How Long Does Ice Cream Last?
Storage method
* freezer times are best-quality windows
Ice cream — freezer, from date of purchase
6 months in the freezer
- Freezer at 0 °F (−18 °C)
- Applies from date of purchase
This freezer window is a best-quality guideline. Food kept constantly frozen at 0 °F (−18 °C) stays safe indefinitely; flavor and texture decline after this period.
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 ice 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.
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer | from date of purchase | 6 months (best quality) |
Common questions about ice cream
- Can you freeze ice cream?
- Yes. 6 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. This is a best-quality window — food kept constantly frozen at 0 °F (−18 °C) stays safe indefinitely.