Shelf Life Tips
- How long does light cream last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions — keep opened light cream refrigerated and tightly closed.
-
To maximize the shelf of opened light cream, do not store it on the fridge door, as the temperature is too warm - the opened light cream will last longer when stored in the main body of the refrigerator, in its original package.
-
How long does opened light cream last in the refrigerator? Light cream that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 5 to 7 days after opening.
-
To further extend the shelf life of light cream, freeze it: frozen light cream will not whip well when thawed, will often become separated and the texture may become somewhat grainy, but it is usually acceptable for cooking and baking purposes.
-
Freeze light cream in an airtight container and leave at least 1/2 inch headspace at the top, as light cream will expand when frozen; thaw in refrigerator.
-
How long does light cream last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 4 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
-
The freezer time shown is for best quality only - light cream that has been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
-
How to tell if light cream is bad? The best way is to smell and look at the light cream: signs of bad light cream are an off smell, off color and a thick or clumpy texture.
About Our Authors
Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here