All About Whipped cream
Your complete guide to whipped cream - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Whipped cream Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for whipped cream in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened store-bought (refrigerated)until the 'best by' or 'use by' date printed on the package
Signs of Spoilage
Bloating or bulging of the container (especially tubs), visible mold (green, black, pink), significant discoloration (yellowing, greyish tint), strong off-odor if container is compromised.
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any signs of damage or swelling. Check for any visible mold or unusual color through transparent parts of the container. Always check the printed date first. If the container seems compromised, do not open or use.
Storage Tips
Always store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. While some aerosol cans might technically last a little past their date, it's safest to adhere to manufacturer guidelines for dairy products.
opened store-bought aerosol can (refrigerated)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, cheesy, or rancid smell; watery or grainy texture upon dispensing; inability to dispense or sputtering; visible mold around the nozzle; significant discoloration of the cream.
How to Check
Hold the nozzle away from your face and dispense a small amount onto a clean plate. Sniff the dispensed cream for any off-odors. Observe its texture and color – it should be uniformly white and fluffy, not overly watery or clumpy. Wipe the nozzle clean after each use.
Storage Tips
Always wipe the nozzle clean with a damp cloth after each use to prevent bacterial growth and blockages. Store upright in the refrigerator.
opened store-bought tub/carton (refrigerated)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Strong sour, cheesy, or rancid smell; visible mold (fuzzy green, black, pink spots) on the surface or sides; excessive liquid separation (beyond normal slight whey separation); yellowish or greyish discoloration; slimy or overly thick/curdled texture.
How to Check
Open the container and visually inspect the surface and sides for mold or unusual discoloration. Sniff deeply for any off-putting odors. Gently prod with a clean spoon – it should still be light and airy, not slimy or curdled. If in doubt, discard.
Storage Tips
Keep the container tightly sealed after opening to minimize air exposure. Always use clean utensils to scoop out cream to avoid introducing bacteria. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
homemade (refrigerated)2-3 days
Signs of Spoilage
Significant weeping (excessive liquid pooling at the bottom); deflated or collapsed texture; sour or rancid smell; visible mold (less common in this short timeframe but possible).
How to Check
Visually check for a large amount of liquid separation or if the cream has completely lost its airy structure. Sniff for any sour or off-odors; fresh homemade whipped cream has a clean, sweet dairy scent. The texture should still be light and hold its shape, not slimy or gritty.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container to prevent absorption of other fridge odors and to minimize air exposure. Due to the lack of stabilizers, homemade whipped cream is more delicate and prone to weeping. Best made fresh and served immediately.
frozen (store-bought or homemade)1-2 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored patches, excessive ice crystals on the cream itself); strong off-odor (rancid, sour) after thawing; extreme separation and grainy, watery texture after thawing (this is expected to some degree, but extreme spoilage will have an odor).
How to Check
Ensure the cream was fresh before freezing. After thawing in the refrigerator, inspect for any signs of mold or unusual discoloration. The primary test is smell: sniff for any rancid or sour odors. While texture will be compromised, an off-odor indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
For best results, flash freeze dollops of whipped cream on parchment paper-lined trays until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator. The texture will be significantly altered (more watery, less fluffy) and is best suited for applications where it will be mixed in, such as hot beverages, smoothies, or baked goods, rather than as a direct topping.