• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Savor + Savvy logo

  • Recipe Index
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
    • Breakfast
    • Condiments
    • Dessert
    • Freezer Cooking & Make Ahead Meals
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes
  • Tips
    • Substitutions
    • Air Fryer How-To
  • Printables
  • Shop
    • Our Printables
    • Things We Love
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Printables
  • Shop
×
Home » Tips

How Long Does Sour Cream Last?

Published: Aug 9, 2023 · Modified: Sep 14, 2023 by Ginny · This post may contain affiliate links.

Pin
Share
Yum
Tweet
0 Shares

Are you trying to figure out how long does sour cream last while looking at the tub that’s been sitting in your fridge for a while? The shelf life of sour cream depends on whether the original container is opened or not among other factors. We’ll discuss both scenarios along with storage tips and everything else you need to know to safely handle and consume it!

Three photos of fresh sour cream in a glass bowl, in a wooden bowl, and in a jar.
Let’s find out the shelf life of sour cream!
Contents hide
1 How Long Does Sour Cream Last?
2 How To Store
3 Tips To Keep Fresh For Longer
4 What Causes Sour Cream To Spoil?
5 How To Tell If Sour Cream Has Gone Bad
6 Can You Freeze?
7 How To Freeze & Thaw
8 Easy Ways To Use Sour Cream
9 F.A.Q.

How Long Does Sour Cream Last?

Short answer: continuously refrigerated, an unopened tub of sour cream will last for 1-2 weeks after the “sell-by” date printed on the package or until the expiration date and an opened package of sour cream stays good for up to 2 weeks after opening.

The fat content of sour cream doesn’t change its shelf life. All types of sour cream require continuous refrigeration and last just as long.

ProductRefrigerator
Unopened Sour Cream1-2 weeks (past printed date)
Unopened Reduced Fat Sour Cream1-2 weeks (past printed date)
Unopened Sour Cream Dip2 weeks (past printed date)
Opened Sour Cream (all types)1-2 weeks
Sour cream shelf life in the refrigerator

The USDA gives only generic information on the shelf life of sour cream, noting it can last up to 3 weeks in the fridge. It doesn’t specify if the sour cream is still sealed or the expiration/sell-by dates. The timelines we provided above are more specific and you can rely on them as long as you store it properly.

Spoiled sour cream is not safe to consume even in small amounts and exposed to high heat. If your sour cream has gone bad, the best option is to discard it.

How To Store

Sour cream in a jar on dark background.
Storing sour cream properly will extend its shelf life!

How long sour cream lasts largely depends on how you handle it. No worries, though. Stick to the guidelines below and you’ll have plenty of time to use it!

  • Refrigerate purchased sour cream as soon as possible.
  • The sour cream container should be covered. If you don’t have a lid that fits, you can make one fast with aluminum foil and a rubber band.
  • Store sour cream in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the back of the top shelf.

Tips To Keep Fresh For Longer

Despite our best intentions, we can unknowingly make mistakes that will shorten the shelf life of sour cream, and other perishable foods.

Follow these tips to avoid common problems that can happen when storing and using sour cream and keep it fresh for as long as possible.

  • Never store sour cream on the door of the fridge or the front shelves. The coldest spot in your refrigerator is in the back of the frames, and that’s where sour cream should stay.
  • Always use clean utensils. Yes, there might be an extra spoon to wash, but your sour cream won’t be contaminated and it will keep longer.
  • Place the sour cream upside down on a small plate before transferring it to the fridge. As long as the lid is closed properly you can invert the tub of sour cream. This creates a seal that limits oxygen exposure and as a result, slows down bacteria growth.

What Causes Sour Cream To Spoil?

Commercial sour cream is made from milk that was pasteurized to eliminate most of the dangerous bacteria. Then, healthy bacteria are added and lactic acid is released during fermentation. This is what adds the “sour” to sour cream.

Just as healthy bacteria thrive off the protein and sugars naturally present in milk, so do the harmful bacteria.

In the fridge, bacterial growth is significantly slowed down although it still takes place. No matter how well you store your sour cream it will eventually go bad.

Spoilage will also happen faster if you often take the sour cream out of the fridge or use a dirty utensil to scoop it which will introduce additional bacteria and mold.

When in doubt, check the spoilage signs below.

How To Tell If Sour Cream Has Gone Bad

Bowl and spoon with sour cream on wooden table.
Fresh sour cream has a smooth texture and a subtle tangy taste

It’s dangerous to consume spoiled sour cream and you should always do a quick check for the spoilage signs below just to stay on the safe side!

Bad Smell

For all dairy products, smell is a good indicator of spoilage. Unlike the tangy scent of fresh sour cream, when it goes bad the odor will become more sour or even rancid. In any case, if it doesn’t smell inviting it’s not safe to eat anymore.

Separation

Another sign that sour cream has gone bad is a separated texture.

If you notice liquid separating from the cream you should be able to mix it back in and get back the original smooth texture. If not, check the other clues to see if your sour cream is still good.

Mold And Color Changes

Yellow areas and green or white fuzzy mold mean your sour cream should be discarded.

Expiration Date

Any date printed on the sour cream container provides valuable information. After the sell-by date, your sour cream can last for 1-2 weeks.

