Sour cream is a dairy product that is made by fermenting regular cream with certain kinds of lactic acid bacteria. Like many other dairy products, sour cream has a limited shelf life and can go bad if left at room temperature for too long. However, sour cream will last longer if it is stored properly in the refrigerator. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how long sour cream lasts, the signs of spoiled sour cream, and how to store sour cream to extend its shelf life.
How long does sour cream last?
An unopened container of sour cream that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay fresh for 2-3 weeks after the “sell by” or “best by” date on the package. Once opened, sour cream will last for about 7-10 days in the refrigerator. Keeping the sour cream container tightly covered will help it last longer.
Here are some guidelines for how long sour cream lasts refrigerated:
- Unopened sour cream: 2-3 weeks past the date on the package
- Opened sour cream: 7-10 days
The exact shelf life depends on factors like the temperature of your refrigerator and how often the sour cream is exposed to air. Sour cream that is left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
How to tell if sour cream is bad
There are a few clear signs that indicate sour cream has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Change in texture – Fresh sour cream should have a smooth, creamy texture. If it becomes grainy or watery, it has likely spoiled.
- Mold growth – Any visible mold, even just a few spots, is a sign the sour cream has spoiled.
- Strange odor – Sour cream naturally has a tangy, sour smell. If the aroma becomes unpleasant or rancid, it’s time to throw it out.
- Change in color – The color of sour cream can shift from white to yellow or pink as it spoils. A darker color is a red flag.
If your sour cream exhibits any of these characteristics, it is no longer safe to eat and should be discarded immediately.
How to store sour cream properly
Storing sour cream correctly is key to maximizing its shelf life and keeping it fresher longer. Here are some tips for proper sour cream storage:
- Keep sour cream refrigerated at 40°F or below. The colder your fridge, the better.
- Place sour cream towards the back of the refrigerator, away from the door.
- Keep sour cream tightly sealed in its original container or an airtight container.
- Don’t let the sour cream container sit out on the counter after each use. Put it back in the fridge right away.
- When refrigerated, sour cream can be stored in the door shelves, but keep it as cold as possible.
- Try to avoid introducing extra air into the container each time you open it.
- Don’t return any leftover sour cream from a spoon back into the container.
Following these tips will help slow sour cream’s natural spoilage process and extend its shelf life. However, once opened, sour cream will only last about 7-10 days even in the fridge.
Can you freeze sour cream?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of sour cream by several months. To freeze sour cream:
- Make sure the sour cream is fresh and unexpired. Freezing won’t make spoiled sour cream safe to eat.
- Place the sour cream into a freezer-safe container, allowing some headspace for expansion.
- Seal the container tightly.
- Label the container with the date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to use, thaw the frozen sour cream in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir once thawed and use within a week. The texture may become more runny after thawing.
Can you use sour cream past the expiration date?
It’s not recommended to use sour cream past its printed expiration date, even if it still smells and looks okay. As sour cream ages, the quality slowly declines. Bacteria like mold and yeast can start growing, even if not yet visible. Consuming old sour cream could potentially lead to food poisoning or gastrointestinal upset.
However, the expiration date is not an exact deadline. Sour cream that has been continuously refrigerated may still be safe and usable for a few days or a week past the date. But it’s impossible to know just how long the quality will hold. For best safety and quality, sour cream is really best used by the date printed.
How to substitute for sour cream
If you discover your sour cream is expired, here are some good substitutes to use instead:
- Plain yogurt – Mix 1 cup yogurt with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- Buttermilk – Has a similar tanginess. Use a 1:1 ratio.
- Cottage cheese – Blend 1 cup cottage cheese until smooth.
- Sour milk – Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk.
- Labneh – A Middle Eastern yogurt cheese. Has a thicker texture.
When substituting, you may need to adjust other ingredients like salt in the recipe to account for differences in texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you microwave sour cream?
Yes, you can microwave sour cream briefly to soften it or warm it up. Microwave in short 10-15 second bursts, stirring in between, just until it reaches the desired temperature. Extended microwaving can cause the proteins in sour cream to break down, resulting in a thinner, curdled texture.
Does unopened sour cream need to be refrigerated?
Even when still sealed, sour cream does require refrigeration. Leaving an unopened container out at room temperature can still allow bacteria to multiply over time. For food safety, always keep sour cream chilled.
What happens if you eat spoiled sour cream?
Consuming sour cream that has gone bad can potentially lead to foodborne illness. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. In otherwise healthy people, food poisoning from spoiled dairy is rarely life-threatening. But it’s best avoided by discarding sour cream once it shows signs of spoilage.
Can sour cream be left out overnight?
It’s not recommended to leave sour cream sitting out on the counter overnight, even if sealed. Prolonged time spent at room temperature allows the growth of bacteria that could pose health risks. Refrigerate opened sour cream as soon as possible.
Does sour cream need to be pasteurized?
For health and safety reasons, the sour cream you buy in the grocery store will be pasteurized to destroy any potential pathogenic bacteria. Raw or unpasteurized sour cream would present a much higher risk of foodborne illness if contaminated and should always be avoided.
Conclusion
With proper refrigerated storage, an unopened container of sour cream remains fresh for 2-3 weeks past the date on the package, and up to 7-10 days once opened. Signs that sour cream has spoiled and should be discarded include changes in texture, mold growth, odd smells, and color changes. Freezing extends shelf life for several months. Substitutes like yogurt or buttermilk can be used if sour cream is expired. Following safe handling and storage methods will help prevent food waste and keep your sour cream fresher longer.