In the freezer
3 months
Yes, for cooking — 3 months
Quality holds for about 3 months at 0°F / -18°C. Texture changes, so use it in cooked dishes.
Quick answer
Yes, with a texture trade-off: buttermilk keeps 3 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 1–2 weeks in the fridge.
How to freeze buttermilk
- Pour off a little to leave room for expansion, then seal tightly.
- Freeze flat or upright and date it.
- Thaw in the fridge and shake or whisk well; use for cooking or baking.
How to thaw buttermilk
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes, for cooking — 3 monthsQuality holds for about 3 months at 0°F / -18°C. Texture changes, so use it in cooked dishes.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Buttermilk Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
1–2 weeks
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
3 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about buttermilk
FAQ
How long can you freeze buttermilk?
About 3 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen buttermilk?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze buttermilk?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in buttermilk?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number