Whipping cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is a dairy product that is essential for making desserts like whipped cream and mousses. It has a high fat content, usually around 30-40%, which allows it to whip up into soft, billowy peaks. However, since whipping cream is a dairy product, it also has a relatively short shelf life of around 7-10 days when unopened. This leads to the common question – is whipping cream still safe and effective to use after a week in the fridge?
What happens to whipping cream over time
Whipping cream consists mainly of milk fat and contains very little protein or sugars. The high fat content means whipping cream is perishable and prone to spoilage by bacteria if stored for too long. Here are the changes that take place in whipping cream over time:
– Oxidation – Exposure to air causes oxidation of the fats, leading to rancidity. This causes off-flavors and smells.
– Microbial growth – Bacteria like pseudomonas and bacillus can grow even at refrigerator temperatures, causing spoilage.
– Separation – The cream may separate into milk solids and butterfat. This makes it difficult to whip properly.
– Enzyme action – Lipase enzymes naturally present break down milk fat, leading to a sour taste.
How to tell if whipping cream has gone bad
Here are some simple ways to check if your whipping cream has gone bad and needs to be discarded:
– Smell – Rancid or sour smell indicates spoilage. Good whipping cream smells mildly sweet and creamy.
– Texture – Separated layers of milk solids and butterfat, grainy or clumpy texture means the cream is spoiled.
– Color – Yellow or orange discoloration indicates oxidation and rancidity. Good cream is white or slightly yellow.
– Taste – Sour, bitter, or abnormal taste is a sign of spoilage. Taste a small amount if unsure.
– Mold – Check for fuzzy mold colonies which signal dangerous levels of bacteria. Discard immediately.
– Expiration date – If it’s past the “use by” or “sell by” date, it’s best not to consume for safety.
How long does unopened whipping cream last in the fridge?
The shelf life of whipping cream depends on several factors like the best by date, storage temperature, and quality of the product. Here is a table summarizing how long whipping cream lasts refrigerated:
| Type of Whipping Cream | Refrigerator Temp (40°F or below) |
|---|---|
| Ultra-pasteurized whipping cream | 3 to 4 weeks beyond the printed date |
| Pasteurized whipping cream | 1 to 2 weeks beyond the printed date |
| Whipping cream with live cultures | 7 to 10 days beyond the printed date |
As a general rule, unopened, commercially packaged whipping cream lasts 7-21 days beyond the printed date if stored properly in the fridge. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage before use.
How to maximize shelf life of whipping cream
You can extend the shelf life of whipping cream by upto a week by:
- Storing in coldest part of refrigerator (below 40°F)
- Keeping air tight container sealed until use
- Avoiding contamination from spoons and utensils
- Keeping away from light, heat sources
Is whipping cream safe to use after 7 days when unopened?
If the whipping cream has been continuously refrigerated for less than 7 days from the “sell by” or “use by” date on the carton, it can be safely used provided there are no visible signs of spoilage.
Follow these precautions for using 7-day old whipping cream:
– Check for changes in texture, smell and appearance. Discard if any smell or mold is present.
– Shake the carton well before use. Cream separates on storage but remixes well.
– Taste a small spoonful to check for unpleasant flavors before adding to recipes.
– Cook it thoroughly in case of any doubts. Heating reduces bacterial count.
– Avoid using near the original expiration date for desserts like mousses that need high whipping volume.
– Use older cream in cooking rather than whipping applications to be safe. The flavor carries over well.
With proper storage, whipping cream lasts for a reasonable time beyond the stamped date. But it’s always advisable to inspect and sniff before consuming foods nearing 7-10 days from purchase.
Does whipping cream go bad after opening?
Once opened and exposed to air, whipping cream has a shorter shelf life of only about 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Follow these tips for storing opened whipping cream:
– Transfer to an airtight container like mason jar or whipped cream dispenser.
– Ensure lid is tightly sealed and refrigerate immediately.
– Keep the nozzle and dispenser clean if transferring to a whipped cream canister.
– Use clean and dry utensils each time to avoid contamination.
– Do not return unused portions back to the original container.
– Check for odor and taste before adding to food or beverages.
Consuming spoiled whipping cream can cause food poisoning from bacteria like staphylococcus, salmonella and E.coli. So always err on the side of caution and discard older cream.
How to tell if opened whipping cream has gone bad?
Once opened, whipping cream has a higher risk of contamination. Check for these signs of spoilage in opened cream:
– Thinning texture – More watery and less thick
– Separation into clumpy curds and liquid whey
– Mold spots and fuzzy colonies
– Strong sour aroma instead of slightly sweet smell
– Discoloration from cream white to yellow-orange
– Cooked, curdled appearance when heated
– High acidity with a tart, bitter taste
– Inability to whip up into firm peaks
Does whipping cream work after sitting at room temperature?
It’s not recommended to use whipping cream that has been left out of the refrigerator and reached room temperature. Some changes that occur are:
– Rapid multiplication of bacteria at warmer temperatures above 40°F.
– Increased enzyme activity breaking down proteins and fats.
