Surprisingly, ice cream doesn’t last indefinitely once it’s been opened. There is a common misconception that freezing food will stop the growth of bacteria and keep it fresh for longer. While this is not entirely false, it is also not entirely accurate one hundred percent of the time.
No matter how we picked up this so-called “lifehack,” whether it was from our parents telling us to “store it in the freezer, it will last longer” or from some other source, it’s time to rethink it.
When people buy ice cream, it doesn’t take very long for it to be consumed because there is so much of it. Because ice cream is such a delicious dessert, it is typically consumed far before the date that is printed on the container. As a result, there is typically no need to worry about it going bad or suffering freezer burn.
However, whether you buy ice cream in bulk or are just wondering about how long it will stay fresh in the freezer, the following are some general suggestions to follow.
What is the shelf life of ice cream in the freezer?
When properly protected in the freezer at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit, the ice cream in a container that has not been opened can maintain its flavor for up to two months while still having a shelf life. However, once opened, ice cream can be kept fresh for around six weeks if it is kept at a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit.
It is still technically acceptable to consume for another three to four months, but after that, it should be thrown away because it poses a health risk. After it has been opened, you have around two to three weeks to consume the contents before it goes bad.
It has been found through research conducted by the University of Nebraska that ice cream does not keep very well in the freezer. Only two to three weeks are suggested per the table.
Conclusion
You may extend the shelf life of ice cream by immediately placing it in the freezer after it has been opened. Keep it in a container that has a good lid so that moisture and other potential hazards can’t get in. You can keep ice cream in its original container, or you can extend the shelf life of the ice cream by keeping it in a container made of Tupperware.