How long does cream last?
In the fridge, cream keeps for 1 month from the package date. Once opened, use it within 1 week. All 5 kinds are below.
No guideline
1 month
from the package date
1 week
in the fridge unless noted
By kind
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| whipping, ultrapasteurized | no guideline | 1 month | 1 week | Not recommended |
| whipped, sweetened | no guideline | 1 day | no guideline | 1 to 2 months |
| half and half | no guideline | 3 to 4 days | no guideline | 4 months |
| heavy | no guideline | 10 days | no guideline | 3 to 4 months |
| light | no guideline | 1 week | no guideline | no guideline |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
Does cream go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, cream may still be safe for a short while but quality drops and spoilage signs start. The date on the package is the maker's quality promise; the times here count from purchase unless marked "from the package date".
Two numbers to keep in mind: a fridge at 40 F (4 C) or below, and no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90 F / 32 C) for anything perishable.
How to tell cream has gone bad
General signs for dairy products & eggs, the group USDA lists cream under.
- Sour, sharp smell from milk or yogurt that was mild before
- Mould on cheese that is not part of the recipe
- Eggs that float in a bowl of water instead of sinking
- Slimy or watery texture on soft cheese or yogurt
- Yellowing or watery separation showing up in milk
More on dairy products & eggs. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other dairy products & eggs last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.