How Long Does Double Cream (Opened) Last in the Fridge?
Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026
Double cream lasts 10 days once opened and can be frozen for 3–4 months. It has the same fridge time as whipping cream; the difference between them is fat, not shelf life.
Storage tips for double cream (opened)
- Fridge at 0–5°C. A fridge thermometer is the cheapest food-safety upgrade — many home fridges run warmer than their dial suggests.
You can also check the calorie content of double cream (opened) alongside its safety information. Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
Why this time limit?
Double cream has at least 48% fat, the richest everyday pouring and whipping cream in the UK. It is the usual swap for the US ‘heavy cream’ (about 36% fat or more) in American recipes; whipping cream (35%) is the closest match by fat. Fridge life is the same either way: the USDA FoodKeeper lists them under one entry, so US ‘heavy cream’ searches land here.
Cream: how the fridge times compare
| Cream | Fridge (once opened) | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Double cream | 10 days | 3–4 months |
| Whipping cream | 10 days | 3–4 months |
| Single cream | 1 week | 3–4 months |
| Half-and-half | 3–4 days | 4 months |
| Ultra-pasteurised whipping cream | 1 week | — |
| Sweetened whipped cream | 1 day | 1–2 months |
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Store it properly
Airtight food storage containers
The right container keeps double cream (opened) fresher and stops fridge smells migrating.
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More storage essentials
Vacuum food sealer
Removes the air that speeds spoilage — extends shelf life by days.
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Fridge, freezer and microwave safe — one less transfer step.
Check Price →Double Cream (Opened) next to similar foods
| Food | Fridge time |
|---|---|
| Kefir (Fermented Milk) | 1 week |
| Double Cream (Opened) | 10 days |
| Whipping Cream | 10 days |
| Buttermilk | 1–2 weeks |
| Yoghurt (Opened) | 1–2 weeks |
Of the 16 dairy foods with a fridge time in this guide, double Cream (Opened) keeps for longer than 5, the same time as 1 and less time than 9.
Double Cream (Opened): the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In the freezer (Double Cream) | Yes — freezes well (best quality for 3–4 months) |
Common questions
How long does double cream (opened) last in the fridge?
10 days in a fridge running at 0–5°C (USDA FoodKeeper guidance). After that, quality and safety both start to slip, and because the bacteria that cause food poisoning are invisible, ‘it seems fine’ is not a reliable test. When in doubt, throw it out.
How can I tell if double cream (opened) has gone off?
A sour smell, lumps or curdling, a changed taste or any mould (other than on hard cheese) mean it should go. Do not rely on this alone: the time guideline matters even when everything looks fine.
Can I freeze double cream (opened) to keep it longer?
Yes. For best quality, freeze it for around 3–4 months; it stays safe beyond that because freezing halts bacterial growth, and only texture and flavour decline.
Does my fridge temperature really matter?
Yes. These times assume a fridge at 0–5°C, which is what the Food Standards Agency says to set it to. Bacteria grow faster in a warmer fridge, and many fridges run warmer than their dial suggests, so a cheap fridge thermometer is worth having.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.