Ice cream, please. If you ask my mother, she will tell you that I have been an ice cream enthusiast since I was a little child, and my passion for ice cream continues to this day. Needless to say, I have ice cream in my freezer at all times and know precisely how long it lasts.

The shelf life of ice cream in the freezer is determined by whether it is unopened or opened. Unopened ice cream may easily survive three months beyond the expiry date, but opened ice cream containers can last roughly six weeks (if properly kept).

Hello! My name is Shea, and I’ve always considered myself to be the Ice Cream Queen. I like all of the flavors, including mint chip, chocolate chip cookie dough, and others. I’m here to offer some of my ice cream storing expertise.

Let’s see how long ice cream lasts in the freezer!

How Long is Ice Cream Good for in the Freezer? 

The freezer is the obvious (and only) location to keep ice cream. But how long does it truly last? It all depends on whether or not you’ve opened the container.

• Unopened. Unopened ice cream containers may readily survive up to three months beyond the best by date specified on the label.

• Opened. When properly stored, opened tubs of ice cream may survive up to six weeks (more on that later!).

• Homemade. Are you producing your own ice cream? It can be frozen for up to two weeks.

How Can You Tell If Ice Cream Has Gone Bad? (3 Signs)

Although ice cream has a relatively lengthy shelf life, it does not last indefinitely. Ice cream, like any other food, particularly dairy goods, spoils. Keep an eye out for these three signs of rotting.

1. Ice Shards on the Lid and Ice Cream

The sight of ice shards is the most telling symptom that your ice cream has gone bad. These little ice forms will emerge on your ice cream’s lid and top layer. While they are safe to eat, they will have an adverse effect on the taste and texture.

My recommendation? Toss it and replace it with a new carton of ice cream.

2.  A Gooey or Slimy Texture

Examine your ice cream carefully. Is there a difference in the texture? Ice cream that has beyond its expiration date may have a sticky and slimy texture, both of which are quite undesirable. Toss the ice cream straight away if you observe these texture changes.

3. Stale Odor

Ice cream should have a delicious and appealing aroma. If yours is beginning to smell stale, it is spoilt and should be discarded.

It might be difficult to tell whether ice cream has gone bad based just on its smell, so look for additional symptoms of rancidity, such as a change in texture or the presence of ice shards.

How to Store Ice Cream for Longevity (4 Tips)

Unopened ice cream containers may keep for three months beyond the best by date, whereas opened containers can keep for six weeks if properly kept. Here are four techniques to make sure your ice-cold delight lasts as long as possible.

1. Store in the Back or Bottom of the Freezer

It goes without saying that ice cream must be kept in the freezer. But where exactly in the freezer? Ice cream is best stored in the bottom or rear of the freezer. Because these places have less temperature variations, your ice cream will stay longer.

2. Keep it Sealed

Ice cream containers have a lid that should fit snugly over the container. When you’re through scooping your ice cream, ensure sure the lid is snug and secure before returning it to the freezer.

This keeps air, moisture, and other impurities out of your cherished jar of ice-cold, creamy bliss.

3. Use an Airtight Container, If Necessary

lids throughout my life. So, how about you? If the container is cracked, the lid does not fit properly, or there is any other form of damage that might compromise the security of your ice cream, store it in an airtight container.I’ve shattered a couple ice cream cartons.

Don’t believe that your ice cream container has to be imperfect in order to utilize an airtight container. I am a huge believer in protecting yourself twice, particularly when it comes to a beloved meal like ice cream.

However, you may always preserve your ice cream in its original packing and in an airtight container. There is no risk of pollutants getting into your ice cream with a double barrier.

Homemade ice cream must be kept in an airtight container from the start.

4. Never Refreeze Melted Ice Cream

Refreezing melting ice cream is not recommended unless you like food-borne diseases. Melted ice cream is more susceptible to bacterial development, which might make you sick if ingested.

A little meltiness is OK. For instance, if you’re driving home from the grocery store and the top and sides of your car have melted. However, if it has been hanging out for a few hours and has turned into soup rather than ice cream, it is preferable to discard it.

FAQs

Now you know how long ice cream keeps in the freezer, as well as how to identify when it’s gone bad and how to store it correctly. If you want to learn more, have a look at these commonly asked questions!

Can old ice cream make you sick?

Old ice cream, like any other dairy product, may make you ill. The texture and taste, however, are likely to be so repulsive at this stage that the danger is small. The greatest danger comes from melted and refrozen ice cream.

Can you eat ice cream after the expiration date?

The majority of ice cream packages have a best by date rather than an expiry date. This is merely a date that shows when the ice cream is at its freshest, not when it is at its safest. Before consuming, it is recommended to inspect for symptoms of rotting.

What does spoiled ice cream taste like?

Because of the presence of ice shards, spoiled ice cream will most likely have a chewy texture. However, rotten ice cream may be mushy and slimy as well. In any case, spoilt ice cream will not taste fresh, creamy, or delectable. The taste has changed significantly.

How long is ice cream cake good for in the freezer?

Ice cream cake does not survive as long as ice cream in a container. In reality, ice cream cake may be kept in the freezer for up to seven days (if properly stored). The flavor of the ice cream cake is finest during the first several days.

Final Words

Ice cream has a rather long shelf life. When properly kept, unopened containers may readily survive three months beyond the best by date, while opened containers can last six weeks. The shelf life of homemade ice cream is about two weeks.

How long do you keep your frozen ice cream? How do you keep it for a long time?