Learn how to store ice cream in your home freezer effectively from this article. So, How Long Does Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
Depending on a few conditions, ice cream will last for up to six months in the freezer. A date of expiration will be stamped on the container of every item of store-bought ice cream. The majority of food safety experts concur that delaying that date by a few months is acceptable, but you are free to decide for yourself.
Discover helpful hints and techniques for avoiding freezer burn, preserving the creamy texture, and understanding the science behind keeping ice cream products tasting good.
How Long is Ice Cream Good for in the Freezer?
Ice cream must be kept in the freezer, which is the only sensible location to do so. But how long is it actually good for? Well, that depends on whether you’ve cracked open the package or not.
- Unopened. An unopened container of ice cream can easily last up to three months beyond the “best by” date listed on the packaging.
- Opened. Ice cream containers that have been opened typically keep for up to six weeks with proper storage (more on that later!).
- Homemade. Are you making your own ice cream? It can last up to two weeks in the freezer.
Can Ice Cream Go Bad?
The short answer – Yes. Ice cream can go bad. Here are common signs to look for that your ice cream should be thrown away:
- Small ice fragments have fallen onto the ice cream’s surface.
- The ice cream is covered in enormous, solid frozen masses.
- Gummy, sticky, or stringy best describes the texture.
- There is an offensive smell.
- The ice cream has become discolored.
- The texture seems unpleasant, hard, or crunchy.
- For safety reasons, throw away the ice cream right away if it has completely thawed after being left out at room temperature. There might be a chance for the growth of dangerous bacteria.
All ice cream that is kept for a long time will eventually start to lose its quality. The ice cream’s freshness will only last for a brief period of time. When buying an ice cream container, bear this in mind. Check for more details.
The Best Way to Store Ice Cream
Whether you’re storing store-bought or homemade ice cream, here is the best way to keep your ice cream fresh:
- Always store in the back of your freezer. Unlike most commercial freezers, home freezers are unable to maintain the recommended steady temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or colder. Store the ice cream behind the freezer, not in the freezer door, to help combat this. Use the bottom, coldest section of your chest freezer for storage if you have one.
I’d recommend purchasing a freezer thermometer to ensure your freezer is at the right temperature for storing ice cream. - Always keep the ice cream container lid firmly in place. To stop the ice crystals from forming and avoid freezer burn, press a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap onto the ice cream’s surface.
- After scooping ice cream, immediately return the entire carton to the freezer. This will keep the ice cream’s creamy texture and increase its shelf life.
Is It Safe to Eat Freezer-Burned Ice Cream?
Ice cream that has been freezer-burned will have ice crystals scattered all over the top. In particular if your freezer is overstocked, inefficient, or needs to be cleaned, you might notice these tiny crystals on other foods like produce. Even though it won’t taste as good, ice cream that has been burned in the freezer is safe to eat. The remaining ice cream may have a more icy and less creamy texture after you scrape off the top layer of crystallization. Regardless, food that has burned in the freezer is a sign that the freezer needs to be serviced.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Ice Cream
Can I Thaw and Refreeze Ice Cream?
While 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for scooping ice cream, thawing the entire container of ice cream to this level can have a negative impact on the quality of the ice cream that is left over after serving.
The ice crystals combine to form larger masses during the process of refreezing. Because of this, the ice cream develops a grainy texture. Ice cream experts would suggest that you do not thaw and then refreeze an entire container of ice cream.
Can Old Ice Cream Make You Sick?
Old ice cream can make you sick like any other dairy product. However, the risk is minimal at this point because the texture and flavor are probably so unpleasant. Melted and then refrozen ice cream poses the greatest risk.
Can You Eat Ice Cream After the Expiration Date?
Most ice cream containers come with a “best by” date rather than an expiration date. This is simply a date that indicates when the ice cream is freshest – not safest. Pre-ingestion inspection for spoilage is the best course of action.
What Does Spoiled Ice Cream Taste Like?
Due to the inclusion of ice shards, spoiled ice cream is likely to have a chewy texture. On the other hand, slimy and goopy can also describe rancid ice cream. Regardless, spoiled ice cream will not taste fresh, creamy, and delicious. The flavor has undergone a discernible change.
How Long is Ice Cream Cake Good for in the Freezer?
Ice cream cake does not last as long as its ice cream container counterparts. The truth is that ice cream cake only keeps for a maximum of seven days in the freezer (when kept in a safe place). The first couple of days are when ice cream cake tastes the best.
Final Thoughts on Keeping Ice Cream Fresh
Even if ice cream doesn’t go bad right away after its expiration date, having several containers in the freezer can crowd the space and take up extra room. Buying only what you’ll consume within a few months of the purchase is the best way to prevent ice cream from going bad. And how much (or little) that is is something only you know.
The shelf life of ice cream is quite good. Unopened containers can easily last three months beyond the “best by” date, and opened containers can last six weeks when stored properly. The shelf life of homemade ice cream is only two weeks, which is much less time.
How long is your ice cream stored in the freezer? How should it be kept to ensure longevity?
