Tips

• How long does sour cream last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of opened sour cream, keep it refrigerated at all times.
• To maximize the shelf life of sour cream after opening, keep refrigerated and tightly covered, either in the original packaging or in an airtight container.
• Properly stored, an opened package of sour cream will generally last for about two weeks after opening, assuming it has been continuously refrigerated.
• How long can sour cream be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; sour cream should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
• Can you freeze sour cream? Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of sour cream once thawed will be watery and clumpy.
• How can you tell if sour cream is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the sour cream: discard any sour cream with an off smell or appearance or if mold appears; do not taste the sour cream first.

Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here