What Is The Ideal Freezer Temperature For Storing Ice Cream?

What Is The Ideal Freezer Temperature For Storing Ice Cream?

February 9, 2023

Frozen desserts like ice creams generate a lot of revenue for ice cream shops and other retail stores all year round. One of the main reasons why people love ice cream so much is because of its creamy and rich taste.

With that in mind, if ice cream is stored wrongly, it could affect its flavor and texture. We will be looking at the correct temperature for storing ice cream.

What Is The Best Ice Cream Storage Temperature?

If you are going to store ice cream, then you should follow the guidelines based on whether you want it stored for a long period or just for a short while.

For Long Term

If you are going to be storing your ice cream for the long term, ensure that it does not go above zero degrees. The perfect temperature you should leave your ice cream in storage is between -10 F and -20 F. Frozen treats in storage should never go above freezing point and should always feel hard.

For Scooping

For easy scooping and serving, the temperature of your ice cream storage system should be set between 6 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, ensure that you do not keep it at this temperature for a long time as it would start to melt and also change in texture and taste.

Why Temperature Matters?

Keeping your ice cream in the optimum temperature range is absolutely essential and this is why. The two major components of ice cream, which are ice and fat stay together if you store ice cream at proper temperatures.

On the other hand, they start to break down when the temperature starts getting warm, which would affect the quality, texture, and taste. When you wish to store ice cream long term, it would require a different temperature than when displaying.

This is because ice cream has an ideal serving temperature range and serving ice cream at that point would give you the best scoop of this delicious treat. The slightly warmer temperatures ensure the ice cream can be scooped and served without melting.

Importance Of Correct Freezing Temperature

  • If you don't store it at the proper temperature, it could result in adverse changes to the flavor, texture, and taste of the ice cream.

  • This helps to maintain the unfrozen and frozen content of the ice cream.

Can The Freezer Temperature Be Adjusted?

You can easily adjust the temperature of your freezing with the use of its thermostat. This thermostat will usually come in the form of a dial, while some other variants might include the digital thermostat, the screw-type, or the ones with numbers.

When you locate the thermostat, you can then set the desired freezer temperature. You can also monitor your freezer's temperature with the use of a freezer thermometer.

Helpful Tips On How To Keep Ice Cream In Its Most Gratifying Form

If you want to eat ice cream in its perfect state, then these are some tips you should definitely follow.

In The Store

  • When you go to ice cream shops using an open-top freezer case, be sure to select the ice cream and other frozen desserts that are below the freezer line.

  • Don't place your ice cream with the other foods you purchased.

  • Ask for a freezer bag at the store so you can insulate your frozen treats and ice cream.

  • Ensure the last place you visit on your shopping trip is the ice cream parlor or the ice cream aisle if you visit a supermarket.

  • Check the temperature of the supermarket's freezer case. It should not exceed 10 F.

At Home

  • Ensure your ice cream container is placed in the main part of your freezer. Make sure it is not stored in the freezer door.

  • Use plastic wrap if there is a need to store some remaining ice cream overnight.

  • Make sure there is no consistent thawing and re-freezing of your ice cream as this could turn the small ice crystals into lumps.

Best Freezers To Store Ice Cream?

These are some of the best commercial ice cream freezers & displays that you can get if you want to store ice cream.

Ice Cream Freezers

An ice cream freezer is one that gives you access to the ice cream from the backside and also allows customers to view the different flavors.

These types of freezers are designed to provide your customers with optimal product visibility and freshness. This is the best way to market your ice cream and promote the business.

Cabinet Display Freezer

The cabinet display freezer gives you everything you need to store your ice cream properly and also provides visibility so you can monitor your products.

Reach-In Freezer

The reach-in freezer is another great storage unit for storing ice cream. They are easy to move and can be positioned anywhere you want.

Conclusion

If your ice cream is stored in the wrong way, it could form ice crystals and also develop a bad texture. This is why it is important to make a storage pattern that suits your needs. With the above tips, you should be able to properly store your ice cream without altering the taste.

FAQs

1. Can A Freezer Be Too Cold For Ice Cream?

A freezer that is "too cold" will not affect how you enjoy ice cream. The proper temperature range for freezing your ice cream should be 0 F or colder, you can check the grocer's freezer case.

2. What Is The Maximum Legal Temperature For Storing Ice Cream

There is no set legal temperature for storing ice cream but there is an ideal temperature that you should not go above. For example, the supermarket's freezer case doesn't go above 10 F or is not expected to if they are storing ice cream.

3. Will Ice Cream Stay Frozen At 20 Degrees?

If stored at 20 degrees, your ice cream will stay frozen but not for a very long while. If you wish to store ice cream long term then the perfect temperature would be about - 10 F to - 20 F.

4. Will Ice Cream Melt At 32 Degrees?

The freezing point is about 32 degrees, so your ice cream will melt and no longer feel hard if it is exposed to temperatures above 32 F. When handling ice cream, ensure it is treated carefully as it would get soft if stored at the wrong temperature.