What to Do If Your Ice Cream Melts in the Fridge or on the Way Home?

It is normal to put ice cream in the fridge and then forget about it, only to discover that it has completely melted. You may be wondering if you should simply toss it out or store it in the freezer to solidify and eat it later. So, what should you do when the ice cream in the fridge has melted?

If you forget to put your ice cream in the fridge, you may refreeze it and consume it later in its original state. However, if the ice cream melted on the way home, refreezing it would be dangerous since germs may develop and destroy the ice cream completely.

This is your opportunity to learn how to properly store ice cream and what to do if it melts in your fridge. This article discusses how long ice cream may be stored in the refrigerator and if it is safe to refreeze it once it has melted.

After reading the whole article, you will understand what is regarded safe for ice cream kept in the refrigerator and if it is possible to keep it there for an extended period of time.

Does Ice Cream Go Bad in the Fridge? 

Because the natural texture of ice cream is solid and hard, it is not suggested that you refrigerate it. You face the danger of ruining your ice cream, which means you won’t be able to enjoy it later and would have to throw it away. Because ice cream should be stored in the freezer rather than the fridge, it is not suggested that you ever store it in the fridge.

However, it is possible that you may put your ice cream in the fridge by mistake and then forget about it. It may be OK for a day or two, but if left for more than a week or two, it will likely get sour or germs will proliferate inside of it. Ice cream is an ideal environment for germs to spread and colonize.

As a result, eating or refreezing ice cream that has been in the fridge for more than two or three days is not advised. Ice cream that has been in the fridge for a week or longer should not be consumed and should be discarded immediately.[1]

How Long Can Ice Cream Last in the Fridge? 

When it comes to keeping ice cream in the refrigerator, the best case scenario for consuming it later is after one or two days. Ice cream may usually be stored in the refrigerator for a week or two. However, since certain ice cream components cannot tolerate refrigerator conditions, the ice cream may spoil within a few days.

As a result, it is not suggested that you experiment with melting ice cream that has been sitting in the fridge for a few days. It is better to avoid ice cream entirely. This is because bacteria may spread more quicker than we think, so you should not put your gut health at danger, particularly if you have a delicate metabolic system.

Can You Refreeze Ice Cream?

It is usually OK to refreeze ice cream that has been sitting in the fridge for a few days. Because there isn’t much time for the ice cream to deteriorate or go sour, you may safely refreeze it.

However, you should carefully inspect the texture and scent of the ice cream before refreezing it. Depending on the sort of ice cream, you may be able to smell that anything is wrong, and you may notice certain texture changes. If you observe any of these symptoms, you should stop eating ice cream and not jeopardize your health for something you can acquire whenever you want.

Can You Eat Melted Ice Cream?

If the melting occurred within the previous several hours, it is generally safe to consume. However, eating ice cream that has melted over an extended length of time is quite dangerous. Ice cream has a specific quantity of sugar, which when melted provides an ideal environment for germs to develop and spread.

Eating melting ice cream for the whole day would be dangerous and irresponsible owing to the chance of food illness or anything similar. Even refrozen ice cream may be deadly at times, so avoid it at all costs.

What to Do With Ice Cream Melted on Way Home?

If ice cream has completely melted owing to warm conditions, it is dangerous to refreeze and consume it later. Ice cream melted at frigid conditions, such as the refrigerator, is not the same as ice cream melted at room temperature. As a result, it is not advisable to refreeze previously melted ice cream that has not been kept cool.

An exception would be if the ice cream has somewhat melted owing to warm weather from the time you take it out of the shop until you get home. That is a brief period of time that is not considered unsafe, and it is generally insufficient time for bacteria or mold to spread and proliferate throughout the ice cream.

How to Store Ice Cream in the Fridge? 

If you don’t have any other options, such as keeping your ice cream in the fridge, you should know how to store it properly.

You will need freezer bags to keep the ice cream cold and extra insulation to do this effectively. In addition, if feasible, sprinkle additional ice around the ice cream carton after placing it in one of these bags. This keeps the ice cream colder for longer than normal.

How Long Does It Take For Ice Cream to Melt in the Fridge? 

The melting process might be quite fast, depending on the size of the ice cream container. However, the average time required for ice cream to melt in the fridge is ten to thirty minutes. For this period of time, the ice cream will melt but remain frozen, so you may still enjoy it safely.

As you can see, ice cream may be consumed after melting as long as the process does not take too long. As a result, keep in mind that melting ice cream may be a breeding ground for germs, therefore it is not always safe to consume.

Why Does Ice Cream Melt in the Fridge? 

Ice cream components are meant to be kept and stored at temperatures below zero, generally -17 degrees. When you put your ice cream in the fridge, the components lose their ability to stay together and begin to melt. This is when sugar begins to degrade, increasing the chance of bacterial development.