Properly refrigerated sour cream can stay safe to eat for a few days past the expiration date. I recommend you check for the above signs and throw it away if there are any present!

Can You Freeze?

Freezing sour cream will cause its texture to become separated once it thaws. It will stay good in the freezer for 2-3 months but the altered texture makes it suitable for baked goods and cooked food.

Avoid using thawed sour cream for cold preparations such as dips or as a topping.

How To Freeze & Thaw

Sour cream in a bowl next to cottage cheese.
Frozen and thawed sour cream is excellent for baked goods!

Frozen and thawed sour cream will always have a bit of separation. The good news is you can minimize it and also fix it once it thaws!

  • Before freezing, give your sour cream a good mix using a whisk to achieve a uniform consistency.
  • You can freeze the sour cream in its original container, a freezer bag, or an airtight freezer-safe container. It stays safe to eat for up to 6 months but you should consume it within 2-3 months to enjoy it at its best.
  • Freeze smaller portions for easy thawing.
  • Always label the bag or container with the date.
  • The best way to thaw sour cream is overnight in the fridge. If frozen in the original package, a sealed bag, or a container, you can also place it in cold water to speed up the process.
  • If you notice the sour cream has a watery, separated texture, whip it with a whisk to restore its creaminess.

Easy Ways To Use Sour Cream

Frozen or not, that extra sour cream needs to end up on a plate so it doesn’t go in the trash! Whip up a hearty batch of Broccoli Rice Casserole, Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, Instant Pot Cauliflower Parmesan Soup or use a big ol’ dollop of it on your Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken or Instant Pot Tomato Florentine Soup. I always use it to enhance flavors of potato dishes like the Instant Pot Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

These easy dishes have an enriched flavor thanks to sour cream and the frozen and thawed kind will work great for the air fryer recipes below:

  • Air Fryer Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla
  • Air Fryer Taquitos
  • Dino Nuggets In The Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Tater Tots
  • Waffle Fries In The Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Of course, there are many other ways you can enjoy sour cream, and if you have it fresh from the fridge try this flavorful creamy horseradish sauce or the creamy cucumber salad my family always raves about.

Tip: Need a sour cream substitute or an alternative to another staple? Check out our free printable ingredient substitutions chart!

F.A.Q.

How Long Does Sour Cream Last After Opening?


Opened sour cream can last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening. How long also depends on the time it was kept unopened and if it was refrigerated continuously at temperatures under 40 °F.

How Long Can Sour Cream Be Left At Room Temperature?


Don’t leave sour cream at room temperature for over 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is over 90°F).

The range of temperatures between 40°F and 140°F is defined by the USDA as the “danger zone“. In this range bacteria multiplies quickly, causing foods to spoil faster.

Can You Store Sour Cream Long Term?


Sour cream stored in the fridge usually lasts a few weeks. Sour cream can be frozen for long-term storage and it stays safe to eat for 6 months. It should be consumed within 2-3 months for the best quality.

Keep in mind that frozen sour cream will separate once thawed. It’s best used for baked goods and cooked dishes where its texture is unimportant.

  • Free 30 day spring cleaning challenge printable on blue background with cleaning supplies.
    Free Printable 30-Day Spring Cleaning Challenge
  • Summer calendar free printables on yellow background next to sun hat and sunglasses.
    Free Printable Summer Calendar (Editable!)
  • Printable first day of school signs on yellow background next to blue backpack with school supplies.
    Free Printable First Day of School Signs (2025-2026)
  • St. Patrick's Day printable banner on yellow background with festive decorations.
    Free Printable St. Patrick’s Day Banner
Ginny
Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

savorandsavvy.com/about-me/
How Long Does Sour Cream Last?How Long Does Sour Cream Last?
« How Long Can Milk Sit Out?
Does Balsamic Vinegar Need To Be Refrigerated? »

About Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Family Photo Hi! I'm Ginny and for over 30 years, I've been creating simple and easy recipes without sacrificing on taste for our family on the go. I can't wait to show you how to do the same for your family. Read More...

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Search

join our facebook community for printables.

As Featured In

graphic showing all of the publications that feature Savor and Savvy.

Popular Posts

bowl of teriyaki chicken over a bed of white rice, two chopsticks and sprinkled with sesame seeds

Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This oven baked eggs recipe is an easy fix for rushed morning breakfasts! These eggs are baked in muffin pans and are ready in just 15 minutes.

How to Bake Eggs in Oven in Muffin Tin {15 Minutes Meal Prep}

How to Clean Stove Drip Pans Naturally

top down view of a desk with three printable pages on top.

Dot Grid Paper Printable for Bullet Journaling + Planners: U.S. Letter, 8×10, A4, A5, A6 and Pocket, Personal Sizes

Adorable pet care binder cover sheet with paw prints and a grey heat

Adorable Pet Care Binder FREE 12 Pages of Printable Worksheets

After cooking, the livers will be golden brown as shown on this air fryer tray

Air Fryer Chicken Livers

Medical binder printables on pink background next to decorative heart and stethoscope.

Medical Binder Printables (FREE Worksheets Included)

This easy cilantro lime rice recipe will feed your chipotle cravings, without having to leave home! This easy side dish is the perfect addition to a homemade burrito bowl or any other simple meal requiring an extra kick of flavor.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Policy

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.