Cream

By John Gregerson

Jun 18, 2009
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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