Expiration & Storage Tips
When does ice cream bar expire?
Ice cream bars are usually good up to 3 months past the printed date on their package, if they're kept constantly frozen. Once you’ve opened the box, the ice cream bars should be eaten within 1 to 2 weeks to maintain the best taste and texture. However, you can keep them in your freezer for up to 3 months, although they might suffer a certain level of flavor and texture degradation during this time. Remember that these periods could be slightly shorter or longer, depending on the brand and ingredients of the ice cream bars. Most homemade ice cream bars last about 1 week in the freezer.
How do you tell if ice cream bar is bad?
Ice cream bars, like other frozen products, can develop freezer-burn if not stored properly. If you’re seeing dry or discolored spots, crystallized bits or it has a strange smell, it's most likely freezer burned. Typical ice cream bars will also lose their shape and become very soft when they’ve gone off. Moreover, you can tell the ice cream bar has gone bad if the chocolate or other coatings appear white in color or have become sticky to touch.
Tips for storing ice cream bar to extend shelf life
• Store the ice cream bars in the main part of the freezer, not in the door, as this area experiences the most temperature fluctuation.
• Try to keep your freezer’s temperature at or below 0°F (-18°C), as this slows down the rate at which the ice cream bars will degrade.
• Don't let the ice cream bars sit out at room temperature for any longer than is necessary.
• If homemade, wrap each ice cream bar individually in plastic wrap before storing them in a freezer-safe container.
• Make sure the box or bag of ice cream bars is sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in, which can lead to freezer burn.