.³¹

Utah State University Extension lists 14 days for fresh fluid buttermilk in its original container at 38 to 40 °F, the same time it gives for whole, 2% and skim milk.²

On separation, NDSU says the flavor is not affected if buttermilk separates and suggests remixing it before serving, and it asks for the container to be covered tightly.³

The printed date is treated differently by two extension services.³⁵

NDSU says to check the date on the carton and that buttermilk will keep several days after that date.³

The University of Wisconsin-Extension is more specific, advising to keep buttermilk refrigerated and use it within 3 weeks of the date stamped on the package.⁵

Rules that apply here

The 2-hour rule Freezing and refreezing Fridge and freezer temperature Best-by and use-by dates

Milk Yogurt Sour cream Butter

Sources

USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 2: Buttermilk. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Buttermilk. DOP_Refrigerate: 1-2 Weeks; DOP_Freeze: 3 Months
Food Storage in Home | USU. Utah State University Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24. Fresh fluid buttermilk original container 38-40°F refrigerator 14 days
1 • FN579 • Food Storage GuideNDSU Extension. NDSU Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25. Buttermilk 1 to 2 weeks 3 monthsCover tightly. The flavor is not affected if buttermilk separates; remix before serving.Check the date on the carton; buttermilk will keep several days after that date.
Preventing Food Poisoning | Food Safety | CDC. CDC. Dated 2025-11-24. Checked 2026-10-24. Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).
Safe and Healthy: Food Product Dating. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24. Yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk Keep refrigerated and use within 3 weeks of the date stamped on the package.
REFRIGERATOR & FREEZER STORAGE CHART. FDA. Dated 2018-03-01. Checked 2026-10-24. Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.