Creating ice cream at home is an enjoyable activity that allows for endless flavor experimentation. We all love the process of churning our favorite mix of ingredients into a creamy delight.
But once your vegan ice cream is ready, the real challenge begins: finding the best way to store it. The right container is crucial to preserve the texture and flavor of your homemade ice cream, preventing freezer burn and keeping it delicious until the last scoop.
When choosing the best homemade ice cream containers, one must consider material, insulation, capacity, and ease of cleaning. Material choices vary from plastic to stainless steel to silicone, each with its advantages. Insulation is key—good containers help maintain a consistent temperature, which is essential for that perfect scoop.
Capacity is another consideration, as you might prefer to make larger batches or individual servings. And finally, no one wants to scrub sticky ice cream remnants, so containers that are easy to clean are always our go-to.
It is also essential for us to advocate for containers that are sustainable and non-toxic. Environmental concerns are front and center in our minds, as is our health, so we favor containers that are reusable, BPA-free, and don’t contribute to plastic waste.
With these considerations in mind, I’ve scoured the market, trying and testing various containers to find the ones that meet the usual needs. My aim is to make sure that your homemade ice cream remains as fresh as the day you churned it, scoop after delicious scoop.
We all love the creamy delight of homemade ice cream, but storing it can be quite a hassle without the right container. Fret not; I’ve scoured the market to find the best containers that keep your vegan ice cream fresh and delicious. Say goodbye to freezer burn and hello to a perfectly preserved scoop every time!
If you’re churning out your delightful dairy-free desserts, these ZICOTO Ice Cream Tubs are a must-have for a hassle-free experience.
Pros
Cons
I’ve been using these nifty little containers to freeze my latest vegan sorbet obsession, and they’re just stellar at keeping my sweet creations well-preserved. The containers feel robust in hand and the tight-sealing lids are superb — not once have I dealt with that dreaded icy crust on top.
My knack for organization loves the stackability feature. These tubs fit snugly in my freezer, making space management a breeze. Plus, the dishwasher-safe factor is a real time-saver, just pop them in and they come out sparkling clean.
If you’re big on the classic round ice cream pints, these might take some getting used to with their modern slim design. But I say the trade-off for quality storage is worth it.
These Walfos containers provide superior protection and storage for your homemade ice cream creations.
Pros
Cons
This Walfos Ice Cream Tub has been a game-changer for my freezer organization. The silicone lid popped on smoothly after a little stretch, and that reassuring thud it made tells me the contents are sealed in tight.
I’ve juggled my freezer arrangement multiple times, and the stackable feature of this tub rocks. With its slim oblong shape, it fits between frozen veggies and stacked pizzas with no hassle. Plus, I appreciate the eco-friendly choice — using and reusing containers instead of cling films and plastic bags.
The included stickers are adorable. I labeled my flavors without a second thought. The extra band provides peace of mind, ensuring no hint of air sneaks in to crystallize my sweet treats. However, the absence of dishwasher compatibility means I signed up for a bit of extra cleanup.
As avid ice cream enthusiasts who love to whip up dairy-free delights, I find the BALCI Ice Cream Storage Tubs to be splendid choices for your freezing needs.
Pros
Cons
Upon receiving my BALCI tubs, I immediately noticed the durable feel of the plastic – it screams quality. Being able to snugly stack these containers in the freezer is a real space-saver. Recently, I filled one with my homemade vegan ice cream, and no joke, there wasn’t a hint of crystals even after several days – a real testimony to the lid’s seal.
After finishing off a batch, the cleanup was a breeze – just a quick rinse and off to the dishwasher they went. It’s the convenience I didn’t know I needed but now can’t live without. Lids do their job well, though I wouldn’t mind them hugging the rim just a smidge tighter for that peace of mind.
I adore the thought of serving my latest vegan gelato directly from these stylish blue tubs, but I do sometimes wish for a touch more flair. Also, while they are true to their durable promise, I am always on the lookout for more planet-friendly materials. But for now, these tubs have become my go-to, reliably protecting my delicious frozen treasures.
If you’re passionate about your homemade ice cream, these containers are a game changer.
Pros
Cons
After using this StarPack container, I’ve found it strikes an excellent balance between form and function. The size fits neatly in my freezer, and a quart of anything from classic vanilla bean to my latest vegan strawberry basil concoction slips in perfectly.
We’ve all dealt with the annoyance of freezer burn or strange ice crystal formations on top of our ice cream. These lids seal tightly, warding off those pesky crystals and keeping my plant-based mango sorbet smooth and creamy, just how I love it.
Cleaning is often the dull aftermath of enjoyment, but this container rinses out easily. I’ve run it through the dishwasher multiple times, and it comes out looking new every time, ready for the next batch. It’s even been great for storing leftover soup, proving itself to be a versatile kitchen ally.
We think these stylish and durable containers are a must-have for any homemade ice cream aficionado.
