How long does margarine last?

Margarine keeps about 6 months in the fridge from the day you buy it, and about 12 months in the freezer. Follow the date on the tub too, especially for low-fat spreads.

Food	Fridge	Freezer
Margarine and spreads	6 monthsfrom purchase	12 monthsfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if margarine has gone bad

A rancid, sour or paint-like smell.
Mold, or dark or discolored patches.
Water separating out, or a grainy, dried-out texture.

How to store margarine

Keep margarine in the fridge with the lid closed, away from strong-smelling foods.
Use a clean knife: crumbs and jam in the tub speed up spoilage.
Don't leave a tub out for hours on the table; spreads with lots of water spoil faster at room temperature.

Can you freeze margarine?

Yes, block margarine and stick margarine freeze well for about 12 months. Soft spreads in tubs can separate and turn grainy, so they're better used in baking once thawed. Thaw in the fridge.

Questions

Does margarine need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Most margarines and spreads must be kept in the fridge; check the label.

Can you use margarine after the date?

If it smells and looks normal, it's usually fine a little past its date. Throw it out if it smells rancid or shows mold.

Does margarine last longer than butter?

Yes: about 6 months in the fridge against 1 to 2 months for butter.

Add spreads to ShelfLife with their date.

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