Sour cream is one of the longest-lasting dairy products, capable of lasting up to two weeks past its expiration date if stored correctly.
The shelf life of a product is largely determined by its sell-by date, storage conditions and environment. However, there are several steps you can take to extend its shelf life.
How to Store Sour Cream
Sour cream, like other dairy products, should be stored in the refrigerator. Exposure to air and moisture can expedite spoilage, making it more susceptible to going bad.
Stored properly in a sealed container, sour cream can remain shelf-stable for up to two weeks past its sell-by date. However, expired sour cream may contain bacteria or other pathogens which could lead to foodborne illness if consumed.
At your local grocery store, sour cream tubs will have a “sell by” and “best if used by” date printed on the label. These dates indicate when the product is at its highest quality and freshness level.
Even the freshest sour cream may not stay that way if not stored correctly. If you suspect your fridge’s sour cream is not as fresh as desired, here are some tips to help extend its shelf life.
Once opened, keep sour cream in the refrigerator; leaving it at room temperature can hasten spoilage due to bacteria growth and spread.
If you’re looking to save money, try buying sour cream in bulk at the supermarket or online. The cost per ounce is usually lower than retail stores and it will keep for up to six months frozen.
You can use sour cream as a condiment, but be sure to stir it frequently to prevent it from becoming soured. Freezing in an ice cube tray or smaller containers makes adding small amounts easier; however, remember that they won’t taste the same when thawed.
Sour cream is a fermented food, meaning that it contains lactic acid bacteria which give it its distinctive sour taste and smell. These bacteria mix with the milk in the cream to form an acidic substance that’s strong enough to give off both scent and color, creating an acidic sensation that’s uniquely sour.
Storing Tips
If your tub of sour cream is nearing its expiration date, there are a few ways to keep it fresh. First, freezing will affect its consistency slightly; however, this is an ideal way to use up leftover sour cream.
To freeze sour cream, place it in a freezer-safe container and zip the top shut. Alternatively, you can freeze it using an ice cube tray; this form keeps better than using traditional plastic freezer bags; just remember to remove all air before storage.
Another solution is to wrap the sour cream in plastic wrap, making sure it’s tight against all hills and valleys. This prevents air from escaping, which is one of the primary causes of spoilage.
Sour cream is a dairy product, making it highly susceptible to bacteria and other contaminants. Without proper storage and preparation, the flavor and smell can develop quickly – which is why sour cream has an expiration date.
Once the expiration date approaches, it’s best to discard it as eating may pose risks. Eating expired produce can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems and even lead to death.
You could also try resealing the sour cream using its original lid and foil, which may help it last longer. However, remember that this method requires effort as it can be difficult to seal a container once opened.
If your sour cream is in a glass container, you can also put it into an oven-proof container like a Mason jar. Doing this ensures the cream remains at an even temperature – essential for avoiding bacterial growth.
Sour cream should always be stored below 4 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. When stored at this temperature, sour cream can remain fresh for up to three weeks after its expiration date.
Sour cream is a beloved food item, so it’s essential to store it correctly for you and your family’s enjoyment. By following these tips, you can keep your sour cream fresh and delicious for longer.
Expiration Dates
Sour cream is a dairy product created by fermenting cow’s milk with lactic acid bacteria. It makes an excellent addition to dishes as it provides saturated fat, protein, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B9, and C as well as calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus, and iron.
Sour cream can be stored in the refrigerator, but it should be used within one to two days after opening, according to Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., LRD professor and extension and nutrition specialist at North Dakota State University.
When purchasing sour cream, it is wise to read the label carefully and check its expiration date. Doing this will allow you to know when it’s safe to discard the product and ensure it remains safe for consumption.
Sour cream can be frozen to extend its shelf life, but be sure to do it properly. Freezing sour cream incorrectly may lead to an unpleasant flavor and the consistency may change.
To keep your sour cream fresh, pour it into a glass or plastic container and store it in the freezer until use. Doing this helps save both time and money since there’s no need to purchase additional containers of sour cream.
Another option is to freeze your sour cream in its original container and then portion it out into several smaller freezer-safe plastic containers or bags. This ensures all of your sour cream stays safe during storage, according to Garden-Robinson.
She suggests freezing sour cream in small amounts and then thawing it for use in casseroles or soups. However, she cautions that it won’t be as smooth or creamy as using fresh sour cream for these recipes.
Although sour cream can be used in cooked dishes, it’s not recommended for items requiring a smooth texture. Thawing the cream causes it to become lumpy and the solids/liquids to separate, creating more of a cottage cheese-like consistency which isn’t ideal for tacos or other dishes that call for smoothness.
Discarding Expired Sour Cream
If your sour cream has passed its expiration date, it’s time to throw it away. Consuming expired sour cream can make you sick and lead to diarrhea or other food-borne illnesses.
Sour cream is a dairy product containing live cultures. These bacteria help keep the quality of sour cream high and prevent spoilage. But when these cultures die off and the sour cream starts to break down, it’s time to discard it.
The expiration date of sour cream will be printed on the package, so stores can easily determine when to restock shelves.
Check the label to make sure you know whether a sour cream has either a sell-by or best-if-used-by date. A product with a sell-by date should be consumed within two to three weeks after it has been produced, while one with a use-by date remains good for up to one to two months after opening.
Expired sour cream will have an unpleasant odor, tasteless, and other signs that it is no longer suitable. It may separate, as expected, or have watery pockets on the surface.
Sour cream that has mold may display dark spots, bright bacterial marks and an unpleasant flavor. Furthermore, it may have a watery consistency – another indication that it is no longer suitable for consumption.
Always discard sour cream that has gone off, even if it appears and smells fine. Consuming such food can make you sick and may result in diarrhea, nausea or vomiting if consumed.
Despite these risks, some people still believe it’s okay to eat expired sour cream. However, it’s best to steer clear of this and other spoiled foods whenever possible.
Sour cream is an indispensable ingredient in many recipes, from sour cream dip to flaky pie crust. To preserve its freshness longer, freezing sour cream helps.
If your sour cream has passed its expiration date, it’s time for a replacement container. You can find sour cream in the dairy section of your grocery store.