Did you know that margarine became popular during World War II when butter became scarce? Margarine has stuck around since then and comes in many varieties using different vegetable oils. Margarine can even be a vegan alternative to butter!
After opening, margarine should last around 2-3 months when stored in the fridge and around 6 months when stored in the freezer.
To learn more about margarine’s shelf life, keep reading for our in-depth guide!
What is the shelf life of margarine?
Like most things, margarine lasts longer when it’s sealed compared to an open container. When sealed, margarine should last several months past its best-by or expiration date when it’s in the fridge. If you store sealed margarine in the freezer, it can last up to one year!
Once you open margarine it should stay fresh for around 2-3 months thanks to the added preservatives to lengthen its shelf life.
Summary of margarine’s shelf life
Margarine is made of blends of vegetable oils like sunflower oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, and palm oil and can be a substitute for butter. The shelf life of margarine will vary depending on its ingredients, preservatives, and other ingredients.
However, a summary of the shelf life of margarine is summarized below – but always refer to the printed best-by or expiration date on your margarine to be sure it’s fresh!
| Room temp | Fridge/SEALED | Fridge/OPEN | Freezer/SEALED | Freezer/OPEN |
| A few days | 3-4 months past best-by date | 2-3 months or a few weeks past best-by date | 6-12 months | ~6 months |
How do you know if margarine has gone bad?
Fats like butter and margarine are slow to go bad but can eventually spoil. What are some signs that margarine has gone bad? Here are a few to watch out for!
- Discoloration: if the margarine is darkening over time, it can be a sign it’s going bad.
- Texture: the texture of margarine varies from harder to softer (“spreadable” versions) out of the fridge depending on its ingredients. If margarine hardens over time, it can be a sign that it’s going bad.
- Flavor: margarine should have a pleasant, savory flavor due to the salt that is typically added. If it tastes rancid, sour, or bitter, it’s time to replace it with a fresh tub or stick!
- Smell: margarine isn’t likely to take on a sour odor unless it’s really past its prime, but it’s possible. If margarine has a bad smell when you go to use it, it belongs in the trash.
What happens when you eat margarine that has been open for a long time?
Eating margarine that’s been open a while and is a bit past its best-by date probably won’t do much – if any – damage. The most likely outcome is that it won’t spread as easily and won’t taste as good as it would when fresh.
If you eat margarine that has gone bad and is considered spoiled, you might have an upset stomach at worst. If you have signs of serious food poisoning (nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant stomach symptoms), then reach out to your healthcare provider for support!
Potential risks of eating margarine that has been open for a long time
As we just mentioned, eating margarine that’s been open for a long time isn’t likely to cause any serious risks.
Thanks to the preservatives and other ingredients added to margarine, it’s less likely to promote bacterial growth compared to other perishable foods with higher risks of carrying foodborne illnesses (like undercooked meat and unwashed raw produce).
In addition, the oils in margarine might be fully hydrogenated, which turns them from liquid into solids and prolongs their shelf life.
Bottom line – how long does margarine last after you open it?
After you open a container of margarine, expect it to last at least 2-3 months when stored in the fridge or around 6 months in the freezer. (If you freeze it, be sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t get freezer burn – especially for stick margarine!)
FAQs:
If margarine has become discolored, is super hard, or has a funky taste or smell, then it’s likely gone bad.
It’s recommended to store margarine in the fridge to prolong its shelf life. Refer to the storage recommendations on the container of the margarine you buy for the most accurate storage guidelines.
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