Cream

Shelf life of creamNo, you're not imagining it. New pasteurization technologies are vastly extending the life of dairy creams, much as they are milk and other dairy products. As a result, "use by" and "sell by" dates shown on dairy creams may prompt you to look twice. Depending on the product and when you buy it, some dairy creams may last 2-3 weeks. However, the same isn't true once the creams have been opened. Once opened, the creams lose their extended shelf life.
Cream Shelf Life
RefrigeratorFreezer
Half-and-Half3-4 days1-4 months
Heavy Cream3-4 days1-4 months
Light Cream3-4 days1-4 months
Handling Tips: 
Cover tightly. To prevent bacterial spreading into leftover cream, do not return unused cream to original container.
Opinions on shelf life of cream products vary from 4-10 days.
Ultra-pasteurized creams may last 3-4 weeks.
Land O' Lakes says its open dairy cream should be consumed within 1 week.
Source(s): 
Boyer, Renee, and Julie McKinney. "Food Storage Guidelines for Consumers." Virginia Cooperative Extension (2009): n. pag. Web. 7 Dec 2009.

"Cupboard Storage Chart." K-State Research and Extension n. pag. Web. 23 Dec 2009. <http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/humannutrition/hrap/storage/cupstor.htm>.

Texas Agricultural Extension Service "Food Storage Timetable"

Whatscookingamerica.com "Food Storage Chart--Shelf Life of Food" http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/FreezerChart.htm
 
 

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