Cream cheese is a dairy-based product and thus very perishable, yet longer than other cheeses. So yes, just like other foods and cheeses, it will go bad? How long does cream cheese last before it goes bad?
Unlike other cheeses, cream cheese can last up to a few weeks past the printed date when unopened and up to 1 week after opening.
How can you see if your cream cheese has gone bad or still will be good?
In this article, we will cover all you need to know about cream cheese and its shelf life, how to store and where to look for signs of spoilage.
Enjoy the read
What Is Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, unripened cheese, made with either cream or a mixture of cream and milk. It has a white color and has a smooth taste.
It has more fat content compared to other cheeses like cottage cheese. Cream cheese has a similar taste and texture to mascarpone, and Boursin, which also belong to soft cheeses.
Soft cheeses aren’t aged as much and ripened with bacteria for extra flavor and can be easily spread. Hard cheeses are ripened with bacteria and are not easy to spread and are even impossible.
Examples of harder cheeses are parmesan, cheddar, and gouda…
Popular brands of cream cheese are Philadelphia, Kite Hill, Green Mountain Farms, and many more…
How Long Can Cream Cheese Last
For your convenience, we will start with a quick table:
| Cream Cheese | Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unopened | / | Best-by date + up to 1 month (4 weeks) | Up to 2 months |
| Opened | / | Up to 1 week (7 days) | Up to 2 months |
| Homemade | / | Up to 5 days | Up to 2 months |
As you can see, we will keep things simple and talk about the following types of cream cheese:
- unopened
- opened
- homemade
Before we dive into the different types, please know that the best-by date is an indication for us about the quality. It won’t be bad in the sense that it will harm you. When it has surpassed the expiration date, don’t expect a great taste.
If possible, try to finish the cream cheese within the first 5 days, but of course, this isn’t always easy or realistic as we also eat other foods.
How Long Can Refrigerated Cream Cheese Bought At The Store Last
An unopened package of cream cheese should last for up to 4 weeks (1 month) past the date on the label. Some may last longer than others because of the additives added, others will last shorter.
Always try to consume it before the best-by date if possible.
From the moment you open the package, they’re more vulnerable and perishable because the external threats (heat, air, moisture, sunlight, bacteria…) have better access to the cheese.
That’s why you should consume it within 7 days (1 week) after opening the pack of cream cheese.
How Long Can Homemade Cream Cheese Last
When you’ve made cream cheese at home, it won’t contain as many additives. That’s why we say it should stay good for up to 5 days after you’ve made it.
If you’re able, try to finish the cheese within the first 5 days after opening. You can use it as a dipping sauce, for cheesecake, frostings, brownies, on a sandwich, and so on…
The above periods are indicative, as long as the cream cheese was stored properly.
How To Store Cream Cheese
As we’ve said before, cream cheese is a dairy-based product and thus more perishable and vulnerable than other foods and cheeses. That’s why we always say to store it directly in your refrigerator.
Other dairy-based products are yogurt, parmesan cheese, and so on.
It would be best if you always stored your cream cheese as you’ve bought it. That should always be in a refrigerated, chilled place like the fridge. Otherwise, it will spoil very fast.
Sometimes, it will come in a package that can’t be resealed. If you don’t finish it within the day, we’d suggest you transfer everything into an airtight container that can be easily (re)sealed.
When transferring, try to use clean tools like spoons to prevent bacteria from spreading.
How To Store Unrefrigerated Cream Cheese
You should always try to refrigerate your cream cheese as soon as possible. Letting it sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours can be enough to spoil it.
How To Store Refrigerated Cream Cheese
This is a no-brainer, always store refrigerated cream cheese in the refrigerator.
In most cases, it will be used as something to spread on a sandwich, pistolet, slice of bread, or something else.
This means it should be stored in an airtight container that can be easily resealed (tight).
Usually, this should be in the same package as you’ve bought them, if not, transfer them over to an airtight container of your own.
How To Store Homemade Cream Cheese
Homemade cream cheese is even more delicate and perishable than store-bought cream cheese that can contain additives.
Always store in the fridge when not used and try to use everything within the first 2 days.
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese
Yes, you can freeze cream cheese, for up to 2 months, but should you?
We always say on GoodOrGoneBad that you should think about what you will freeze and what not. Freezing means taking some capacity, capacity that you won’t be able to use for something else. As cream cheese is a dairy-based product, we dare to say that you should reconsider freezing.
Why?
Freezing always means thawing your cheese. Cream cheese is known to separate after thawing. Separation means smaller pieces and loss of texture and consistency. You can always try to stir it up or mix it up with a blender, but you won’t get the same texture as before.
That is why we advise using it in other recipes or dishes instead of consuming it on your sandwich. The quality won’t be the same and it can be masked by the other ingredients in the dish.
If you do want to freeze your cream cheese, please consider the following tips:
- Considering dividing it into smaller portions if needed.
- Put it in a freezer bag, or 2 plastic bags (squeeze the air out of it), or put it in an airtight container.
- Label the package with the correct date and time.
- When you want to thaw it, let it rest in the fridge for one night.
- Stir everything up.
We’ll repeat this again: it won’t have the same consistency, texture, and taste as before.
On GoodOrGoneBad, we don’t want you to take unnecessary risks, freezing your cream cheese and thawing it are unnecessary risks to us.
How Can You Tell If Cream Cheese Has Gone Bad
As we’ve said before, everything will go bad after some time, and cream cheese is no exception. It will spoil faster than other products because it is dairy-based and more vulnerable and perishable.
It’s not that hard to check whether your cream cheese has gone bad or not:
- Does the cream cheese have another color? If you notice other colors, like green, yellow, and darker colors.
- Are there any black spots on/in the container? This can be a sign of mold. Discard it immediately.
- How is the texture? Do you see slime on top of the cream cheese? Discard it without a second thought. Cream cheese should be creamy and far from dry, if it has dried out, also discard it. Don’t confuse the slime with water because of the separation.
- Does the cream cheese have a sharp smell? If you smell something funny or unpleasant, discard it immediately.
- How is the taste? Does it taste odd or sour? Please get rid of it.
Always use your senses and intuition when it comes to making this call whether you should discard it away or not. On GoodOrGoneBad, we always say that it’s better to be safe, and thus when there’s doubt, discard it without regrets.
Enjoy your cream cheese!