Half and half Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
3–4 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
4 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Half and half lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if half and half is bad
Smell
Sour or cheesy smell when it should be clean and mild.
Texture
Lumps, curdling or a thick, slimy body.
Colour
Yellowing or a pink, green or grey tinge.
Taste
Sour or bitter at the first sip — stop and discard.
Half and half past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened half and half 3–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
For perishable half and half, the storage clock matters more than the label: if it has been in the fridge longer than 3–4 days, discard it even before the printed date.
How to keep half and half fresh longer
- Store on an inside shelf, not the door, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Close the container tightly; dairy absorbs fridge odours.
- Pour what you need and return it to the fridge right away.
More about half and half
FAQ
How long does it take for half and half to go bad?
3–4 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can half and half expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened half and half 3–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad half and half?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep half and half from going bad?
Store on an inside shelf, not the door, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number