How to Avoid Freezer Burn on Ice Cream: Simple Tips for Freshness

There's nothing worse than reaching for your favorite pint of ice cream—only to find it covered in icy crystals, tasting dull and gritty. Freezer-burned ice cream is a common issue, but the good news is? It's entirely preventable. Whether you're storing a fresh pint from our parlors or saving a homemade dessert for later, these simple tips will help you keep your ice cream tasting great.

What Is Freezer Burn - and Why Does It Happen?

Freezer burn occurs when water molecules escape from your ice cream and turn into ice crystals. This process happens when frozen products are exposed to cold, dry air for an extended period. The result? Moisture loss, a change in texture, and that unmistakable freezer burn taste—dry, bland, and a far cry from the creamy scoop you were expecting.

While freezer-burned food, including ice cream, is still safe to eat, the affected areas won't deliver the sweet, smooth flavor you love. Luckily, a few simple habits can help you avoid freezer burn altogether and keep your ice cream fresh.

Signs Your Ice Cream Is Freezer Burned

Has your pint been affected? Here are some signs of freezer-burned ice cream:

• Ice crystals on the top layer or around the lid

• A dull, frosty appearance

• A gritty or grainy texture

• Bland, off-taste compared to fresh ice cream

• Melted and refrozen spots that appear hard or icy

Freezer burn often begins with partially melted ice cream that has been returned to the freezer, marking the start of moisture loss. The more often it melts and refreezes, the worse the burn will be.

How to Prevent Freezer Burn on Ice Cream

Here's how to store ice cream to keep it fresh and flavorful and prevent freezer burn:

1. Use an Airtight Container

Once a pint is opened, air exposure increases. For extra protection, press a layer of plastic wrap, wax paper, or parchment paper directly onto the ice cream's surface before sealing with the lid to help block out dry air and reduce the formation of ice crystals.

2. Place Ice Cream Upside Down

Storing ice cream upside down allows any melted ice to drip toward the lid rather than forming crystals on the ice cream's surface.

3. Avoid the Freezer Door

The freezer door is the warmest part of your freezer and is prone to temperature fluctuations. Keep your ice cream toward the back or center, where it stays consistently cold.

4. Don't Let It Melt

Once you scoop ice cream, serve it right away. Don't let the whole pint sit out, even if you plan to eat more later. Refreezing partially melted ice cream introduces more air and water, creating prime conditions for freezer burn.

5. Check the Freezer Temperature

Use a freezer thermometer to ensure the freezer stays at 0°F or below. Anything warmer increases the risk of moisture loss and freezer burn.

6. Eat It Sooner Than Later

Even well-stored ice cream has a shelf life. Label your cartons with the storage date and aim to consume opened pints within a few weeks for optimal flavor and texture.

Tips for Organized Freezer Storage

Keeping your freezer clean and well-organized also helps protect frozen foods, including your favorite dessert:

Avoid overcrowding, which restricts airflow and creates hot spots.

Keep frozen products grouped (e.g., meat in one zone, dessert in another).

Don't block the vents—consistent airflow helps maintain a stable temperature.

Check the freezer door seal regularly to prevent warm air from sneaking in.

Bonus tip: If your freezer tends to get opened a lot (hello, snack runs), consider investing in a model with an automatic door closer or door alarm.

Why Freezer Burn Matters

Ice cream is one of life's simplest pleasures. Preventing freezer burn ensures that each scoop is as smooth, flavorful, and creamy as it was intended to be. Whether it's one of our signature flavors or a new seasonal pint, a little extra protection goes a long way in preserving the dessert you love.

Recap: Your Freezer Burn Prevention Checklist

✅ Store ice cream in an airtight container

✅ Cover the surface with plastic wrap, wax or parchment paper

✅ Keep it in the coldest part of the freezer (not the door!)

✅ Avoid thawing