How Long Will Ice Cream Last In A Cooler? Explained

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

When summer arrives, a favorite treat of mine is **ice cream**. In the sweltering heat, it’s crucial to **store it properly** to maintain its deliciousness and freshness.

One way to do this is by using a cooler. But how long can ice cream last in a cooler? Read on.

How Long Is Ice Cream Good For In A Cooler?

In general, ice cream can last 4 to 6 hours in a regular cooler or up to 24 hours if placed in a premium cooler. If you add dry ice, ice cream can last up to 2 days, and when using dry ice, it can last up to 5 days.

Smaller coolers that are tightly sealed can keep ice cream [1] frozen for up to three days, while larger coolers that are well insulated can keep the ice cream frozen for up to five days.

In addition to the size and insulation of the cooler, the type of ice cream also affects how long it will last. 

“Ice cream in a cooler: a sweet escape from the heat, but time is its frosty companion. Keep it cool, and your frozen delight will linger a bit longer in the summer symphony.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Soft-serve ice cream doesn’t last as long as hard-pack ice cream and usually only lasts about two days. However, hard-pack ice cream can last up to five days in a cooler. 

Regardless of the type of ice cream, it’s important to properly store it in the cooler by surrounding it with enough ice and keeping it closed as much as possible.

This will help ensure that the ice cream stays frozen and in the best condition for as long as possible.

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How To Keep Ice Cream Frozen For 5 Hours

To keep ice cream frozen for 5 hours, start storing it in an insulated container or cooler with plenty of freezer packs. 

Make sure to spread the packs evenly around the container, with the most at the bottom and sides. Fill the container with ice cream as close to the top as possible so there is minimal air space. 

“If I could eat whatever I wanted every day, I would have Domino’s pizza with pasta carbonara inside every slice. And at night, I would have Neapolitan ice cream until I felt toxic. And then I would drift off telling myself, ‘It’s going to be O.K… It’s going to be O.K. you’re going to train in the morning.”

– Robert Downey, Jr., Actor

Place the lid on the container securely and store it in a cool, dry place. If possible, avoid opening the container more than necessary to maintain the cold temperature.

How To Keep Ice Cream Frozen While Traveling

The best way to keep ice cream frozen while traveling is to place it in a cooler filled with ice or ice packs. 

The cooler should be well-insulated and airtight to keep the cold air and heat out.

Additionally, the cooler should be placed in a shaded spot in the car or other transportation to help keep it cold. 

After the ice cream is in the cooler, it is important to open and close the lid as little as possible to keep the cold air in.

Finally, if you’re going on a long trip, it is a good idea to bring extra ice or ice packs so you can keep the cooler cold.

How Long Will Ice Cream Last In A Cooler With Dry Ice?

Ice cream will last up to two days in a cooler with dry ice [2]. This is due to the extremely cold temperatures that dry ice creates.

It is important to keep the dry ice away from the ice cream itself, as it can cause the ice cream to freeze too hard. Keeping the cooler closed and well-insulated will also help to keep the ice cream fresher for longer.

Some Tips & Tricks

1. Keep Your Cooler Cold: Start pre-chilling the cooler and ensure it is cold to the touch. This should help to keep the ice cream colder for longer. 
2. Use Ice Packs: Place ice packs or pre-frozen bottles of water in the cooler to help keep the contents cold. 
3. Add a Layer of Ice: Place a layer of ice on top of the cooler contents to help insulate them from the outside temperature. 
4. Use Dry Ice: Place dry ice in the cooler for an even colder result. Make sure to use gloves when handling dry ice and keep it away from food. 
5. Avoid Opening Too Often: Avoid limiting the opening and closing of the cooler as much as possible to minimize the amount of warm air entering. 
6. Use Insulated Bags: Place the ice cream in an insulated bag to help keep it cold. Reusable bags are a great option and can be used again and again.

FAQs

In Conclusion 

Ice cream can last in a cooler for several hours, depending on the type of cooler and the outside temperature. 

If your cooler is insulated and the outside temperature is cool, your ice cream can last up to 6 hours in a regular cooler before you need to replenish the ice. 

However, if your cooler is not insulated and the outside temperature is hot, it is best to consume the ice cream within 4 hours to avoid spoilage.

References:

1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/ice-cream
2. https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/frozen-carbon-dioxide-dry-ice-sublimates-directly-a-vapor