Pros
Cons
After scooping out the perfect bowl of my vegan mango sorbet from a Boxdljh Tub, I appreciated the solid feel of the container in my hand. The airtight seal snapped shut reassuringly, promising to keep the remaining sorbet as fresh as it was on day one.
Holding 1.5 quarts, the container slid into my freezer with ease, nestled among my frozen fruits and veggies. I was delighted with how neatly it fits in, considering the generous amount of dessert it held. This is ideal when I’m often looking for ways to maximize my freezer space.
Upon the next serving, the double wall insulation truly proved its worth. No more waiting for the ice cream to soften; my scoop glided through the sorbet like a hot knife through butter. The joy of serving up dessert quickly without straining my wrist made me a fan of these containers.
The convenience of cleaning is also remarkable. After the last scoop was enjoyed, I simply popped it into the dishwasher, sparing us the hassle of hand-washing. This is a real time saver for our busy household.
READ NEXT: Best Ice Cream Scooper: Find Your Perfect Match for Scooping Success!
When we’re on the hunt for the perfect homemade ice cream container, there are a few key features to consider:
First, we’ll want to look at the material. We prefer containers that are durable and easy to clean.
The size and shape matter depending on how much we plan to store.
A proper seal is crucial. A good lid keeps air out and prevents freezer burn.
Insulation helps keep our ice cream at the ideal creamy consistency.
As lovers of the Earth, we seek containers that minimize environmental impact.
We’re all for convenience, so easy-to-clean features are a must.
By heeding these criteria, we’ll find an awesome container to enjoy our homemade treats in a sustainable, convenient, and delicious way!
We all love savoring our homemade ice cream, and it’s crucial that we store it properly to maintain its freshness. The following FAQs cover our top tips for choosing the best containers that can help extend the life of our delicious creations.
Tight-sealing containers made from insulating materials like heavy-duty plastic or insulated silicone keep our homemade ice cream fresh the longest. They prevent air exposure and freezer burn effectively.
Yes, plastic containers often provide better freezer performance for vegan ice cream as they’re less likely to crack at low temperatures compared to glass. Plastic is also lighter and less prone to condensation.
Stainless steel containers are excellent for ice cream storage as they’re durable, don’t absorb odors, and can help our ice cream to freeze quickly due to their good thermal conductivity.
Reusable containers are more eco-friendly and cost-effective for us in the long run. Disposable containers, while convenient, can contribute to waste and might not provide the same level of insulation as reusable options.
We find that insulated silicone containers and heavy-duty BPA-free plastic containers with airtight lids are perfect for our homemade ice cream. They keep the contents well-protected and make storage a breeze.
Search for BPA-free plastic or insulated silicone containers with secure lids. Brands like Tovolo, SUMO, and BALCI often receive high ratings and could be a great choice for storing our homemade batches.
Homemade or store bought – here’s the scoop on having the freshest, tastiest, creamiest ice cream
On the surface, ice cream storage seems simple. Cram your pint in the first empty spot in the freezer and move on to binging the next season of Bridgerton.
In reality, careless ice cream storage can lead to freezer burned treats. That crunchy, icy mess that leaves you disappointed and vowing to eat your ice cream in one sitting to avoid it. This crystallized state (aka freezer burn) occurs when the moisture in the ice cream sublimates (goes from a solid to a gas) and leaves behind a somewhat dehydrated treat. While freezer burned ice cream is safe to eat, we’re firm believers in enjoying every last bite of our ice cream. After all, life’s too short to settle for subpar desserts. We’ve put together the ultimate guide on ice cream storage – so you can savor every spoonful.
Fresh ice cream starts at the store
There's a reason why the freezer section is typically at the end of the grocery store. It’s the aisle that you should hit up last so your frozen foods don't thaw before you get home. Grocery store freezers should be nice and cold! The ideal temperature for storing ice cream is 0°F (-18°C) or colder. If the temperature is right, your tub of ice cream should feel firm if you give it a squeeze. If the freezer at your supermarket is above 10°F (-12°C), take a pass (and maybe tell the staff).
In an open top freezer case, dig down for pints that are stored closer to the bottom. Those on the top have likely gotten too warm.
Make a plan of attack
If you plan to get ice cream, whether from the grocery store or a scoop shop, make it your last stop before heading home. For the ride home, use a cooler or freezer bag to insulate your treats, especially if it’s warm out.
Keeping ice cream fresh at home
Once you get that creamy goodness home, avoiding shifts in temperature is key to preserving fresh ice cream. When ice cream repeatedly softens and re-freezes, the original tiny ice crystals grow into much larger ones – giving that unpleasant icy texture.
Your freezer should be set between 0°F (-18°C) and -5°F (-20°C) but colder is fine. If your freezer doesn’t have a temperature gauge, setting it to the coldest setting is a cool move. For long-term storage, the recommended temperature range is between -10°F (-23°C) and -25°F (-32°C). That's as cold as a Canadian prairie winter! Since we’re confident that we can polish off that tasty tub in good time, we’ll stick with 0°F.
