How long ice cream lasts in the freezer, and what freezer burn means
Quick answer
-
Freezer
Keeps for 6 months
Keep ice cream in a freezer set at 0°F (-18°C) or below and eat it within 6 months of buying it.
Watch out A fridge freezer compartment that can't hold 0°F, or whose door opens often, is for short-term storage only.
Ice cream keeps 6 months in the freezer from the day you buy it, and sherbet and sorbet keep 9 months. Ice cream kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe, so those times are for quality. Freezer burn doesn't make it unsafe, but heavily freezer-burned ice cream may have to go for quality reasons.
Buying ice cream this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Ice cream keeps 6 months in the freezer from the day you buy it, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Sherbet and sorbet last longer, at 9 months.
Those times are for quality, not safety. Ice cream kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe, but its quality suffers the longer it stays frozen.
How long does ice cream last in the freezer?
Ice cream lasts 6 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase. The clock starts on the day you buy it, not the day you open the carton. That’s the FoodKeeper time for quality, so plan to finish a carton within it.
| Frozen dessert | Freezer, from the date of purchase |
|---|---|
| Ice cream | 6 months |
| Sherbet | 9 months |
| Sorbet | 9 months |
Does ice cream go bad?
Ice cream doesn’t become unsafe in a freezer that stays at 0°F (-18°C), but its quality goes down over long storage. That’s why FoodKeeper gives it 6 months, counted from the day you buy it.
Quality is also the reason to throw ice cream out. The USDA says heavily freezer-burned food may have to be discarded for quality reasons.
How long do sherbet and sorbet last?
Sherbet and sorbet keep 9 months in the freezer from the date of purchase. Like ice cream, they stay safe at a constant 0°F (-18°C), so the 9 months is about quality. FoodKeeper doesn’t recommend keeping them in the refrigerator, due to decreased quality.
What temperature should an ice cream freezer be?
Your freezer should be at 0°F (-18°C) or below, the temperature at which frozen food stays safe. Keep an appliance thermometer in it to check the temperature, as the USDA’s guide to freezing and food safety advises.
The thermometer matters most if you have a power outage or mechanical problems. Check the refrigerator the same way, and keep it at 40°F or below.
Can you keep ice cream in the fridge’s freezer compartment?
Yes, though if the compartment can’t hold 0°F or you open the door often, use it for short-term storage only. Eat ice cream kept there as soon as possible for best quality. For long-term storage, the USDA recommends a free-standing freezer set at 0°F or below.
Freezer burn on ice cream
Freezer burn doesn’t make ice cream unsafe, only dry in spots. It’s caused by air coming in contact with the surface of the food.
How to tell if ice cream has freezer burn
Look for dry spots on the surface, where air reached the ice cream. The USDA describes freezer burn on food as grayish-brown leathery spots.
Can you eat freezer-burned ice cream?
Yes, freezer-burned ice cream is safe to eat. You can cut the freezer-burned parts away, but heavily freezer-burned food may have to be thrown out for quality reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Does ice cream expire?
USDA FoodKeeper gives ice cream 6 months in the freezer, counted from the day you buy it. Kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C), it stays safe, so that time is about quality.
Can you keep sherbet in the fridge?
No, USDA FoodKeeper doesn't recommend refrigerating sherbet or sorbet, due to decreased quality. Keep them in the freezer, where they last 9 months.
What causes freezer burn on ice cream?
Freezer burn happens when air comes in contact with the surface of frozen food. It leaves the food dry in spots but doesn't make it unsafe.
Should you keep a thermometer in the freezer?
Yes, the USDA advises keeping an appliance thermometer in your freezer to check the temperature. That's especially important after a power outage or mechanical problems.
Is ice cream safe after 6 months in the freezer?
Yes, if it stayed constantly at 0°F (-18°C), because freezer times are for quality. Expect its quality to suffer the longer you keep it.
