How Long Does Cool Whip Last In The Fridge?

Cool whip is surely one of the best dessert toppings, hands down! Just a little bit of this topping can easily transform any dessert into something marvelous! However, have you ever wondered how long a cool whip lasts in the fridge? Then you have surely stumbled upon the right article! 

Cool whip, just like other dairy products, unfortunately, does not have a very long shelf life. The cool whip should easily last in the fridge for two weeks in its original state if kept in the fridge under optimal conditions. 

There are, however, many other factors that can determine this as well. Moreover, another thing to keep in mind is that cool whip is a little more processed than other dairy products and has added preservatives. 

So, compared to products like milk and cream, it does last for a much longer time. But, various parameters come into play when a cool whip’s storage and shelf life are considered. These factors eventually help with keeping the whip fresh for longer. 

This article will teach you how long a cool whip lasts in the refrigerator, other storage tips, and much more. So, you better tell Stewie Griffin that you would like some ‘cool hwhip’ with your pie! 

How Long Does Cool Whip Last? 

It always happens that you end up buying a cool whip but using only some of it at the same time. No one would want their dessert to be loaded just with cream. So, the leftovers tend to find their way back into the refrigerator. 

Now here comes the real issue, per se. Generally, unopened packets of almost anything last much longer than opened packets. But since the cool whip is already processed, it is alright! Even though not as much as an unopened packet, an open pack of cool whips will still last longer than standard whipped cream! 

So, let us take a look at how long a cool whip lasts in both of these situations. There is also a mention of how long the cool whip will last under each of these circumstances but in both the fridge and freezer. 

1. Unopened Pack

An unopened pack of cool whips will last in the fridge for two to three weeks. The original consistency of it will remain the same. If you end up storing an unopened pack in the freezer, that should last for an average of 2-3 months. 

2. Opened Pack

An opened pack of cool whips, by default, will last a much shorter period. However, it still isn’t as less than standard whipped cream or other dairy products! An opened pack should last in the fridge for 7-10 days and in the freezer for 2-3 months. 

Is It Okay To Freeze Cool Whip? 

Many people wonder if it is a good idea to freeze the cool whip. This is simply because the cool whip’s consistency changes when frozen. However, most recipes out there ask for a very small amount of cool whip. 

So, to store the leftovers for a long time, the only option is to freeze them. Is it okay to freeze the cool whip over and over again? Yes, it is completely fine to freeze a cool whip! It is even okay to refreeze a cool whip if you plan on using it only some. 

However, you must ensure that the cool whip goes through the whole freezing and thawing process before it is used. Moreover, the consistency may change if the cool whip is thawed and frozen multiple times. So, you may have to use a new batch altogether. 

How To Thaw Frozen Cool Whip? 

Thawing is an integral part of using frozen food. However easy it may look, there is a right way to thaw frozen food. Because of its consistency, the cool whip cannot just be thawed in any way possible. 

It is important to keep certain things in mind to maintain freshness, its natural flavor, and everything else. Here are a few easy ways to thaw your cool whip if you freeze it to increase its shelf life. 

1. In The Fridge

The best way to thaw cool whip is in the refrigerator. This will help maintain a standard temperature and will also help with its consistency. All you have to do is leave the cool whip in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, this process is time-consuming and will take 4-5 hours. 

2. In The Microwave

If you are in a rush and cannot wait long, you could defrost the cool whip in the microwave. This, however, has to be done with some caution. Make sure you use the defrost setting on your microwave, and also make sure that you stir the cool whip every 30 seconds. 

3. On The Counter

It is a method that can be followed but isn’t highly recommended. If you leave the cool whip on the counter, it should be for 2 hours at maximum, as that will increase the chances of mold growth. So, if it’s a small quantity that would take less time, then this option is feasible. 

4. In Cold Water

Lastly, dipping it in cold water can also thaw frozen cool whip. Leave the cool whip submerged in a bowl of cold water for 30-40 minutes. Do not use warm or lukewarm water, as that will spoil the overall consistency of the cool whip. 

How To Tell If Cool Whip Has Gone Bad? 

Thawing, freezing, and generally storing food can be a task. This is simply because you never know when something can go wrong! So, for that reason, it is better to know and expect what your cool whip will look like once it has gone bad. 

This way, you can save yourself from an upset stomach! Here are some ways to help you judge if your cool whip has gone bad or is still available for consumption. 

1. Appearance

One of the best parameters to judge the freshness of a cool whip is looking at it. The cool whip has a white color with a fluffy consistency. However, if it is runny, has turned yellow, or shows other signs of discoloration, it hasn’t gone well. 

2. Smell

If the appearance of your cool whip seems alright, but you still need to be convinced, then you should give your cool whip a good whiff. If your cool whip has a sour or rancid smell of any sort, then it should be thrown right away. 

3. Taste

This parameter should be kept as a last resort and only if the other two parameters are helping less. Just take a small bite of the cool whip before using it; if it tastes sour or off, you should throw it away. 

Conclusion

Cool whip is one of the best dessert toppings ever created. However, with that comes the responsibility of storing it well. On average, you can expect the cool whip to stay the same in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. But, if you would like it to last longer, then storing it in the freezer is a much better option. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)