It's best to store ice cream at the back of the freezer (or the bottom of a chest freezer), where it's most protected from temperature changes. Avoid keeping it in the door, since this is a prime area for temperature fluctuations every time you open the door and stare indecisively at the contents of your freezer while you try to decide what to make for dinner. Consider that easy access spot as a fast track to freezer burned treats.
Keep the lid firmly closed once the tub has been opened. Pressing some plastic wrap or parchment paper on the ice cream surface (before replacing the lid) can deter those large ice crystals from forming and creating a hard crunchy surface. Or, place the whole container in a zip top freezer bag and remove any excess air. For the truly dedicated, break out your vacuum sealer.
When it’s time to savor those spoonfuls of creamy deliciousness, take your scoops and promptly return the container to the depths of the freezer. When you're ready for seconds, it will be waiting for you in perfect condition. If your ice cream is too hard to scoop, letting it rest for 2 minutes on the counter or 10 minutes in the fridge should do the trick. Then back into the deep freeze it goes! Do NOT microwave your ice cream. The melting caused by a trip through the microwave will trigger ice crystal formation and permanently damage the texture of your tub.
Storing homemade ice cream
Whether you whipped up a quick and easy no-churn treat or you busted out your ice cream maker, when you’re freezing homemade ice cream there are a few more things to consider.
Choose a flat, shallow, plastic container with a tight-fitting lid for storing your ice cream. Round, pint shaped tubs are not the best choice here – something with more surface area will work better. Plastic containers are preferable, as they freeze faster than glass ones. Ice cream will freeze faster in a shallow container, resulting in a better texture, and a lid will prevent air from getting to it. Additionally, cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap or parchment paper before freezing. The large flat surface also makes an ideal space for practicing those picture-perfect scoops.
It got melty. Now what? Can I refreeze melted ice cream?
If your frozen treats have suffered a tragic fate, there may still be hope. Whether or not the ice cream can be saved depends on how warm it has become.
It it’s got a few soft spots but is overall still mostly frozen, you can likely revive it. Try inverting the container in the freezer so the melted portion drips onto the lid leaving the frozen part intact at the base of the tub (tight fitting lid required to save you from messy freezer cleanup).
Unfortunately, if it's pretty much completely melted, it can't be saved. There are 2 big reasons for this – food safety and texture. Melted ice cream is a haven for bacteria to grow and can make you sick. Bacteria love ice cream as much as we do and multiply quickly at temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (40°C). Known as the "danger zone," perishable foods should never be kept here longer than two hours. Refreezing the tub won’t kill the bacteria and eating melted or refrozen ice cream could make you ill. No ice cream experience should end that way.
The texture of refrozen ice cream will be disappointing to say the least. As it thaws, the ice crystals melt but do not refreeze to their original state (find out exactly why ice cream melts here). When refrozen, ice cream becomes dense and grainy instead of fluffy and creamy. When your ice cream has been out of the freezer (and in the danger zone) long enough to get really melty, it's best to throw it out. Avoid the sacrifice next time, and keep your tub fresh by following the tips above.
If you see freezer burn on top of your pint (and it isn't caused by refreezing a melted tub), you may be able to dig deeper and find ice cream that still looks fresh. Want to eat it anyways? It is safe to eat the freezer burned portion (although it won't be nearly as enjoyable as fresh ice cream). We suggest liberally applying chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and sprinkles to mask the icy crunch.
How long does ice cream keep?
Ice cream doesn't last forever, and it typically comes with a best before date. To enjoy the best quality product, eat it before that date provided (if it’s stored at or below 0°F). It is safe to consume it for 2 - 3 months past the best before date if there are no signs of spoilage.
For the best texture, finish it within 1 - 2 months of opening. Enjoy homemade treats within 2 weeks to 2 months. The better it’s stored, the longer it will stay fresh.
How can you tell if ice cream has gone bad?
While there are few obvious signs of ice cream gone bad, we’ve rounded up a short list of how to know when to toss it.
Freezer burn – Those telltale ice crystals that begin on the surface (see above). A bit of frostiness isn’t necessarily a deal breaker. However, when you end up with ice shards rather than a little sparkle, and your carton becomes a gooey mess, then the party is over.
Refrozen – If your treats have experienced the dreaded thaw and freeze, they could be bacteria laden and cause food borne illness. PASS.
Off smell or taste – Just like milk that's gone bad. If it smells or tastes off – don’t do it.
Taking good care of your ice cream to ensure a fresh taste and texture is not an easy task, but as die-hard ice cream enthusiasts, we think it's worth it. If you can’t be bothered, we recommend devouring it in one sitting, or as quickly as possible to enjoy it at its freshest.
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