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Dairy & Eggs
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Dairy & Eggs

How long does cream cheese last?

Soft spreadable cheese.

Quick answer
Fridge (40°F / 4°C)
4 weeks
Unopened past sell-by
Freezer (0°F / -18°C)
2 months
Texture grainy after thaw — best for cooking
After opening
2 weeks
After opening, tightly wrapped
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Signs cream cheese has gone bad

  • Mold (any color)
  • Sour smell
  • Yellow tint
  • Watery separation

Storage tips

  • Press plastic wrap directly on surface
  • Lasts 2 weeks past 'best by' unopened
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Sources & review
Compiled by the BestByDates editorial team. Last reviewed: January 2025. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.