When it comes to the question of whether ice cream can go bad, the answer is yes. Like all foods, ice cream has a natural tendency to spoil over time. Ice cream is not only an incredible invention but also the most popular frozen dessert worldwide. From young to old, everyone loves its freezing yet soft, creamy, and versatile delights. But with our love for ice cream comes the inevitable question: Does ice cream go bad?

Manufacturers make every effort to maintain the quality of ice cream, and consumers do their best to store it properly at home. Unlike other dairy products, ice cream usually comes with a best-before date rather than a use-by or sell-by date, which is worth paying attention to.

To ensure that you don’t end up eating bad ice cream and getting a stomach ache, let’s dive into the topic. In this article, we’ll explore how long ice cream lasts and how to store it properly. So, with the guidance of Dr. Ice Cream, let’s get started!

The Shelf Life of Ice Cream

Whether you have unopened or opened ice cream, it will eventually go bad. For unopened ice cream, check the best-by date printed on the packaging. As long as the packaging is intact, use the ice cream before the expiration day.

When it comes to opened ice cream, consuming it quickly will ensure the best taste and quality. If you want to store it for a period of time, 2 to 4 months is an appropriate duration.

Hard-Serve vs. Soft-Serve

Ice cream comes in two main forms: hard-serve and soft-serve. While they share similar ingredients, the proportions vary, resulting in different storage conditions.

Hard-serve ice cream contains 0% to 18% milk fat and combines 20% cream with additional sweeteners and flavoring additives. It undergoes a continuous process of churning, aerating, cooling, and freezing to produce the desired texture. Finally, it is freeze-dried at around -15°C.

Soft-serve ice cream follows a similar formula but has a lower milk fat content (3% to 6%) and a higher volume of air, resulting in a fluffy and light texture. Made using soft-serve machines, the mixture is injected with air while being churned and frozen at -4°C to boost the overrun. The final product is stored in the machine’s serving chamber at around 30°C.

Common Ice Cream Misconceptions

Let’s address some common misconceptions about ice cream. Firstly, freezing ice cream doesn’t make it immortal. It does have an expiration date, which is indicated by the best-before date. So, make sure to respect that date.

Secondly, if your ice cream melts and you refreeze it, it can be dangerous. Refreezing can lead to the growth and multiplication of bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best not to eat the melted and refrozen ice cream. Scrape off the melted part before returning it to the freezer.

Lastly, freezer burn can affect the quality of your ice cream. Freezer burn occurs when moisture seeps into the ice cream and forms ice crystals on its surface. To prevent this, try lowering the temperature of your freezer and tightly sealing the ice cream container.

Signs of Spoiled Ice Cream

It can be challenging to know if your ice cream is still edible. Here are two signs to look out for:

• Visual Inspection: If you see a combination of gooey and small ice shards floating in a liquid-like substance, it’s a clear indication that the ice cream has spoiled.
• Smell Check: If you notice a musty odor, it could be a sign that some ingredients in the ice cream have become moldy.

How Long Does Ice Cream Last?

The shelf life of ice cream depends on various factors. Unopened ice cream can remain safe to eat for about 3 to 4 months, while opened ice cream is best consumed within a month.

Sherbet, a variation of ice cream, can last a month longer than traditional ice cream, both when opened and unopened.

Proper Ice Cream Storage

To ensure optimal taste and quality, follow these tips for storing your ice cream:

• Finish it or Share it: It’s best to consume the ice cream in one sitting. If that’s not possible, try to finish it within two months of opening it.
• Maintain Temperature: Store ice cream at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent freezer burn. Adjust your freezer’s temperature accordingly.
• Choose the Right Spot: Store your ice cream at the back of the freezer, as it experiences the least temperature change when the freezer is opened.
• Avoid Mixing Flavors: To prevent the mixing of odors, place a box of baking soda or used tea bags near the ice cream container.
• Prevent Air Exposure: Use airtight containers or plastic boxes with lids to minimize air exposure. You can also cover the ice cream’s surface with plastic wrap or use specialized containers designed for storing ice cream.

Conclusion

While ice cream is less likely to spoil or grow mold due to its frozen nature, it can still expire or become inedible due to factors like freezer burn, bacterial contamination, or improper storage conditions. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can store your ice cream properly and differentiate between spoiled and safe-to-eat ice cream.

For more information and helpful tips about ice cream, visit Ice Cream — your go-to directory for all things ice cream!

Reference: IDFA (2021). Tips on Storing & Handling Ice Cream. International Dairy Foods Association. IDFA 2021.