Cool Whip is a popular whipped topping that can last for quite a while in the refrigerator if stored properly. But with time, you may start to wonder – does Cool Whip actually go bad? Here is a detailed look at how long Cool Whip lasts in the fridge and how to tell if it has gone bad.
How Long Does Unopened Cool Whip Last in the Fridge?
An unopened tub of Cool Whip will typically last 2-3 months past the “best by” date printed on the package when stored in the refrigerator. The National Dairy Council confirms that unopened, commercially packaged whipped toppings like Cool Whip have a fridge shelf life of about 3 months.
According to Kraft Heinz, the manufacturer of Cool Whip, an unopened tub that is stored in the fridge will stay fresh for “several weeks” after the date on the package. So the printed date is not an expiration date, but rather a general guideline for peak quality.
As long as your unopened Cool Whip has been continuously refrigerated, look for signs of spoilage before throwing it out. The texture and taste are the best indicators of whether it has gone bad or not.
Does Unopened Cool Whip Go Bad?
An unopened tub of Cool Whip can go bad once it is past its prime, but it will take longer than opened Cool Whip. If stored properly in the fridge, an unopened tub can sometimes last for many months past the “best by” date before quality starts to decline. Here are some signs that unopened Cool Whip has gone bad:
- Lumpy, grainy, or separated texture
- Watery appearance
- Off white color
- Sour smell
- Bad taste after stirring
If your Cool Whip shows any of those signs, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded. But if the topping still looks creamy white and tastes sweet and smooth, an unopened tub is probably still safe to use.
How Long Does Opened Cool Whip Last?
Once opened, Cool Whip has a much shorter fridge life. According to Kraft Heinz, an opened tub of Cool Whip will stay good for about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
The conquered date assumes proper storage at 40°F or below. Make sure to store opened Cool Whip pushed all the way to the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
Does Opened Cool Whip Go Bad?
Opened Cool Whip can definitely go bad after a few weeks in the fridge. Here are some signs that your opened tub of Cool Whip has spoiled and needs to be discarded:
- Liquid at the bottom of the tub
- Mold growth
- Separation and clumping
- Organic matter floating in it
- Sour or bitter flavor
Discard your opened Cool Whip if you see any mold or if the taste and texture seem off. But some separation and liquid at the bottom is normal for an opened tub. Just stir the liquid back in before using.
How to Store Cool Whip to Make it Last
You can maximize the shelf life of Cool Whip by storing it properly. Here are some tips for keeping Cool Whip fresh for as long as possible:
Unopened Cool Whip
- Store in the fridge right away after buying
- Keep Cool Whip tub pushed all the way to the back of the top shelf
- Don’t let it sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Check “best by” date and look for signs of spoilage before using
Opened Cool Whip
- Keep unused portion covered tightly with plastic wrap
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the tub
- Store in a cold spot like the bottom shelf or deli drawer
- Use within 3 weeks
- Don’t double dip or introduce bacteria
As long as you store Cool Whip properly and keep an eye on signs of spoilage, both opened and unopened tubs should last a good while past the date on the package.
How to Tell if Cool Whip Has Gone Bad
Here are some simple ways to check your Cool Whip for freshness:
Look
Fresh Cool Whip should be smooth, creamy, and evenly white in color. If you see any gray, yellow, or brown discoloration, chunks or liquid, that’s a sign it has started to spoil.
Smell
Cool Whip has a sweet, creamy scent when fresh. If you detect a sour, buttermilk-like smell, toss it.
Texture
The texture should be light, smooth, and fluffy. Cool Whip tends to get a grainy texture and start to separate as it goes bad.
Taste
Do a quick taste test if you notice any visual or textural changes – your mouth is often the best judge. Fresh Cool Whip tastes sweet and buttery. Rancid Cool Whip will have a sour or “off” taste.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
If you notice any signs that seem “off” and indicate spoilage, don’t risk getting sick – discard the Cool Whip. With whipped toppings, it’s better to be safe than sorry if you notice anything unusual.
How Long Can You Freeze Cool Whip?
Freezing is a great way to prolong the shelf life of Cool Whip that you can’t finish right away. According to the manufacturer, you can freeze an opened or unopened tub of Cool Whip for up to 2-3 months.
To freeze Cool Whip:
- Leave it in the original tub or whip and transfer to an airtight freezer container
- Wrap tubs tightly in plastic wrap or foil
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before using
Properly frozen Cool Whip will retain its flavor and texture when thawed. It may become a bit more liquid or soft after freezing.
Can You Freeze Cool Whip After Opening?
Yes, you can safely freeze opened Cool Whip. Freezing will stop the spoilage process and extend the shelf life.
