Food Purchased Frozen
How long does ice cream last in the freezer?
Ice cream keeps 6 months in the freezer — push the tub to the back, because the door is where it softens and refreezes a little every single day.
How long does it keep?
| Freezer, from purchase | 6 months |
|---|
Can it sit out?
Ice cream is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if ice cream has gone bad
- A crust of ice crystals across the surface
- A grainy, sandy texture on the spoon
- The block shrunken away from the sides of the tub
- A stale freezer smell on the first bite
When in doubt, throw it out.
Press plastic wrap onto the surface before the lid goes back on — that’s what keeps the crystals from building.
Quick answers
How long does ice cream last in the freezer?
Ice cream keeps 6 months in the freezer — push the tub to the back, because the door is where it softens and refreezes a little every single day.
Can you freeze ice cream?
USDA’s freezer window for ice cream is 6 months.
How long can ice cream sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to ice cream. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).