Cups & Temps

How long does sour cream last?

Opened sour cream keeps 1-3 weeks in the fridge at 40°F or below. Freezing isn't recommended because it separates, but thawed sour cream can work in cooked dishes.

Counter2 hours2-hour rule for perishables
Fridge1–3 weeksafter opening
Freezernot recommended

Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked .

When does it need to be eaten?

Pick the food and the day it went into the fridge or freezer. We count forward using USDA storage times.

Where

Pick a date to see the use-by day.

How long does sour cream last in the fridge?

1–3 weeks at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Can you freeze sour cream?

not recommended; texture separates

  • Freezing is not recommended; it separates.
  • If frozen, use only in cooked dishes.

How long can sour cream sit out?

No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.

How to tell if sour cream has gone bad

  • Mold
  • Sour or bitter smell beyond normal
  • Watery, yellowed or discolored

Bacteria that cause food poisoning don't always change the look or smell of food, so go by the storage times above. When in doubt, throw it out.

Questions people ask

Can sour cream sit out at a party?

Only up to 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F). Set dips over ice.

Can you freeze sour cream?

Extension sources don't recommend it; texture becomes grainy.

Sources