Shelf Life Tips
- How long does ice cream topping last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of opened ice cream topping, keep it refrigerated and tightly closed.
-
How long does opened ice cream topping last in the refrigerator? Ice cream topping that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months.
-
Is opened ice cream topping safe to use after the expiration date on the package? Yes, provided it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged ice cream topping will typically carry a “Best By," "Best if Used By," Best Before, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the ice cream topping will remain at peak quality.
-
The storage time shown for opened ice cream topping is for best quality only - after that, the topping's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been kept continuously refrigerated, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
-
How can you tell if opened ice cream topping is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the ice cream topping: if the topping develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
About Our Authors
Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
