How Long Does Buttermilk Last?

How long does buttermilk last? Buttermilk lasts for 1-2 weeks beyond the date printed on the carton, and it can usually even be used beyond that point for cooking and baking needs.

Buttermilk is a dairy product now produced by adding a culture of lactic acid producing bacteria into whole milk. It usually comes in a variety of types, the most popular being whole buttermilk and reduced fat buttermilk. Although there is no butter in buttermilk, it was originally the liquid remaining after churning butter. Thus buttermilk was born, but it is now a cultured product. Besides the probiotic benefits, buttermilk provides potassium, calcium and phosphorous.


So, how long does buttermilk last? When properly stored at or below 40°F, containers of buttermilk last for the time periods indicated in the table below.

How Long Does Buttermilk Last?

Buttermilk Expiration Date

(Unopened) Refrigerator
Past Printed Date
Buttermilk lasts for 7-14 Days
Low-Fat Buttermilk lasts for 7-14 Days
(Opened) Refrigerator
Past Printed Date
All Buttermilk lasts for 7-10 Days



How to tell if Buttermilk is bad, rotten or spoiled?





How to store Buttermilk to extend its shelf life?

Keeping any type of milk cold is essential to extending its shelf life. You can help keep buttermilk fresh longer by keeping it away from light and by placing it back in your refrigerator immediately after use. Store milk products on an interior refrigerator shelf rather than on the door where the temperature fluctuates with frequent openings. In addition, opened buttermilk should be stored tightly in its original container as all milk containers were specifically designed for this purpose.

Unfortunately, freezing buttermilk isn't a great option as it destabilizes the structure and may cause the formation of small clumps. So even though it is still safe to consume after freezing, the product becomes less desirable to consume.


How long is Buttermilk good for when prepared in a dish?


What are our shelf life resources?


*An important note about expiration dates...
