Sorbet and sherbet Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
Not recommended
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
9 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Sorbet and sherbet last until the use-by date in the fridge and 9 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if sorbet and sherbet are 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.
Sorbet and sherbet past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened sorbet and sherbet not recommended in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "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
Sorbet and sherbet past their best-by date are usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep sorbet and sherbet fresh longer
- Not recommended to refrigerate after cooking due to decreased quality.
- 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.
More about sorbet and sherbet
FAQ
How long does it take for sorbet and sherbet to go bad?
until the use-by date in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can sorbet and sherbet expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened sorbet and sherbet not recommended in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "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 sorbet and sherbet?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep sorbet and sherbet from going bad?
Not recommended to refrigerate after cooking due to decreased quality.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number