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Food Expiration Dates 101: How Long to Keep Ice Cream, Pizza and other Frozen Foods

The freezer is a frugal cook’s best friend. It’s the perfect place for pre-made or leftover meals and allows you to stock up on sale items like family-packs of chicken or 3-for-1 frozen vegetables. While foods kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit are safe to eat indefinitely, there still are expiration dates to make sure your food is the best quality. Read on for recommendations from StillTasty.com (19 Photos)

Lisa Cericola on Mar 5, 2012 at 9:40AM

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Food Expiration Dates 101: How Long to Keep Ice Cream, Pizza and other Frozen Foods

Teri Lyn Fisher/FoodPix/Getty Images

Ice Cream (Most Flavors)

Unopened: 2 to 4 months
Opened: 1 to 2 months

Ice cream doesn’t tend to last very long in most households, but if you’re the type to eat a small scoop at a time, be sure to discard opened cartons after two months. And if it completely thaws, discard it – do not re-freeze, as harmful bacteria may develop.