If you’re unsure whether your cream cheese has gone bad, give it a smell—bad cream cheese will have a sour, cheesy odor. You can also give it a taste—if it’s sour or has an off flavor, it’s time to toss it. If the texture has changed and it’s now watery or lumpy, that’s another sign that it’s gone bad.
6 Steps to Know If Cream Cheese Is Bad
Cream cheese is a dairy product typically made from cow’s milk. There are many ways to tell if cream cheese has gone bad. The most obvious is if the cream cheese has changed color, usually to a greenish-gray. It may also have a sour smell. Another way to tell if cream cheese has gone bad is if it is no longer smooth, but instead has a chunky consistency. Finally, if cream cheese has been in the fridge for longer than two weeks, it is probably best to throw it out.
Cream cheese is a dairy product made from milk and cream. It has a smooth, creamy texture and is used in a variety of dishes, from dips and spreads to main courses and desserts. Because it is made with milk, cream cheese can spoil if it is not stored properly. Learning how to know if cream cheese is bad will help you avoid eating spoiled cream cheese, which can cause food poisoning.
Step 1: The Cream Cheese Has An Off Odor
To tell if cream cheese is bad, give it a sniff. If it has an off odor, it has probably gone bad and you should discard it.
Step 2: The Cream Cheese Is Moldy
If you see mold on cream cheese, it’s best to discard it. Mold can grow quickly on dairy products, and cream cheese is no exception. If you see even a small amount of mold, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
Step 3: The Cream Cheese Has Developed A Slimy Texture
If your cream cheese has developed a slimy texture, it’s probably bad. Cream cheese is a dairy product, and like all dairy products, it can spoil. When cream cheese spoils, it developes a sour smell and a slimy texture. If you see either of these signs, throw the cream cheese away.
Step 4: The Cream Cheese Has Lumps Or Bumps
The cream cheese has lumps or bumps and is no longer smooth, it is time to discard it.
Step 5: The Cream Cheese Is Discolored
If the cream cheese is discolored, it is probably bad.
Step 6: The Cream Cheese Has A Sour Taste
If cream cheese has a sour smell or taste, it has gone bad and should be discarded. If stored properly in the fridge, cream cheese will last for about two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay To Eat Expired Cream Cheese?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. While expired cream cheese may not be harmful to eat, it may not taste as good as fresh cream cheese. The texture and flavor of cream cheese can change over time, so it is important to consider these factors when deciding whether or not to eat expired cream cheese.
Is Cream Cheese Good 2 Months After Expiration Date?
Yes, cream cheese is still good to eat 2 months after the expiration date.
How Do I Know If Cream Cheese Is Bad?
If the cream cheese is sour or has an off smell, it is probably bad. Also, if there is mold on the cream cheese, it should not be consumed.
Is Cream Cheese Good 6 Months After Expiration Date?
The answer to this question is somewhat dependent on how you plan to use the cream cheese. If you are going to cook with it, then it is probably still safe to eat 6 months after the expiration date. However, if you are going to eat it straight from the container, you may want to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
In Summary
The best way to determine whether cream cheese is bad is to check the expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, the cream cheese is likely bad and should not be eaten. Signs that cream cheese is bad include off-odor, off-flavor, mold, and slime.