How long does heavy cream last?

How long does heavy whipping cream last, and what is heavy cream shelf life?

According to the FDA*heavy cream (or double cream) is a cream that contains no less than 36% milk fat. It can be pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized and be homogenized. And it is suitable for up to 30 days if kept in the refrigerator at 40F or less and is handled properly. The best way of knowing whether it is fresh or safe is by tasting, checking for the below signs, and following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Download this Food Keeper brochure for more information about how to store your food such as sour cream, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, different types of cream, and heavy cream products.

The tricky thing is understanding when the 30 days start. My advice? Do not worry about it. Look at the expiration date. All dairy products have an expiration date provided by their manufacturer, which varies since each has its processing method. But it is the best and most accurate estimation (assuming the products has been appropriately stored) for when the perishable dairy product might start to inhibit bacterial growth.

How to tell if heavy cream is bad?

Heavy cream has a high-fat content; sometimes you may wonder if heavy cream does go bad?. Well, it does. Learn to know if it is bad by paying attention to the following few signs. These are signs that your cream has gone bad, and consuming it might cause stomach upsets and food poisoning.

The first thing I would like to point out is that an opened carton will lose its freshness faster than unopened cartons of heavy cream since it has been exposed to air and other bacteria. This is why it is even more important to watch for signs of spoilage. 

• The cream has a strong sour smell.
• The cream has an unpleasant metallic taste.
• The container collected yellowish greener color at the corners.
• When you pour it, its texture is stringy and slimy, and it does not mix with other liquids well.
• Check the heavy whipping cream expiration date, and remember that every container has a different life span depending on where you store it, how crowded your fridge is, and what its temperature is.

*note that cream does not tend to curdle the same way as milk does when spoils.

Tips to prolong the shelf life of heavy cream

It is important to understand that even if the heavy cream does not show any signs of spoilage, an old heavy cream will no longer be at its best quality. Be sure to read the various ways and tips below for an extended period and best results

• Food safety comes first. If in doubt, toss it out!!!
• Check the expiry date when shopping at your local grocery store. Make sure that it is at least 30 days ahead. (note that stores place the fresh containers at the back of the shelf, so don’t be shy and move the cartons around).
• Do not keep cream (or any other milk products) at room temperature for too long.
• Store your cream at the back of the fridge and not at the fridge door.
• Ensure your refrigerator’s temperature is not above 40F (5C).
• Keep the cream tightly sealed at all times (I find that the original package is the best option, even better than an airtight container).
• Use leftover heavy cream as soon as possible, below I listed a few ideas and recipes for future uses. It’s always a great idea to minimize food waste.

Recipes ideas

• Homemade ice cream like this Tahini Chocolate ice cream and this Caramelized banana ice cream.
• Chocolate ganache for filling and coating cakes and cupcakes 
• Make chocolate whipped cream to fill some brioche donuts.
• Practice your stabilized heavy cream skills.
• Make thick cream sauces like this Gorgonzola cream sauce or creamy soups like this Crab bisque.
• Pour the cream into ice cube trays for your coffee or other drinks.

* In the United States, The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA) inspects only meat, poultry, and egg products. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspects and regulates other foods. 

Conclusions and a few last notes

To summon up our short discussion about the shelf life of heavy cream, here are some pointers and conclusions.

• Heavy cream has a higher fat content and is different from light cream and whole milk, so they each have a different shelf life length.
• Heavy cream shelf life is up to 30 days.
• Ultra-pasteurized cream has a longer shelf life but might not whip and stabilize as pasteurized one.
• Expiration date is the manufacturer’s recommended date you should use the cream by.
• Storage and handling make a difference and can reduce or prolong the shelf life of the cream.
• If spoiled heavy cream is consumed it can cause foodborne illnesses such as e.coli. 

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