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Butter is a culinary staple in many homes, but where it is stored can cause heated discussions. One side swears by storing it in the refrigerator, while the other proudly displays it on the counter in a butter dish, soft and ready to be spread. The dispute even shows up in relationships: “My husband insists butter belongs on the counter because that’s how his grandma did it.” So, who’s right? Is it really safe to leave butter sitting out all day—or even for days?

The Science Behind Butter Storage

Let us start with the basics. Butter is around 80% fat and 20% water, with very little protein and sugar—both of which bacteria love to feed on. This means that butter is less likely to deteriorate than other dairy products such as milk or cream.

Salted butter provides much greater protection. Salt functions as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold. This is why many people have securely kept butter out for years.

While butter does not produce hazardous bacteria quickly, it can nevertheless get rancid. Rancidity occurs when lipids breakdown in the presence of air, light, or heat, resulting in an unpleasant odor and taste. While not hazardous, rancid butter is unpleasant to consume.