How long does cream last?
Short answer: Cream (whipping, ultrapasteurized) keeps 1 month (1 week once opened) in the fridge and doesn't freeze well.
Storage chart
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| whipping, ultrapasteurized | 1 month; 1 week (after opening) | Not recommended |
| whipped, sweetened | 1 day | 1–2 months |
| half and half | 3–4 days | 4 months |
| heavy | 10 days | 3–4 months |
| light | 1 week | 3–4 months |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder, freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; food kept frozen stays safe indefinitely.
Storage tips
- Use for cooking.
Keep it longer
Keep dairy on a shelf, not in the door, where the temperature swings every time the fridge opens.
Common questions
How long does cream last in the fridge?
1 month (1 week once opened) in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper data.
Can you freeze cream?
Freezing isn't recommended for cream; the texture and quality suffer.
How can I tell if cream has gone bad?
Throw it out if you see mold, a slimy texture, an off smell or an odd color. For anything perishable, go by the storage time rather than smell: bacteria that cause food poisoning don't usually change how food looks or smells.
More dairy products & eggs
Source: USDA FoodKeeper data (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service). Updated 2026-10-13. General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.