How long does half and half last after opening?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does half and half last after opening” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of half and half after opening. Moreover, we are going to discuss the proper way to store half and half along with ways to spot bad half and half.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does half and half last after opening?
Once opened half and half lasts for about 7-10 days if it is stored properly in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does half and half last unopened?
Unopened half and half lasts for about 3-5 days past the “best by” date when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does half and half mini cups last?
Half and half mini cups last 1-2 months after the best by date if they are unopened and are stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
It is worth mentioning that these figures are just the estimated shelf life of the half and half and it is the time during which you can enjoy its peak quality. Half and half can even last for longer than this, provided that it was stored properly.
Is half and half safe to use after the “best-before” date?
The “best by” or “best before” date that is written on the package of half and half refers to the quality rather than safety so half and half doesn’t necessarily go bad immediately after the best before date.
This date refers to the time during which you can enjoy the peak quality and flavor of half and half but you can still use half and half that is past this date as long as it was stored properly.
How long does opened half and half last at room temperature?
Open half and half can last for about 2 hours when kept at room temperature. You should discard the half and half that has been left in open for more than 2 hours as bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore there are greater chances of the half and half being already contaminated with bacteria when left out for more than 2 hours.
Moreover, if the temperature of the surroundings is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then the process of spoilage takes place at a faster pace and it is recommended to discard half and half that is left out in the open for more than an hour at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I freeze half and half?
Yes, you can freeze half and half but keep one thing in mind that after thawing the texture of half and half changes and it will become a bit grainy. But that does not mean that it has gone bad, you can still use it for baking and cooking purposes.
But if you still want to freeze your half and half then you can do so by putting half and half in a plastic freezer bag and keep it in the freezer. It lasts for about 3-4 months when stored properly in the freezer.
You can read different uses of half and half here.
Other FAQs about Half and Half which you may be interested in.
How to properly store half and half?
- You should always store them at 40°F or below in the fridge. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore it is always advised to store half and half at a lower temperature to preserve its freshness and quality for a long time.
- In the case of the half and half mini cup, you can store it in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat as long as it is unopened.
How to tell if the half and half has gone bad?
Certain indicators can be considered to make sure whether or not the half and half has gone bad.
Taste
If you notice a sour or bitter taste after taking a little sip of half and half then it is the indication that the half and half has gone bad.
Texture
If the half and half is curdled or has lumps present in it, then it is an indication of a bad half and half and you should get rid of it.
Smell
If you smell something foul or acidic while taking a sniff test then it is an indication that your half and half has gone bad.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does half and half last after opening” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of half and half after opening. Moreover, we discussed the proper way to store half and half along with ways to spot bad half and half.
Citations
How Long Does Half and Half Last?
https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/19083