– Oxidation causing quicker rancidity.
| Room temperature | Usability and safety |
|---|---|
| 1-2 hours | Should be safe if whipped and consumed immediately |
| 3-4 hours | At high risk of bacteria growth. Use for cooking but not whipping. |
| Over 4 hours | Discard the cream. Potentially unsafe for all uses. |
As you can see, leaving whipping cream out for too long is risky business and the safest option is to whip and enjoy it chilled right after opening.
Tips to whip cream after sitting out
If the cream has sat at room temperature for less than 2 hours, you can try the following tips:
– First, refrigerate again for an hour before whipping
– Check carefully for any odor, color change, curdling
– Whip using a stand mixer or chilled bowl with whisk attachment
– Add 2 tbsp powdered sugar while whipping for stability
– Use immediately after whipping and do not store again
– Avoid serving to children, elderly or people with immunity issues
Overall, refrigeration is critical for whipping cream. Leaving it out too long creates a breeding ground for harmful pathogen growth.
Is it safe to cook and bake with 7-day old whipping cream?
Aged whipping cream that is nearing a week old can still be safely used in cooking and baking applications like:
– Cream based soups
– Casseroles
– Pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo
– Creamy vegetable gratins
– Quiche, frittatas, omelets
– Mashed potatoes
– Pancakes and waffles
– Creamy dips for chips and vegetables
– Baked goods like cakes, cookies, pie crusts
The high temperatures help destroy bacteria making the whipping cream safe. But avoid using it in:
– Uncooked desserts like mousse
– Fresh fruit salad topping
– As a garnish for drinks like Irish coffee
– Store bought frosting
So it’s fine to extend the life of older whipping cream by cooking. But stick to thoroughly heated items, not raw or lightly cooked ones.
How to substitute 7-days old whipping cream?
If time has passed the recommended usability window, you can substitute whipping cream in recipes with:
– Evaporated milk – Add 1 1/4 cup for every 1 cup cream
– Whole milk – Thicken with cornstarch or flour to desired consistency
– Half and half – Equal parts whole milk and cream
– Plain Greek yogurt – Thick and tangy, best for savory dishes
– Butter – Can mimic texture when cut into flour for pastry
– Tofu – Blended silken tofu as vegan whipping cream
– Powdered creamer – Reconstituted with water but lower fat
– Coconut cream – Chilled cans of full-fat coconut cream whip well
With some ingenious substitutions, you can adapt recipes to use up aging cream already in your fridge.
How long does whipped whipping cream last in the fridge?
Already whipped cream has an even shorter shelf life than fresh whipping cream. This is because:
– Increased air incorporation leads to faster oxidation.
– More surface area for bacterial growth once whipped.
– Higher risk of contamination from utensils when whipping.
| Whipped Whipping Cream | Fridge Life |
|---|---|
| Homemade whipped cream | 2 to 4 days |
| Canned whipped topping | 1 week unopened 3 to 5 days opened |
| Commercially stabilized whipped cream | 2 weeks unopened 5 to 7 days refrigerated after opening |
| Whipped cream with alcohol | 5 to 7 days |
For best results, use freshly whipped cream within a couple days and discarded any with signs of separation, wheying, smell or bacterial growth.
How to store whipped cream?
To help homemade whipped cream hold up as long as possible:
– Whip the cream just before serving for freshness.
– Use chilled bowl and whisk or stand mixer.
– Avoid overbeating into butter. Whip until soft peaks form.
– Fold in sugar and flavorings gently at the end.
– Transfer immediately to an airtight container.
– Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing.
– Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Proper whipping and storage techniques help prolong the shelf life by slowing down separation and bacterial growth.
The shelf life of common whipping cream products
From pasteurized dairy whipping cream to plant-based varieties, here is a breakdown of the refrigerated shelf life of different kinds of products once opened:
1. Liquid whipping cream
Pasteurized – 7 to 10 days
Ultra-pasteurized – 21 to 30 days
Cultured – 7 to 10 days
Organic – 5 to 7 days
Grass-fed – 7 days
2. Whipping cream substitutes
Powdered whipping cream- 1 to 3 months reconstituted
Coconut cream – 5 to 7 days
Half and half – 7 days
Evaporated milk – 7 days
3. Whipped whipping cream
Sweetened whipped cream – 5 to 7 days
Stabilized whipped topping – 1 to 2 weeks
Canned whipped cream- 10 to 14 days
Liquid whipped cream- 2 to 4 days
4. Flavored and alcoholic whipped cream
Whipped cream with extracts – 3 to 5 days
Whipped cream with alcohol – 1 week
Sweetened mascarpone – 1 week
5. Shelf-stable whipping products
Canned whipping cream – 12 months unopened
Tetra-pack whipping cream – 6 to 12 months unopened
Powdered whipping cream – 1 to 2 years
Conclusion
To summarize, an unopened, refrigerated whipping cream typically lasts for 7 to 10 days past the printed date before it starts deteriorating in texture and flavor. If the carton has been continuously refrigerated, whipping cream is generally safe to use for up to a week after opening. However, it is not recommended to consume if there are any odd flavors, bitterness, separation, mold or ropy curdling.
With proper storage and handling, the shelf life of whipping cream may be extended by a few more days. But it is better to err on the side of caution when dealing with dairy products. Substituting with non-dairy alternatives or using older whipping cream only in cooked dishes is advisable for avoiding food safety issues.