Cream cheese is a special type of cheese that has only matured for a short time and is therefore still relatively soft and spreadable. Some people prefer firmer hard cheeses and others prefer spreadable one. Depending on taste and preference, it is available in different fat levels or even with herbs. Various other flavors are now also gaining ground. One question that often arises is how long is cream cheese good for.
Cream cheese from the supermarket usually keeps for several weeks before the best-before date expires and can also be good beyond that. Once opened, it can be expected to last about a week if stored properly. Even if it is not refrigerated, it does not necessarily go bad.
What is the correct way to store cream cheese?
It is already stored refrigerated in the supermarket and of course, nothing changes when you transport it home, likewise, it also belongs in the refrigerator at home. By the way, there are different temperature zones. Many people are not aware of this. Food that needs to be kept very cool belongs in the bottom open compartment, i.e. the compartment above the vegetable compartment.
Milk and milk products such as yogurt, quark, and cream cheese belong in this second open compartment. Further up there is space for ready-made dishes, which are only kept for a short time.
As soon as the pack has been opened, you should make sure that you seal it airtight again. Often, but not always, this is possible with the original packaging. If its packaging doesn’t have a tight and resealable lid, use an airtight plastic container and store it in the container in its original half-open packaging. You can then seal the “outer” plastic container airtight.
How Long is Cream Cheese Good For?
The shelf life of cream cheese that has not yet been opened depends primarily on the best-before date. However, it can also be kept for a little longer. The sell-by date itself is usually a few weeks in the future when you buy it in the supermarket. With an offer, it can therefore be worthwhile to buy a little more in stock. Just look at the sell-by date directly in the supermarket and then decide. Once opened, however, the best-before date no longer applies.
How long does cream cheese keep after opening?
Once opened, it goes bad pretty quickly. However, it is safe to assume that your cream cheese will keep for about a week if stored properly. Remember to seal it airtight.
How long does cream cheese keep without refrigeration?
You take a roll or a slice with cream cheese to work, to university, or to school, but you can’t keep your roll or your slices cool there? That’s not a problem at all, because it keeps well for a while, even if it’s not refrigerated. You can even assume that you can leave it uncooled for a whole day and it won’t go bad. Of course, only if it was flawless beforehand. That said, you usually don’t need to worry about the cream on your bread or bun going bad if it can’t be refrigerated for a few hours. Nothing should happen there.
Can you still eat cream cheese after the best-before date?
Dairy products such as quark, yogurt, and cream cheese can usually still be enjoyed sometime after the best-before date. This is especially true for yogurt, but you don’t have to dispose of cream cheese immediately if the best-before date has just passed. Just check for yourself whether your cream is still good.
How can you tell if cream cheese has gone bad?
The cream is clearly bad when mold has formed. You should look carefully because mold can have different colors. Mold color can also be white, about the same color as the cream cheese itself. Another sign that it is no longer good is its sour taste. If it doesn’t taste as expected and the best-before date has passed, then you should also discard the cream. It may be that it has become bitter or tastes rancid.