Is Shelf-Stable Whipping Cream Safe?

Emma Christensen
Emma Christensen
Emma is a former editor for The Kitchn and a graduate of the Cambridge School for Culinary Arts. She is the author of True Brews and Brew Better Beer. Check out her website for more cooking stories
updated May 30, 2019
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Q: I saw a new item at my Trader Joe’s: whipping cream that doesn’t need to be refrigerated until opened. The ingredients are cream and carrageenan. The expiration date is February 2013. Is this safe? Does anyone have any experience using this particular (or a similar) item?

Sent by Jessica

Editor: My guess is that this milk is ultra high temperature pasteurized (UHT). This keeps milk shelf-stable and “fresh” for several months when stored in an airtight container at room temperature (much like this organic milk). The carrageenan is likely there as a thickener to make the cream easier to whip. In short, the milk is definitely safe to use, but it also depends on how your feel about UHT-treated milk. Here’s a little more info:

• Food Science: What’s the Deal with Ultra High Temperature Pasteurization?

Readers, what do you think? Have you tried this whipping cream?

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Related: What Is Vat Pasteurized Milk?

(Image: Jessica)

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