Popsicle

If you're buying store-bought Popsicles, they usually have a 'use by' or 'best by' date printed on the packaging. But don't worry, this isn't a hard and fast rule. In most cases, they can last 6 to 8 months beyond the printed date if unopened and stored properly in the freezer. Once it's opened, like when you take one out, the rest should still stay good for the same length of time, as long as you re-seal the packaging well and put them back in the freezer promptly. If you've made your own Popsicles and froze them, they should last around 1 to 2 months in the freezer.

Even though Popsicles are frozen, they can still go bad over time. The most visible sign is the presence of ice crystals on the Popsicle. This is a process called freezer burn, the result of fluctuating temperatures in the freezer, which dehydrate the Popsicle leading to changes in its taste and texture. It's still safe to eat, but might not taste as good. And of course, if the Popsicle has any signs of mold, discoloration, or a strange odor, it's probably gone bad and should not be eaten.

• Keep the Popsicles in a well-sealed package or airtight container to avoid freezer burn and minimize exposure to air, which can introduce bacteria. • Store Popsicles in the back of the freezer where the temperature is most consistent. • For homemade Popsicles, make sure to freeze them as soon as you've made them and they're properly sealed in their molds. • If you need to store Popsicles for a long time, consider using a deep freezer which maintains a more consistent and colder temperature. • Use a marker to write the date on the package when you opened it or made them. This way you can keep track of how long they've been in the freezer.