Sour cream will generally last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator after opening, but there are some tips to make it last even longer. Here are some quick answers about the shelf life of opened sour cream:
- Unopened sour cream lasts about 2-3 weeks past the “best by” date in the fridge.
- Once opened, sour cream will last about 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
- To maximize freshness, make sure to screw the lid on tight and store sour cream towards the back of the fridge where temperature is most consistent.
- If mold or an off smell or flavor develops, sour cream should be discarded.
How to tell if opened sour cream is still good
When stored properly in the refrigerator, an opened carton of sour cream should maintain quality and freshness for about 1-2 weeks. However, there are some signs to look for to determine if your opened sour cream is still good or if it’s time to discard it.
Check the expiration date
The expiration date on the carton will give you a starting point in determining how long your opened sour cream should last. Sour cream lasts about 1-2 weeks after opening, but keeping it much longer than 1-2 weeks past the printed date is not recommended.
Watch for mold
The development of blue, green or black fuzzy mold spots is a sign that sour cream has gone bad. Mold can develop both on the surface and below the surface of sour cream. Discard sour cream immediately if you see any mold.
Smell for sour odors
Fresh sour cream should have a pleasant tangy aroma and flavor. If it develops an unpleasant or sour smell, it likely means the dairy has deteriorated. Off odors are another sign to discard opened sour cream.
Check the texture
The texture of sour cream can change as it starts going bad. It may develop a curdled, grainy or watery texture if it has been kept too long. Fresh sour cream should have a smooth, creamy texture.
Taste test
If your opened sour cream passes the sight and smell tests, do a little taste test. Sour cream shouldn’t taste bitter or have any “off” flavors. It should taste pleasantly tangy and creamy. If it doesn’t, it’s safest to throw it away.
How to store opened sour cream
To get the longest possible shelf life out of your opened sour cream, proper storage is key. Here are some tips for keeping sour cream fresh in the fridge:
Keep it cold
Cold temperatures help slow the growth of bacteria. Store opened sour cream in the refrigerator set to 40°F or below. Keep it towards the back where temps are most constant.
Seal it
Screw the lid on tight after each use to prevent contamination. You can also transfer sour cream to an airtight container if the carton doesn’t seal well.
Use clean utensils
Always use a clean utensil when scooping out sour cream. Never re-dip a dirty spoon back into the carton as it can introduce bacteria.
Keep it dry
Moisture accelerates spoilage. Wipe off any condensation that accumulates on the lid or carton and make sure the lid and rim are dry before sealing.
Avoid cross-contamination
Be careful sour cream doesn’t come into contact with raw meat juices, unclean plates or utensils. All of these can transfer bacteria into the dairy product.
How to freeze and thaw sour cream
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of sour cream by several months. Here is a guide to properly freeze sour cream:
Steps to freeze sour cream
- Check the “sell by” or “best by” date and make sure sour cream is fresh before freezing.
- Store in original container or transfer to an airtight freezer container or bag.
- Seal very tightly. Leave headspace if using containers, as dairy expands.
- Label container with contents and freeze-by date (about 2-3 months from freezing date).
- Freeze immediately at 0°F or below. Place in back of freezer where temperature fluctuates less.
Thawing and using frozen sour cream
- Thaw frozen sour cream overnight in the fridge or for a quicker thaw, place carton in a bowl of cold water.
- Gently stir thawed sour cream before use. Texture may be more liquid-like.
- Use thawed sour cream within 1 week.
- Do not try to thaw or use sour cream if it has any mold or off odors.
- Discard if sour cream develops any discoloration or separates after thawing.
Tips for successful freezing
- Freeze in small containers rather than one large one if you won’t use it all soon after thawing.
- Prevent freezer burn by sealing very tightly and minimizing air exposure.
- Don’t refreeze thawed sour cream.
- Know frozen sour cream may not be suitable for certain applications like dips due to change in texture.
