How long do ice pops last?
USDA lists ice pops with freezer guidance only; see the table.
No guideline
No guideline
No guideline
Do ice pops go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, ice pops 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 ice pops have gone bad
General signs for food purchased frozen, the group USDA lists ice pops under.
- Greyish-brown, dry patches on the surface (freezer burn)
- Heavy frost or ice crystals built up inside the package
- Package that feels soft or has clearly thawed and refrozen
- Off smell as soon as the food starts to thaw
- Freezer odour that has soaked into the food itself
More on food purchased frozen. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other food purchased frozen last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.