How do you know if Sour cream has gone bad?

Mould, yellow tint, or pooled liquid that smells off; Sharp sour or rancid smell; Curdled, watery, or slimy texture. Normal smell and appearance do not prove safety. Never taste food to check safety; consider storage history and product instructions.

How long does opened Sour cream last in the fridge?

Sour cream — refrigerator (after opening): 2–3 weeks. Exact evidence is still under review; follow the product label.

How Long Does Sour Cream Last?

Sour Cream: 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator after opening. These are listed storage intervals; check each card for exact evidence and conditions. Freezer intervals describe quality.

2 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
Editorial review · Editorial record: June 2026

Each card identifies whether its interval has an exact source or is still under review. A missing card means no interval is available for that state.
Unopened and after-opening entries are separate. Use only the tab that matches your product state.

A small amount of clear liquid on top is normal; mould or a bitter, off smell means discard the container.

How to tell if it's gone bad

Normal appearance and smell do not prove food is safe. Disease-causing bacteria may be present without visible spoilage. Never taste food to test its safety; follow time, temperature and recall guidance. FDA — Storage Basics

Look:Mould, yellow tint, or pooled liquid that smells off
Smell:Sharp sour or rancid smell
Texture:Curdled, watery, or slimy texture

When in doubt, throw it out. If Sour Cream smells, looks, or feels off — discard it. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.

Storage tips

Store sour cream upside down in its sealed tub to slow surface mould, and always scoop with a clean spoon.

Check your storage dates

Compare the elapsed time with the storage guidance. This cannot certify that food is safe.

FDA — Storage Basics / Freezer Facts

Common questions

How long does opened Sour cream last in the fridge?: Sour cream — refrigerator (after opening): 2–3 weeks. Exact evidence is still under review; follow the product label.

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