How Long Does Single Cream (Opened) Last in the Fridge?
Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026
Single cream lasts 1 week once opened, a few days less than double or whipping cream because it has less fat.
Storage tips for single 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.
- Use for cooking.
You can also check the calorie content of single 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?
Single cream has at least 18% fat, so it pours but will not whip. That lower fat is why it is also the one to treat with more care: the USDA FoodKeeper gives light cream (the US equivalent, 18–30% fat) a shorter fridge life than heavy cream, and US ‘light 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 single 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.
Check Price →Airtight glass containers
Fridge, freezer and microwave safe — one less transfer step.
Check Price →Single Cream (Opened) next to similar foods
| Food | Fridge time |
|---|---|
| Commercial Eggnog | 3–5 days |
| Kefir (Fermented Milk) | 1 week |
| Single Cream (Opened) | 1 week |
| Double Cream (Opened) | 10 days |
| Whipping Cream | 10 days |
Of the 16 dairy foods with a fridge time in this guide, single Cream (Opened) keeps for longer than 3, the same time as 1 and less time than 11.
Single Cream (Opened): the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In the freezer (Single Cream) | Yes — best for cooking |
Common questions
How long does single cream (opened) last in the fridge?
1 week 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 single 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 single 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. Use for cooking.
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.