How long does sour cream last past the expiration date
The “sell by” or “use by” date printed on sour cream cartons indicates the last day it should be sold or used for peak quality. However, sour cream may still be safe for consumption after this date if it’s handled and stored properly.
Here’s how long you can expect sour cream to last past its date:
Unopened
Unopened, refrigerated sour cream typically remains fresh for 1 to 2 weeks past the printed expiration date as long as it has been continuously refrigerated. If it’s been opened, used, or left at room temperature at all, it’s best to follow the date closely rather than extending the shelf life by weeks past it.
Opened
An opened carton of sour cream should be discarded by 1 to 2 weeks past the printed date at maximum. Throw away any older sour cream even if it looks or smells okay, as bacteria can still be present.
Frozen
Frozen sour cream that has been properly stored at 0°F or below should last for 2 to 3 months past the printed date. Thaw and use immediately for best quality and food safety.
No matter if sour cream is refrigerated or frozen, always rely on your senses. Discard immediately if you notice any changes in appearance, texture or smell.
Does sour cream go bad if not refrigerated
Yes, sour cream will go bad if left out at room temperature or in warm environments for too long. The USDA explains that dairy-based products like sour cream are highly perishable and require continuous refrigeration to slow bacteria growth.
Here’s how long sour cream can be left out before it’s considered unsafe to eat:
Room temperature
Sour cream should not be left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. Bacteria grows rapidly between temperatures of 40°F and 140°F.
Hot car
In the heat of a hot summer car, sour cream can go bad in just 1 hour. The interior of a car can easily reach over 100°F on hot days.
Cooler with ice packs
Packed in a cooler with sufficient ice packs, sour cream should stay cold and safe up to 2 days. Make sure it’s stored towards the bottom, not near the top.
Always discard sour cream that has been left out too long and no longer feels cold to the touch. Do not try to re-chill it or “save” it. Sour cream left out for longer than recommended should be thrown away.
Can you freeze sour cream
Yes, it is possible to successfully freeze sour cream for extended shelf life. When frozen properly, sour cream will maintain quality and freshness for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Follow these key tips for freezing sour cream:
- Check “sell by” or “best by” date and make sure sour cream is fresh before freezing.
- Store in airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving headspace for expansion.
- Seal containers very tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze immediately at 0°F. Place in back of freezer where temperature is most constant.
Thaw frozen sour cream overnight in the fridge. Use within 1 week for best quality. Do not try to refreeze thawed sour cream.
While freezing extends shelf life, freezing may affect the texture slightly. Thawed sour cream may not be ideal for recipes where maintaining a thicker, stable consistency is important, like dips.
Can you make sour cream last longer
There are several tricks you can use to extend the shelf life of sour cream and make opened cartons last longer in the fridge:
Keep it cold
Store opened sour cream at a consistent 40°F or below. Place it towards the back of the fridge where temperatures fluctuate less.
Seal it tightly
Always screw the lid on tight after each use. Transferring to an airtight storage container can further prevent contamination.
Use clean utensils
Using clean spoons and knives helps avoid introducing bacteria. Never double dip dirty utensils back into the sour cream.
Make sure container is dry
Moisture promotes spoilage. Wipe off any condensation that develops in the container before sealing.
Avoid cross-contamination
Be diligent that raw meat juices, drippings, dirty plates or utensils don’t come into contact with the sour cream.
Portion into smaller containers
Dividing sour cream into smaller containers that hold what you’ll use in a few days can help minimize waste.
Freeze excess
Freezing unopened containers is an excellent way to significantly extend shelf life. Thaw in fridge when ready to use.
Conclusion
Following proper storage methods can help maximize the shelf life of opened sour cream. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below at all times, seal the container tightly between uses, and carefully check for signs of spoilage. An opened carton should last about 1-2 weeks past the printed date if handled properly. Freezing can also prolong shelf life when you buy larger containers but won’t use it all quickly. With optimal storage conditions, it’s possible to safely keep and enjoy sour cream for its tangy flavor while minimizing waste.