To freeze an opened tub of Cool Whip:
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing
- Wrap the tub tightly in another layer of plastic wrap or foil
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using
Just be sure to use opened Cool Whip within a few weeks after thawing – don’t refreeze thawed Cool Whip or keep it in the fridge for more than a few days.
Does Cool Whip Need to be Refrigerated?
Yes, Cool Whip always requires refrigeration. According to Kraft Heinz, Cool Whip must be stored at refrigerator temperatures of 40°F or below at all times.
Even before opening, Cool Whip needs to be kept cold. And once you break the seal, an opened container of Cool Whip has an even shorter shelf life unless refrigerated.
Sitting at room temperature can accelerate bacteria growth, causing Cool Whip to spoil faster. Letting Cool Whip sit out for over 2 hours is not recommended.
Can You Leave Cool Whip Out Overnight?
It’s not recommended to leave Cool Whip out of the refrigerator overnight. Since Cool Whip is a dairy-based product, sitting at room temperature for extended periods gives bacteria a chance to multiply quickly and shorten its shelf life.
Your best bet is to refrigerate Cool Whip as soon as possible after opening or using. Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container or bag pushed to the back of the fridge.
Can You Store Cool Whip in the Freezer or Pantry?
Cool Whip should always be stored in the refrigerator and is not shelf-stable at room temperature. However, you can store unopened or opened Cool Whip in the freezer.
Freezer
Placing Cool Whip in the freezer will stop bacteria growth and prolong its shelf life. Both opened and unopened tubs of Cool Whip can be frozen for 2-3 months.
Pantry
The pantry is not a safe place to store Cool Whip. At room temperature, the ingredients in Cool Whip can spoil within hours. Always refrigerate unused Cool Whip or freeze for longer storage.
Can You Microwave Cool Whip?
Yes, you can safely microwave Cool Whip to re-soften the texture as needed. Cool Whip may start to get stiff and clump up a bit when stored in the fridge, so a quick zap in the microwave can help smooth it out.
Kraft Heinz recommends microwaving Cool Whip for 10-15 seconds, stopping to stir, and continuing with 5-10 second intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.
Avoid microwaving Cool Whip for too long, as this can cause the oils to separate or get extremely hot. And don’t put metal bowls or foil in the microwave.
Does Cool Whip Need to be Refrigerated After Opening?
Yes, Cool Whip always needs refrigeration after opening. According to the manufacturer, an opened tub should be stored in the fridge and used within 2-3 weeks.
Exposing opened Cool Whip to room temperature allows bacteria and mold to grow faster. Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface.
Can You Leave Opened Cool Whip Out Overnight?
It’s best not to leave previously opened Cool Whip out overnight, or for more than 2 hours at room temperature. To prevent foodborne illness, opened Cool Whip needs continuous refrigeration.
If you accidentally leave an opened container out, use your judgment. Give it a look and smell – if it has any off colors or sour odors, throw it out. When in doubt, don’t risk getting sick.
Does Cool Whip Expire?
Cool Whip doesn’t exactly “expire” – but it does have a limited shelf life. With proper refrigeration, an unopened tub will stay fresh for 2 to 3 months past the printed “best by” date.
Once opened, Cool Whip lasts about 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Watch out for changes in appearance, texture and smell over time.
The shelf life shortens after the seal is broken since bacteria can start growing. Discard opened Cool Whip if you notice any signs of spoilage.
Can You Eat Cool Whip After Expiration Date?
It’s best to discard Cool Whip once it passes the printed “best by” or “use by” date on the package. However, the expiration date is more of a guideline than a hard rule.
As long as refrigerated Cool Whip looks, smells, and tastes normal, it’s likely still safe to eat for some time after the date. But quality starts dropping, so it’s ideal to finish Cool Whip by its expiration when possible.
Does Cool Whip Need to be Refrigerated Before Opening?
Refrigeration is recommended for Cool Whip even before opening the container. According to Kraft Heinz, unopened Cool Whip should always be stored at fridge temperatures below 40°F.
Sitting at room temperature can shorten the shelf life of Cool Whip due to separation of ingredients. For food safety, it’s best to refrigerate unopened tubs right away.
Can Unopened Cool Whip Sit Out?
It’s not recommended to leave unopened Cool Whip out at room temperature. Cool Whip can start deteriorating when not refrigerated, even if the seal is still intact.
For best quality, refrigerate Cool Whip immediately after purchasing. If an unopened tub sits out briefly during transport, it should be safe but refrigerate as soon as possible.
Conclusion
With proper refrigerated storage, Cool Whip can last for several weeks past the printed date before going bad – up to 2-3 months if unopened. Keep Cool Whip stored in the back of the fridge, look for signs of spoilage, and freeze extras to extend the shelf life even longer.
Discard Cool Whip if you notice any mold, off smells, separation, or other signs it has spoiled. Following safe storage methods will help ensure your Cool Whip stays fresh and delicious.