Expiration & Storage Tips
When does rocky road ice cream expire?
When it comes to ice cream, and Rocky Road is no exception, an unopened store-bought tub can last 2-3 months past the 'best by' date printed on the packaging. However, once opened, your ice cream should ideally be consumed within 1-2 weeks for the best taste and texture. If the ice cream is homemade, it should be eaten within two weeks. Ice cream can be stored in the freezer indefinitely for food safety, but the quality will start to decline after two months.
How do you tell if rocky road ice cream is bad?
It's not always easy to tell if Rocky Road ice cream has gone bad, especially since it's a frozen product. The first sign is a change in texture. If your ice cream has become icy, it may not necessarily be spoiled, but the texture would have declined, making it less enjoyable to eat. Another sign of ice cream going bad is the presence of freezer burn, which manifests as white, crystalline patches on the ice cream's surface. Lastly, if the ice cream has an off smell or if you spot any signs of mold (though this is rare), it's best to discard it.
Tips for storing rocky road ice cream to extend shelf life
• Keep your Rocky Road ice cream in the back of the freezer, as temperatures are most stable there, not in the door where it's exposed to fluctuating temperatures every time the door is opened.
• Make sure the ice cream tub lid is tightly sealed before placing it back in the freezer to prevent air from getting in.
• If you're dealing with homemade ice cream, store it in a well-sealed container, ideally with an airtight lid.
• To prevent ice crystal formation (freezer burn), place a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap directly on the ice cream before putting the lid back on.
• Should your ice cream soften during serving, avoid refreezing it as this will lead to a grainy texture.