Expiration & Storage Tips
When does caramel ice cream expire?
When properly stored, unopened caramel ice cream can typically last for 2-3 months in the freezer from the purchase date, although for the best quality, it's recommended to consume within that timeframe. Once opened, it can last about 1-2 months in the freezer, regardless of whether it's store-bought or homemade. However, the risk of frostbite increases once it's opened, which can degrade the texture and flavor.
How do you tell if caramel ice cream is bad?
It might be a little tricky to determine if your caramel ice cream has gone bad as it doesn't spoil in the traditional sense. Ice cream won't become inedible even when stored for a long time, but the quality deteriorates. Look out for any significant color changes, an off smell, or if a thick layer of ice crystals has formed on the top. If you taste it and find the flavor off or the texture overly crystallized, your ice cream has probably passed its prime.
Tips for storing caramel ice cream to extend shelf life
• Always store your ice cream in the back of the freezer where it remains the coldest and is less affected by temperature changes whenever the freezer door is opened.
• A deeper container is better compared to a shorter and wider one. When you scoop from a deep container, you expose less of the ice cream's surface area to air, reducing chances of ice crystal formation.
• If you've opened the container, press a piece of wax paper against the surface of the remaining ice cream before putting the lid back on. This can help deter ice crystal formation.
• Lastly, never let your ice cream thaw and refreeze. When it melts and refreezes it loses its creamy texture and can become icy and gritty.