How Long Does Cream Last?
Storage method
Cream — whipping, ultrapasteurized — refrigerator, from date of purchase
1 month in the refrigerator
- Refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C)
- Applies from date of purchase · whipping, ultrapasteurized
Pick a valid date to calculate the recommended use-by window.
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24) · About this data · Report an issue
FoodStorageCheck — official USDA FoodKeeper guidance · foodstoragecheck.com
All official guidance for cream
Every storage entry the USDA FoodKeeper dataset lists for this food, exactly as published (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24). “No official duration listed” means the source does not provide a number for that combination — not that the food lasts forever.
Cream — whipping, ultrapasteurized
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 1 month |
| Refrigerator | after opening | 1 week |
| Freezer | general guideline | Not recommended |
Cream — whipped, sweetened
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | general guideline | 1 day |
| Freezer | general guideline | 1 to 2 months (best quality) |
Cream — half and half
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 3 to 4 days |
| Freezer | from date of purchase | 4 months (best quality) |
Cream — heavy
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 10 days |
| Freezer | from date of purchase | 3 to 4 months (best quality) |
Cream — light
| Where | Condition | Official time | Notes from the source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 1 week | — |
| Freezer | general guideline | No official duration listed | Use for cooking. |
| Freezer | from date of purchase | 3 to 4 months (best quality) | — |
Common questions about cream
- How long does cream last in the refrigerator?
- 1 month in the refrigerator, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Times assume a refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C).
- Can you freeze cream?
- The USDA FoodKeeper dataset lists this storage method as not recommended for cream.
- How long does cream last after opening?
- Once opened — refrigerator: 1 week, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset.
Two reminders that apply here
Keep the fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or below.Refrigerator times in this dataset assume a refrigerator held at or below 40 °F. An appliance thermometer is the reliable way to check.
The two-hour rule.Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90 °F / 32 °C) should be discarded, per FoodSafety.gov. Storage windows assume food was refrigerated promptly.