Have you ever found a half-used tub of cream cheese in the back of your fridge and wondered if it’s still good?
Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from spreads to dips to cheesecakes and frosting, but it can also go bad quickly if it’s not stored properly. So how can you tell if your cream cheese has gone bad?
There are a few things to look for when checking cream cheese for spoilage.
Table of Contents
How to Tell if Cream Cheese Is Bad?
1. Change in Color
First, take a look at the color of the cream cheese. Cream cheese should be pale white in color. If the cream cheese is no longer white or has developed any green or blue patches, it has probably gone bad.
2. Off Smell
Next, give the cheese a sniff. Cream cheese should have a mildly tangy smell.
If the odor of your cream cheese has changed significantly, if it smells foul or sour instead of fresh, or if the smell is considerably stronger than when you first bought it, it has probably gone bad and you should throw it out immediately.
3. Change in Texture
Take a look at the texture of the cheese. Cream cheese should be smooth and creamy. If it has developed a chunky texture, or has started to separate, it is no longer safe to eat.
4. Mold Formation
Cream cheese has a somewhat translucent appearance on the surface, therefore mold growth is more obvious. If you see any mold growing on the cream cheese, it should be discarded immediately.
5. Change in Flavor
Finally, give the cheese a taste. Cream cheese should have a mildly tangy flavor with no off-notes. If it has developed a sour or unpleasant flavor, it has gone bad and should not be consumed.
6. Expiration Date
Of course, you can always check the expiration date on the package. If the cream cheese has expired, it is no longer safe to eat.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw out the cream cheese and buy a new tub. However, if the cream cheese still looks and smells good, it should be safe to eat.
How To Store Cream Cheese?
Storing cream cheese properly is essential to maintaining its freshness and flavor. Cream cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, either in its original packaging or in an airtight container. It’s important to keep it away from other strong-smelling foods, as the flavor of cream cheese can easily be overpowered.
Most cream cheese comes in a plastic wrapper, which should be left intact when storing the cheese.
Cream cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or place it in a zip-top bag and freeze it for up to six months.
When thawing frozen cream cheese, place it in the fridge overnight to thaw slowly. Do not leave the cream cheese out at room temperature, as this can cause the cheese to spoil.
How Long Does Cream Cheese Last?
Most types of cream cheese should be used within two weeks of opening, though this will vary depending on the type of cream cheese and how it is stored.
Block cream cheese, which is the most commonly found type, will last for up to two weeks in the fridge. This is because it is made with pasteurized milk, which has a higher acidity level that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Soft cream cheese, such as those that come in tubs, have a shorter shelf life due to their higher water content.
Once opened, cream cheese should be tightly wrapped and stored in the main body of the fridge, where it will stay coldest. If stored properly, cream cheese can also be frozen for up to two months.
However, frozen cream cheese will often become crumbly and dry when thawed, so it is best used in cooked dishes rather than as a spread. With these storage tips in mind, you can keep your cream cheese fresh for as long as possible.
Avoid leaving cream cheese out at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can cause bacteria to grow.
FAQ
Why is there liquid in my cream cheese?
Cream cheese is a dairy product made from milk and cream. During the manufacturing process, the milk and cream are combined and pasteurized, which causes the water in the mixture to evaporate.
The remaining mixture is then cooled and allowed to set, during which time more water will evaporate, leaving behind a thick, creamy substance.
However, sometimes water can separate from the cream cheese during storage and this is perfectly normal. Simply stir the liquid back into the cream cheese until it is smooth again.
Why did my cream cheese turn green?
If you notice that your cream cheese has turned green, it is probably because it has been stored in the fridge for too long. Cream cheese is a dairy product and, like all dairy products, it can spoil if it is not stored properly.
When cream cheese spoils, it will often turn green or develop mold. If you see any mold on the surface of the cream cheese, it should be discarded immediately.
Can you freeze cream cheese?
Cream cheese can be frozen, though it will often become crumbly and dry when thawed. For this reason, it is best to use frozen cream cheese in cooked dishes rather than as a spread.
When freezing cream cheese, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a zip-top bag to prevent it from drying out. Cream cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
What does bad cream cheese taste like?
Cream cheese that has gone bad will often develop a sour or unpleasant smell. If you smell the cheese and it smells sour or off, it should be discarded.
What happens if you eat bad cream cheese?
Cream cheese that has gone bad can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you eat cream cheese that has gone bad, you may also experience cramps, headaches, and a fever.
Bad cream cheese can also contain harmful bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating cream cheese, see a doctor immediately.
Bottom line
Cream cheese is a dairy product that can spoil if it is not stored properly. If cream cheese spoils, it will often turn green, develop mold, or smell sour. If you see any of these signs, it is best to discard the cream cheese.
When stored properly in the refrigerator, cream cheese will last for about two weeks. If you want it to last even longer, you can freeze it for up to six months.
If you’re not sure how long your cream cheese has been stored, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
While it may be tempting to save money by using expired dairy products, it’s not worth the risk of food poisoning. Better safe than sorry!
I hope this article was helpful in answering your question. If you have any more questions about cream cheese, feel free to ask in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
