How Long Does Sour Cream Last?: Sour Cream lasts for 1 to 2 weeks after the best-by date printed on the pack. But you have to store it properly to enjoy its quality for longer. Many people might think that sour cream has a shorter shelf life as it is already sour. But how long does sour cream last in the fridge?
In general, sour cream is available in large packs in the market, but most recipes require adding only a few tablespoons of the cream. Then, you might think can sour cream go bad, how long sour cream last once opened, what tips to store it, and what signs of spoilage? We are giving all the required information in the following sections.
- Does Sour Cream Go Bad?
- How Long Does Sour Cream Last?
- How to Store Sour Cream?
- Signs to Tell If Sour Cream Has Gone Bad
- Can You Freeze Sour Cream?
- How long does sour cream last once opened?
- What does expired sour cream look like?
- How can I tell if sour cream is bad?
- How long is sour cream good after the expiration date?
Does Sour Cream Go Bad?
Yes, sour cream goes bad. Sour cream is a perishable dairy product that is obtained after fermenting the dairy cream after lactic acid and bacteria action. During the process, the cream becomes sour and thick.
The unopened sour cream shelf life is 2 to 4 weeks in the fridge. To recognise the spoiled sour cream product, you must check the signs of the spoilage of sour cream. Follow the better storage conditions, to store sour cream for a longer period.
How Long Does Sour Cream Last?
Sour cream should be used before the best-by date. The shelf life of the particular sour cream is available on the pack. The sour cream will last for 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator after the expiration date. The unopened sour cream shelf life is 2 to 4 weeks in the fridge.
Once the pack is opened, it will retain its quality for up to 2 weeks when stored properly. Since sour cream is sour already, it retains freshness for a longer period than dairy products. If your sour cream has turned bad before the mentioned number of days, then you have not stored it correctly. So, check the best storage precautions for sour cream in the following sections.
| Type | Fridge |
| Unopened Sour Cream | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Reduced fat, unopened | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Dip, unopened | 14 days |
| Opened | 10 to 14 days |
How to Store Sour Cream?
Sour cream always needs to be placed in the fridge to maintain its freshness for more days. And don’t place the sour cream on the door shelves as the temperature fluctuates there so it is not the perfect choice.
While storing the sour cream in the refrigerator, make sure it is always covered fully. The unopened cream packs can be placed as it is in the fridge. Once the pack is opened, then transfer the contents into an airtight container to prevent the air from entering, and other product spoilage. When stored properly, the cream will be tasty and healthy for more days.
Even cover the opened pack with aluminium foil and tighten it with a rubber band to extend its life span. Just like other perishable products, you can transfer the cream into clean utensils and place it in the fridge. Another tip when you want to sour cream for more periods is never to use the same spoon for it.
You can place the sour cream in the freezer to store it for a longer duration. Freezing sour cream is the best solution because once it thaws, the taste will change. To freeze sour cream, pour it into the ice cube tray and place the tray in the freezer.
Also, Check
Signs to Tell If Sour Cream Has Gone Bad
Here are the signs of spoilage of sour cream. If you observe a lot of water in the container or anything which is normal, then it has gone bad. If the sour cream gets sharp and biting, or off in any other way, then it should be discarded as soon as possible. When the sour cream tastes off, then it should not be consumed anymore.
Can You Freeze Sour Cream?
Manufacturers don’t recommend freezing sour cream as its texture and taste change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze the sour cream, then transfer it into a freezer-safe bag or ice cube tray.
FAQs on How Long Does Sour Cream Last
1. How long does sour cream last once open?
The opened sour cream will last for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
2. What does expired sour cream look like?
The expired sour cream has discolouration or mold on its surface.
3. How can I tell if sour cream is bad?
To tell if sour cream is bad, you have to check its texture, color, smell, mold, and taste. Any off smell, mold, or yellow color are indications of sour cream spoilage.
4. How long is sour cream good after the expiration date?
The sour cream is good for 3 to 4 days after the expiration date.
Key Takeaways
Sour cream is a dairy and perishable food item, so you have to store it properly. The unopened sour cream maintains its freshness for 2 weeks when placed in the fridge, but freezing is not suggested. When you observe any signs of spoilage, then discard it. To know details about more food products, stay tuned to our site CanFoodGoBad.com.