How Long is Ice Cream Good for in the Freezer: Best Practices

It’s not uncommon for ice cream lovers to stock up on our stashes so we have options when the temptation hits. This got us thinking: how long is ice cream good for in the freezer? Here’s the scoop on the easiest tips to keep your favorite carton fresh for your next indulgent scoop.

When ice cream spends too much time in temperatures above 10°F (-12°C), it will experience changes to its body, flavor, and texture characteristics. Home freezers can be a little unpredictable because of fluctuating temperatures, so following these pro tips can help you keep your ice cream in its best shape and form !

In the Store:
Shopping day is exciting, but let’s not forget the golden rule: Save the ice cream aisle for last! Make Moose Tracks the grand finale of your grocery run.

Here are a few more tips for when you’re in the wild (a.k.a. the grocery store):

• Check the temp: The optimal temperature for ice cream is 0°F (-18°C) or colder. If stored at the correct amount, the ice cream will feel thoroughly frozen and hard to the touch. Give the outside of the ice cream carton a squeeze. If it feels a little soft, it’s not as frozen as it should be.
• Aim low: In open freezers, always grab cartons from below the freezer line where it’s coldest. You might have to move the top few cartons out of the way to get to the cartons underneath.
• Ice cream throne: Give your Moose Tracks a royal seat in your grocery cart—on top of other groceries or in a separate section.
• Insulate for the journey: Use a freezer bag or ask for an extra paper bag to keep things chilly on the ride home.
• No stops on the way home: Most importantly, head straight home after picking up your Moose Tracks. The quicker it gets to your freezer, the better.

At Home:
Your freezer is Moose Tracks’ palace, but not all freezers are created equal. To keep things frosty and fabulous, follow these tips:

• Stay frozen or melted: Don’t let your ice cream repeatedly soften and re-freeze. . When you’re done scooping your ice cream, put the carton right back into the freezer.
• Comfortable temperatures: Keep your freezer between -5°F and 0°F. At this temperature, your ice cream will stay solid and ready for scooping at a moment’s notice.
• Cold storage: Store your Moose Tracks in the main part of the freezer, not in or near the door, where temps fluctuate every time the freezer is opened.
• Magic lid trick: Once you’ve opened your carton, press a piece of plastic wrap or waxed paper directly onto the ice cream surface before popping the lid back on. This helps keep pesky ice crystals away.
• Double down: For long-term storage, place your carton in a gallon freezer bag. It’s like a cozy sleeping bag for your ice cream, protecting it from freezer burn.
• No fridge mingling: Don’t let your Moose Tracks hang out near uncovered foods. Ice cream is like a sponge—it’ll absorb those odors and affect its flavor.
• Keep the doors closed: We’re all guilty of eating straight from the carton, right in front of the freezer. We are in support of this, as long as you keep the freezer door shut to protect your Moose Tracks!

Finally, aim to enjoy your ice cream within a month of purchase. Not that it’s a challenge—who’s keeping a carton of Moose Tracks that long anyway?

Following these simple tips ensures every scoop of Moose Tracks tastes just as good as the day you brought it home. Ditch the freezer burn and store your ice cream effectively so you can enjoy every last bite. For more tips and tricks, visit our blog!