How to Store Cream Cheese the Right Way, According to Food Scientists and Chefs

Plus, how long cream cheese lasts and how to extend its shelf life.

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Published on May 27, 2024

Cream cheese in foil — Photo:
Getty Images

Perfectly smooth and tangy, cream cheese is a staple in the kitchen. It's a popular candidate for breakfast and dessert, whether you're spreading it on bagels, whipping it into frosting, or transforming it into a delectable cheesecake. Cream cheese also has a place in savory applications, as it can make soups and sauces extra creamy. However, as a dairy product, cream cheese needs to be properly stored in order to maintain its rich texture. Refer to this guide on how to store cream cheese the right way and how long it lasts, along with expert-approved tips for keeping cream cheese fresh.

Trung Vu, chef-instructor of pastry and baking arts at the Institute of Culinary Education's New York City campus
Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., food scientist, food consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered
Nathan Lyon, chef, cookbook author, and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen on Discovery Health
Megumi Takahashi, associate manager for Kraft Heinz Culinary, parent company of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

How to Store Unopened Cream Cheese

This might seem obvious, but cream cheese is considered a perishable item and should always be kept in the refrigerator, even if the package is sealed and unopened. The refrigerator should also be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent the multiplication of harmful pathogens, says Trung Vu, chef-instructor of pastry and baking arts at the Institute of Culinary Education's New York City campus.

How Long Cream Cheese Lasts Unopened

In general, cream cheese lasts between 90 and 180 days after production, says Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., food scientist, food consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. If your package of cream cheese does not list the production date, check the expiration date instead. Le says unopened cream cheese will last three to four weeks after this date.

Refrigerate within two hours: Whether you just bought cream cheese or have it out of the fridge to use, be sure to refrigerate it within two hours. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for longer than this timeframe, as it will allow harmful pathogens to multiply rapidly, says Vu. This can increase the risk of a foodborne illness, especially for those with lower or compromised immune systems, explains Le.

How to Store Opened Cream Cheese

Once opened, a package of cream cheese should continue to be refrigerated. For foil-wrapped cream cheese, the easiest method is to fold the foil back over the block and place it back in its cardboard box. However, this doesn't create an airtight seal, which means the cream cheese can dry out which will shorten its shelf life.

To store an opened package of cream cheese, follow these steps from Nathan Lyon, chef, cookbook author, and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen on Discovery Health:

Leave the partially used block of cream cheese in its foil wrapper.
Reseal the foil by pressing the edges together. You can also fold it over the cream cheese.
Place the foil-wrapped cream cheese in a resealable zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible,

Alternatives: Another option is to wrap the foil-wrapped block with plastic wrap, says Megumi Takahashi, associate manager for Kraft Heinz Culinary, the parent company of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. An eco-friendly alternative is to place the cream cheese inside an airtight glass container, as suggested by Le.

Refrigerate: Whichever way you store the opened block of cream cheese, place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. This is usually in the back where the cold temperatures will help slow down quality and spoilage issues, says Le.

Store away from raw foods: When storing cream cheese in the refrigerator, "do not store it near or below eggs, raw meat, or other foods that could break, drip, or otherwise contaminate [it]," says Vu. (These foods belong on the bottom shelf, where they'll be less likely to cross-contaminate other items.)

Cream Cheese in a Tub

Storing whipped cream cheese and cream cheese spreads is easier. These products are sold in plastic tubs. Simply secure the lid to ensure an airtight seal, and store it in the refrigerator.

How Long Opened Cream Cheese Lasts

Once opened, cream cheese can last for two weeks if kept refrigerated, says Le. After this time, most issues that develop will involve taste, texture, and quality.

Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?

It's generally not recommended to freeze cream cheese—it doesn't freeze well. The freezing process changes the texture of cream cheese, making it dry and crumbly. As a result, cream cheese that has been frozen and defrosted will no longer be creamy, making it undesirable for raw applications (such as spreading on bagels), says Lyon.

If you plan to use frozen cream cheese in dishes where spreadability isn't important, like soups or sauces, you might consider freezing it. In this case, you can place unopened foil-wrapped blocks directly in the freezer. For opened packages, place them in a freezer-safe plastic or silicone bag and remove as much air as possible before freezing.

When you're ready to defrost frozen cream cheese, place it in the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight, says Lyon.

Signs of Spoiled Cream Cheese

Fresh cream cheese should look smooth and creamy white on the surface, says Takahashi. "Signs of spoilage include visible mold growth or discoloration," she says. Additionally, "you can waft it under your nose, as dairy that has gone bad has a very unmistakable aroma," says Vu. It will likely smell sour, rancid, and pungent.

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