How Long Does Vegan Butter Last? Mystery Solved

Vegan butter can last for 4-6 months in the refrigerator if it’s unopened. However, if you opened it, you can keep it for 2-3 months. In case you notice the uneven color, rancid smell, or floating oil in your butter, it has gone bad. To reach maximum shelf life, try to store your butter in the freezer.

That’s not everything though. There are many other factors that affect the shelf life of vegan butter. To know all about it and other relevant factors, make sure to check out the whole article. 

Key Takeaways

• How long does vegan butter last?
• What happens to vegan butter at room temperature?
• When does vegan butter go bad?
• Can you extend vegan butter’s shelf life?

Shelf Life of Vegan Butter 

The shelf life of vegan butter differs based on what kind of storage option you are using. If you use a freezer, you get the longest shelf life. On the other hand, using a pantry will keep the butter fresh for a short time. 

The following table gives a quick overview of how different storage changes the shelf life of vegan butter. 

So, vegan butter can last a couple of months in a pantry if it is unopened.  Now, a cool, dry, and dark pantry is a decent choice if you still haven’t opened your vegan butter. But, it’s not recommended to store vegan butter in the pantry once opened. It will cause contamination and faster spoilage. 

However, remember to check the expiration date and follow any storage instructions from the manufacturer. 

In a refrigerator, vegan butter lasts about a quarter to half a year unopened. After opening, it lasts about a couple of months. If you are aiming to achieve longer shelf life, this is the right choice. However, watch out for any signs of spoilage, weird texture, or smell to ensure the butter is safe to consume. 

Source: PlantX.

As an alternative, if you keep unopened vegan butter in the freezer it will last up to a year. Alternatively, vegan butter lasts up to half a year in a freezer once opened. 

So, to achieve the highest shelf life, consider a freezer as a storage option. Additionally, you can wrap the butter in aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container. 

Finding the right vegan butter can be sometimes tricky. Look for vegan butter brands that offer vegan-friendly options and gluten-free certification. 

Researching foods is a great way to maintain a vegan diet. For instance, learning the shelf life of vegan cheese can give you more ideas for your next vegan meal.

How Long Does Melt Vegan Butter Last?

Melted vegan butter lasts a few weeks to six months in the refrigerator if it is made from oils. If you want to keep it fresh even longer without losing quality, you need to use a freezer.

But if your vegan butter is made from nuts, it’s usually good for about a month in the refrigerator. Once ready to use it again, make sure to thaw butter sticks or spreads in the fridge for the best results.

While researching the shelf life of vegan butter, also check the shelf life of vegan mayo for a fresh vegan meal.

Is Vegan Butter Safe at Room Temperature?

Yes, some vegan butter can be left out for max two weeks at room temperature (below 70°F). But it is best not to leave it at room temperature for over a couple of days. 

Based on the ingredients, it might become sour or rancid at higher temperatures. However, to make that process slower, you can avoid these common mistakes: 

• Salt the butter if you want to keep it at room temperature for a long period. It provides protection against bacterial growth.
• Use a proper container that will keep the butter away from light and air. Instead of using the original wrapper, choose an airtight container that keeps light out.
• Act according to your region’s climate. For example, if your kitchen temperature is consistently above 70°F, you should always refrigerate your butter.

Source: The Loopy Whisk.

In case you are craving some vegan food options, the addition of vegan pumpkin pie might tempt you.

How to Tell If Vegan Butter Has Gone Bad?

You can tell your vegan butter has gone bad by these signs:

• You’ll notice the fat molecule has clumped together which directly affected the grainy texture of the butter.
• You see darker spots and uneven color instead of its usual yellow color
• You find a sour, or rancid smell coming from the butter.
• You notice oil floating on the surface while the curled milk forms clumps in the container. 

How to Extend Vegan Butter’s Shelf Life

While vegan butter has a specific shelf life, you can extend it by following proper techniques. Here are some guidelines on how to store butter for better shelf life.

Store The Vegan Butter Efficiently

• Put your vegan butter in the refrigerator, unless the label says otherwise. Cold temperatures stop bacteria from growing and keep it fresh.
• Watch out for frequent changes in temperatures. It can affect the flavor and texture of the butter. Keep it away from places that get hot or cold quickly, like near stoves or windows.
• After you use the vegan butter, seal the container tightly. This stops air and moisture from getting in and keeps the quality good.
• Vegan butter can absorb the smell of other foods in the refrigerator. So, keep it separate from pungent items like garlic or onions. 

Another way to extend the shelf life of vegan butter is if you make the butter at home. When you make it yourself, you can easily control the ingredients and preservatives used. As a result, you can ensure a longer storage life.

FAQs

What Happens If You Eat Expired Vegan Butter?

Consuming expired vegan butter can lead to food poisoning. As a result, you might experience nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps. The severity of the situation will depend on factors like the overall health of the person and the butter condition.

How Long Does Natural Butter Last?

Natural butter can last from one to three months if it is kept in a refrigerator. But if you use a freezer, you can expect a shelf life of up to a year. Make sure to well-wrap your butter in these storage options for better shelf life.

Is Vegan Butter The Same As Margarine?

No, vegan butter is not the same as Margarine because of the different ingredients. Vegan butter has natural oils that come from various nuts, seeds, and fruits like olive, coconut, etc. On the other hand, Margarine is made from a mixture of water, vegetable oil, and emulsifiers. Thus it achieves a smooth and spreadable texture like butter.

Closing Words

How long vegan butter lasts depends on the storage option you pick. If you choose a refrigerator, you can easily store vegan butter for 4-6 months. However, if you want to save it for an even longer time, using a freezer is the right option.

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Leah Greenstein

Leah Greenstein is a passionate food blogger who has dedicated her life to sharing her love for cooking with the world. Growing up in a family of foodies, Leah was introduced to the joys of cooking at a very young age. Her mother, a professional chef, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of using high-quality ingredients.

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