Ice cream is a beloved treat, but it can be a bit of a tricky one when it comes to storage and safety. How long can ice cream sit out before it becomes unsafe to eat?
How Long Can Ice Cream Sit Out?
The answer to this question is dependent on a number of variables, including the type of ice cream, the temperature of the surrounding environment, and the type of storage container used. Ice cream should not be left out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the ice cream is stored in a container with substantial insulation and the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit [1], it can be left out for four hours. In addition, the type of ice cream can affect how long it can stay out. Ice cream made with egg-based custards should not be left out for more than two hours, even at lower temperatures.
Ice cream made with other ingredients and without egg-based custards can usually stay out for up to four hours.
What Happens to Ice Cream When Left at Room Temperature?
When ice cream is left out at room temperature, it begins to melt and thaw. This thawing process, combined with bacteria and other microorganisms from the environment, can cause the ice cream to spoil and become unsafe to eat. Once the ice cream has been left out for too long, it is best to discard it, rather than attempt to refreeze it and consume it later.
How Long Does It Take for Ice Cream to Spoil?
Ice cream can spoil relatively quickly if left at room temperature. The exact amount of time it takes for ice cream to spoil depends on the type of ice cream and the temperature of the surrounding environment.
Generally speaking, ice cream should not be left out for more than two hours when the temperature is lower than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or one hour when the temperature is higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The same time limits apply to ice cream stored in a container with substantial insulation when the temperature is lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the ice cream is made with an egg-based custard, it should not be left out for more than two hours regardless of the temperature.
How Do You Know If Ice Cream is Spoiled?
It is important to be able to recognize when ice cream has spoiled to ensure that it is safe to eat. Generally speaking, spoiled ice cream will look, smell, and taste different than when it was first purchased. Spoiled ice cream will usually have a sour or off-putting odor, and its texture will be grainy or lumpy.
The color of the ice cream may also be different, appearing darker than when it was fresh. Additionally, if mold is present, it is a clear sign that the ice cream has spoiled and should not be consumed.
Can Ice Cream Cause Food Poisoning?
Ice cream can cause food poisoning, although it is not as common as other foods. Ice cream contains dairy and other ingredients that can be a breeding ground for bacteria, such as salmonella and listeria. These bacteria can cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, and can be particularly dangerous for young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Eating ice cream that has been left out for too long, or stored in a warm environment, increases the risk of food poisoning. It is important to be mindful of food safety guidelines when consuming ice cream, including checking expiration dates and not leaving it out for too long.
Conclusion
Ice cream is a delicious treat, but it can become unsafe to eat if it is left out for too long. In general, ice cream should not be left out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the ice cream is stored in a container with substantial insulation and the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be left out for four hours.
Additionally, ice cream made with egg-based custards should not be left out for more than two hours regardless of the temperature. Eating spoilt ice cream can cause food poisoning, so it is important to be mindful of food safety guidelines when consuming ice cream.