Its frustratingly easy for containers of sauces, dressings, and toppings to vanish into the chilly void of the refrigerator, buried on shelves and behind newer groceries. How fortunate that foods stored in the fridge have a longer life compared to those stored at room temperature, so folks have a better chance to use them up before they go bad. But refrigerated food still doesnt last forever.
Canned whipped cream (or spray whipped cream) is especially easy to forget. Theres often just a little bit leftover from a special dessert or recipe, plus that solid can gives no visual clues as to how the cream inside is holding up. The truth? Its probably time to let that whipped cream go.
Producers like Land OLakes recommend using spray whipped cream by the expiration date stamped on the can. However, consumers have found that spray whipped cream can be used for up to three weeks past the expiration date. Although you should proceed with caution. However, time flies when it comes to food storage, and its likely that your canned whipped cream has been languishing in the refrigerator for weeks or even longer.
The expiration date is the manufacturer’s recommended date by which you should use the cream. Storage and handling make a difference and can reduce or prolong the shelf life of the cream. If spoiled heavy cream is consumed, it can cause foodborne illnesses such as E. coli.
Theres nothing worse than sticking your hand into the fridge for a carton of heavy cream to add to a recipe or to transform into whipped cream only to find it is past its expiration date. But before you immediately decide to toss that carton, keep this in mind: An unopened container of heavy cream should be good for several weeks past its best-if-used-by date as long as it has been stored at the proper temperature of no more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. And once opened, your heavy cream could be usable for up to a month.
So how can you tell if your heavy cream has gone bad? The best thing to do is take a peek and smell it. If there is no mold growing in the container, it is sans clumps that look like cottage cheese, and it doesnt smell as if it has soured, chances are you are good to go ahead and use it. Of course, if you have the slightest reservation, dont feel too bad about dumping that expired heavy cream into the kitchen sink. Better not to risk an upset stomach or worse.
There are a few factors behind this. Heavy cream is made with between 36% and 48% milk fat. This fat, which makes whipped cream and sauces voluminous and velvety smooth, also helps to keep heavy cream from quickly going bad once it has been opened. Its also important to take note of whether or not your carton of heavy cream is pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized. That will also help it last longer in your fridge because it has been heated to kill bacteria that would otherwise cause the heavy cream to spoil faster.
Additionally, as convenient as it might be, if you want to prolong your heavy creams freshness, you should avoid keeping the carton in the fridge door and instead opt for the back of the appliance where the temperature is more consistently cold. If you have no clear plans to use up the carton of heavy cream patiently waiting in your fridge, consider making some honey whipped cream to dollop on your desserts or create some no-churn vanilla dulce de leche homemade ice cream. You can also freeze your heavy cream ; it will last up to three or four months in the freezer before its quality starts to diminish.
In fairness to the companies that make the stuff, up to three weeks past the expiration date is actually a generous amount of time to use up canned whipped cream — especially when you consider that from-scratch whipped cream lasts, at best, a couple of days in the fridge. However, its also fair to wonder why, sealed inside that can, spray whipped cream cant last for even longer. The reason is that its made with dairy products.
Its frustratingly easy for containers of sauces, dressings, and toppings to vanish into the chilly void of the refrigerator, buried on shelves and behind newer groceries. How fortunate that foods stored in the fridge have a longer life compared to those stored at room temperature, so folks have a better chance to use them up before they go bad. But refrigerated food still doesnt last forever.
Canned whipped cream (or spray whipped cream) is especially easy to forget. Theres often just a little bit leftover from a special dessert or recipe, plus that solid can gives no visual clues as to how the cream inside is holding up. The truth? Its probably time to let that whipped cream go.
The quality of canned whipped cream is also a consideration: Even if not spoiled, old whipped cream will separate, becoming watery and lacking the airy volume of fresh. Spraying runny, deflated whipped cream onto your desserts is a surefire way to make a tasty dish look really sad. The next time you bring home canned whipped cream, get shaking — literally — and use it up before its forgotten.
Even though canned whipped cream is a processed food that contains additives and stabilizers, it also includes real dairy in the form of heavy cream and milk solids. Dairy products like these contain naturally occurring bacteria. Most are eliminated through pasteurization, but some do remain and will grow the longer dairy sits around. Some dairy products have a better shelf life, but eventually the bacteria will make them spoil, creating a sour taste and funky smell.
Expired Sour Cream: How to Know It’s Spoiled
FAQ
What happens if you eat expired whipping cream?
What happens if you drink spoiled whipping cream?
How can you tell if whipped cream is bad?
Why do I feel sick after eating whipped cream?
What happens if whipped cream expires?
Expiration dates are important because when food is past its expiration date, it can become contaminated by bacteria and molds that can cause foodborne illnesses. Additionally, past its expiration date, whipped cream can lose its texture, flavor, and consistency. Do Whipped Cream Cans and Chargers Have Expiration Dates?
What are the nutritional values of whip cream?
The whipped cream is a source of choline and fat-soluble vitamins such as, vitamins A, D, E, and K which are present in milk fat. The vitamins from whole milk can help to prevent osteoporosis and promote a good vision. However whipped cream is very rich in calories, each 100 grams of whipped cream contains approximately 300 calories, 30 grams of lipids and 20 grams of carbohydrates, thus it should be consumed in moderation.
Can you recycle expired whipped cream?
Another way to recycle expired whipped cream is by using it as a homemade skin moisturizer. The fats and proteins in the cream can help nourish and hydrate the skin. However, it’s important to note that this should be done with caution as expired dairy products can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Can heavy whipping cream go bad?
Dairy products, for example, can spoil quickly if not stored properly. Heavy whipping cream is especially prone to spoiling, as it is a high-fat dairy product. However, if the cream has been stored in the refrigerator and has not been opened, it may be safe to use for up to a week after the expiration date.