Is expired ice cream safe to eat?
Quick Answer
No
Expired ice cream can potentially be unsafe to eat due to the growth of bacteria or molds, especially if it has been stored improperly or for a long period past its expiration date.
What Is It?
Expired ice cream refers to ice cream that has passed its ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date indicated on its packaging.
How to Tell
Signs of expired ice cream can include an off smell, change in color, presence of ice crystals, or a change in texture.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating expired ice cream can pose several health risks.
- Food poisoning: Bacteria or molds that may grow in expired ice cream can cause food poisoning.
- Allergic reactions: Molds that grow in expired ice cream can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Safe Method?
The safest method is to consume ice cream before its expiration date. If it’s slightly past the date but has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage, it may still be safe to eat but it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
If the ice cream is more than a week past its expiration date, it’s best to discard it.
Safe Alternatives
If you have expired ice cream, consider replacing it with a fresh tub. There are also many other dessert alternatives like fruit, yogurt, or gelato.
Storage Tips
[“Keep the ice cream in the main part of the freezer, not on the door, as it’s the coldest part.”, ‘Ensure the freezer temperature is below 0°F (-18°C).’, ‘Always keep the ice cream tub sealed when not in use to prevent exposure to air.