In the freezer
6 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 6 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: ice cream keeps 6 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with not listed in the fridge.
How to freeze ice cream
- Keep it at 0°F (-18°C) or colder in the original pack.
- Reseal opened bags tightly or move to a freezer bag.
- Cook from frozen as the package directs, or thaw in the fridge.
How to thaw ice cream
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 6 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Ice cream Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
In the freezerFreezer
6 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about ice cream
FAQ
How long can you freeze ice cream?
About 6 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen ice cream?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze ice cream?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in ice cream?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number