How Long Does Gelato Last? Your Quick Cheat Sheet
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We get this question all the time: “Can I save my gelato for later?” The short answer is yes, but how you scoop and store it matters. Gelato is a dairy‑based treat, so freezing slows bacteria but doesn’t stop it. To keep your tub tasting great, follow these simple rules.
Your Gelato Time‑Line
Unopened tubs: When kept in our –24 °C freezers or a properly cold home freezer, a sealed tub can stay fresh for two to three months. Food‑safety research shows unopened ice cream stays safe for about two months at 0 °F (‑18 °C), and gelato behaves similarly.
Opened with a clean scoop: Once you lift the lid, air and microbes sneak in. If you always scoop with a clean, dry spoon and return the tub to the back of the freezer immediately, you’ll have two to three weeks to enjoy it. For the creamiest texture, finish within seven to ten days.
Opened and “touched”: Double‑dipping is a no‑no. Any saliva introduces bacteria that thrive in dairy. Freezing only slows growth, so if a spoon that’s been in your mouth touches the gelato, treat it like fresh milk and finish it right away. Don’t put it back in the freezer.
Quick Storage Tips
Keep it cold: Aim for a freezer temperature between ‑15 °C and ‑18 °C to protect gelato’s smooth texture. Our –24 °C freezers are even colder!
Seal and cover: Tightly close the lid and press parchment or plastic wrap onto the gelato’s surface to ward off ice crystals.
Store at the back: Place the tub at the back of your freezer where temperature fluctuations are minimal.
Never refreeze melted gelato: If it melts completely, bacteria can flourish. Enjoy what’s left or discard it.
The Final Scoop
Gelato is happiest when it’s eaten soon after it’s made. An unopened tub can wait for a special moment, but once opened you should savor it within a few weeks, and sooner if you’ve double‑dipped. Follow the cheat sheet above and every scoop will taste like it came straight from our kitchen.
Questions? Send us a message, we love helping you enjoy every last bite!