Fished out a tub of cream cheese from the back of your refrigerator and wondering if it’s gone bad?
You don’t need to look any further.
Today, we’ll be breaking down how to tell if your cream cheese is bad, as well as how to store it, whether opened or unopened.
Now. Don’t get confused between cottage cheese and cream cheese. They’re similar, made through curdling milk with acid. However, cream cheese retains more moisture and is blended so that it’s spreadable.
Do you want to know the truth quickly?
If your cottage cheese is experiencing any noticeable changes in its appearance, flavor, and smell, you should throw it away. Cottage cheese should be kept in the refrigerator.
What to do if you suspect your cream cheese has gone rancid?
Cream cheese should be judged by the same criteria as other dairy products. appearance, smell, then taste – and in that order.
Look for the best in appearance Mold in the cream cheese or on the tub. Don’t even consider spooning out the bad bits and eating the rest – soft cheese allows mold to permeate throughout easily.
Also, you should check for dryness or clumpiness. Texture changes
Please feel free Give cream cheese a chance too. Throw it out if it has a stale smell other than creamy goodness.
If your cream cheese has passed all the above tests, then you’ll be okay to try a little bit, even if it has started to go bad.
Tastes sour? It’s time to move.
How to Store Cream Cheese
Due to the similar manufacturing process and ingredients of cream cheese, storing cream cheese has a similar procedure to cottage cheese.
Once you’ve purchased your tub of cream cheese make sure to pop it! Keep it in the refrigerator Right away
Remove the foil sealing and put the plastic lid on the tub before you place it back into the refrigerator. Extra care is recommended if you are not a diligent person. Place cream cheese in an airtight container
If you’ve stocked up on dozens of tubs of cream cheese to cook with in a few months’ time, you should consider freezing your cream cheese. You can either put the foil-sealed aluminum tub in the freezer, or you can transfer the cream cheese from the fridge to a container.
Take note of this. The consistency of cream cheese after it has been frozen can be affected by freezing. Most notably, a crumbly texture.
Provided you haven’t left your cream cheese in the freezer for over a few months, it will still Cook exactly the same way in baking, but it won’t be pleasant spread on your crispbread.
What is the life expectancy of cream cheese?
As with most dairy products cream cheese does not go bad quickly. Cream cheese has a higher rate of decay because it is soft.
Although it’s recommended that you go by the dates on the label, unopened cream cheese is usually safe and good to eat 2-3 weeks after its expiration date, provided it’s been stored appropriately in the refrigerator.
After your cream cheese tub is opened it will be good for a long time Keep the refrigerator in your fridge for at least 2 weeks. It is possible to extend the shelf life by not using any dirty utensils. Instead, store your cream cheese inside an airtight container.
All of the above is not true Cream cheeses that have been processed specifically should be avoided. Heat-processed cream cheeses, for example, can be kept in the fridge up to six months. Some are also safe in your pantry, even before being opened.
But don’t go storing your cream cheese in the pantry if it doesn’t explicitly say you can do so on the label.
If in doubt, Your fridge is the best place to be. Whether your cream cheese tub is open or closed.
Cream cheese you need to keep for up to For 1-2 months, choose the freezer. Your cream cheese won’t be as good to cook with if it isn’t thawed for too long. You should let the cheese cool overnight before you freeze it.
Do you think cream cheese is bad?
It does.
Plus, it’s a soft cheese, so it goes faster than hard cheese, like cheddar.
The good news is that it’s pretty easy to check whether it’s gone bad – through appearance, smell, and taste – and heat-processed cream cheese can last up to 6 months in the fridge!
