How long does cream cheese last? It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another.
The answer to that question is not as straightforward as you might think. There are many factors that influence how long cream cheese lasts, including the type of cream cheese and how it was stored.
In this article, you’ll find out exactly how long your favorite types of cream cheese will stay fresh in the fridge, so you can make sure they don’t go bad before their time!
Table of Contents
What Is Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a soft, thick dairy product that’s made by fermenting cream with harmless bacteria and adding other ingredients like salt, flavorings, and thickeners.
Cream cheese can be either spreadable or non-spreadable, depending on the brand. Cream cheese has a wide variety of uses; it can be baked into cheesecakes, added to dips like guacamole, or even creamed into the frosting.
Cream cheese is usually sold in 8-ounce or 16-ounce blocks. It can also be sold by weight in some stores, so the net weight may vary slightly from package to package.
Does Cream Cheese Go Bad?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of cream cheese and how it was stored. Generally speaking, cream cheese will last between one and two weeks in the fridge, but certain types of cream cheese can last up to four weeks.
If you’re not sure how long your cream cheese has been in the fridge, there are a few things you can do to test it. First, check the expiration date on the package. If the expiration date has passed, then the cream cheese is most likely past its shelf life and should not be eaten.
You can also test the cream cheese by smelling it. If it smells sour, it’s most likely spoiled. Cream cheese that smells fine may still be safe to eat, but it doesn’t taste quite as good!
Finally, you can also try the water test. Place a dab of cream cheese in a glass of water. If it floats, then there is air inside of the cream cheese and it should not be eaten. If it sinks, then the cream cheese is still edible.
How To Spot Spoiled Cream Cheese
So let’s say that you don’t know how long your cream cheese has been sitting in the fridge. How do you tell if it has gone bad?
The first thing you’ll want to do is examine the package. If the cream cheese has any rips, tears, or punctures in the packaging, then there is a chance that it could be contaminated and should not be eaten.
Next, you’ll want to smell your cream cheese and see if it smells sour or off in any way. This is a good indicator of expired cream cheese. If the cream cheese smells fine, then you can still eat it though it might not taste as good!
Finally, you can perform the water test. Place a small amount of cream cheese in a glass of water. If it floats, you are most likely dealing with spoiled cream cheese past its shelf life. If it sinks, then the cream cheese is still good to eat.
How Long Does Cream Cheese Last?
Cream cheese can last for between one and two weeks if it is stored properly in a fridge. If you want to store cream cheese for a longer period of time, you can freeze it so that it stays fresh for up to three months.
If you’re not sure how long your cream cheese has been in the fridge, you can test it by smelling it, checking the expiration date, or performing the water test. If it smells sour, has an expired date, or floats in water, then it is most likely past its shelf life and should not be eaten.
Otherwise, cream cheese that smells fine should still be safe. So go ahead and enjoy your favorite type of cream cheese – just make sure to store it properly so it lasts as long as possible!
How To Freeze Cream Cheese
To freeze cream cheese, place it in an airtight container or bag and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Once the foil-wrapped cream cheese is opened, it will keep better if placed in an air-tight container because re-sealing the end of the foil does not make an air-tight seal.
Previously foil-wrapped cream cheese that is frozen may become crumbly and less spreadable, but you can fix this by adding a little milk and mixing it thoroughly. Once your thawed cream cheese is properly blended, it will be as good as new!
Types Of Cream Cheeses
Pre-Packaged Cream Cheeses
Pre-packaged cream cheese is the most common type of cream cheese. It comes in a sealed container and has an expiration date stamped on the package.
Unopened cream cheese should be stored in the fridge or try freezing cream cheese, and opened cream cheese should be used within seven to 10 days. As a result, most unopened cream cheese kept in the fridge will last for up to a month past the printed expiration date.
Fresh Cream Cheese
Fresh cream cheese is sold in the dairy section of most grocery stores. It comes in a tub with water and is perishable, just like yogurt or milk.
You should only purchase as much as you can use within three to five days because its shelf life is less than pre-packaged cream cheese.
Cream Cheese Spreads
Flavored cream cheese spreads are the most perishable type of cream cheese. Flavored cream cheese comes in a jar and must be refrigerated until they are opened, just like jam or peanut butter.
You should only purchase as much cream cheese spread as you can use within two weeks because it spoils faster than pre-packaged cream cheese.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Prepared cream cheese frosting is the most perishable type of cream cheese. It comes in a tub and must be refrigerated until it is opened, just like mayonnaise or ketchup.
You should only purchase as much cream cheese frosting as you can use within two weeks because its shelf life is less than pre-packaged.
Tips To Store Cream Cheese
There are a few things you can do to make sure your cream cheese lasts as long as possible. The first is to store it in the fridge. Cream cheese should be stored at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and it’s best to put it in the door of the fridge so that it stays cold but doesn’t get exposed to the cold air in the fridge.
You should also be sure to squeeze out as much air from the container before you seal it. Air speeds up the process of spoilage, so removing it can help your cream cheese last longer. The best way to remove air is by using a butter knife or spoon to press down on the cream cheese until you no longer see any air bubbles.
Finally, make sure to label the container or bag with the date so that you know how long it’s been in the fridge. This way, you’ll be able to tell if it’s time to throw the expired cream cheese out or not! These tips also apply to storing cottage cheese, and ricotta cheese!
Cream Cheese Shelf Life FAQs
How Long Is Tub Cream Cheese Good For After Opening?
Cream cheese is good for about one to two weeks after the date on the package. After that, it may start to get moldy or sour.
How Long Does Philadelphia Last After Opening?
Philadelphia cream cheese lasts for about one to two weeks after opening.
How Do You Store Cream Cheese After Opening?
Cream cheese should be stored in the fridge at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. It’s best to store it in the door of the fridge so that it stays cold but doesn’t get exposed to the cold air in the fridge.
You should also be sure to squeeze out as much air from the container before you seal it and to label the container or bag with the date so that you know how long it’s been in the fridge.
Can Expired Cream Cheese Make You Sick?
Consuming leftover dairy products may cause harmful diseases and lead to death. If you can find that cream cheese contains something dripping onto it, it is safer to just avoid eating it.
Summary Of Cream Cheese Shelf Life
Cream cheese is a versatile, creamy cheese that can be used in a variety of recipes. It’s important to store it properly so that it stays fresh and doesn’t spoil. By following the tips above, you can make sure your cream cheese lasts as long as possible!
Now that you know how to store cream cheese, you can use it in all sorts of recipes without worrying if it’s gone bad or not!
