Expiration & Storage Tips
When does chocolate chip ice cream expire?
Unopened, chocolate chip ice cream can last up to 2-3 months past the 'sell by' date printed on the package. Once it has been opened, it should ideally be finished within 1-2 weeks, but can last about up to a month if stored properly. If it's homemade and not made with preservatives, it’s best consumed within a week.
If you decide to freeze and then defrost your ice cream, this could markedly shorten its lifespan, and ideally, it shouldn’t be re-frozen.
How do you tell if chocolate chip ice cream is bad?
There are clear signs if your chocolate chip ice cream has gone bad, such as:
• Frost build-up on the surface and the lid of the ice cream container.
• Excessively icy or grainy texture.
• A change in color – it may become darker or have an unusual hue.
• An off smell – healthy ice cream should have a subtly sweet aroma, but if it smells funky, discard it.
• If it tastes off, stop eating immediately as it could be spoiled.
Tips for storing chocolate chip ice cream to extend shelf life
• The optimal storage location for chocolate chip ice cream is the main part of your freezer (not the door), where temperature is most stable.
• Try to consume your ice cream quickly after opening. The less time it spends out of the freezer, the better. The constant thawing and refreezing can create an icy texture.
• Press a piece of wax or parchment paper against the surface of the ice cream before resealing the container with a lid. This helps to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface.
• Avoid letting your ice cream sit out for long periods of time while serving or during meals. It's best to scoop out what you will eat and quickly return the container back to the freezer.