Ice cream Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
In the freezerFreezer
6 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Ice cream lasts until the use-by date in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if ice cream is bad
Freezer burn
Dry, greyish-white patches. Safe, but trim them off.
Ice crystals
Heavy ice inside the pack means it has thawed and refrozen.
Smell
Off smell after thawing — discard.
Package
Torn packaging lets air in and speeds quality loss.
Ice cream past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
Follow the package date. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Ice cream past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep ice cream fresh longer
- Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
- Do not let it thaw and refreeze on the way home; shop for frozen food last.
- Reseal opened bags to prevent freezer burn.
More about ice cream
FAQ
How long does it take for ice cream to go bad?
until the use-by date in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can ice cream expire?
Follow the package date. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad ice cream?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep ice cream from going bad?
Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number