⚕️ General information only — not medical advice. If pregnant or unwell, always follow the guidance of your midwife, GP or NHS 111. Full disclaimer

How Long Does Sour Cream (Opened) Last in the Fridge?

Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026

🌡️ Sour Cream (Opened): until the use-by date in the fridge

Sour Cream (Opened) keeps until the use-by date in a fridge running at 0–5°C.

Fridgeuntil the use-by date
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Storage tips for sour cream (opened)

You can also check the calorie content of sour cream (opened) alongside its safety information. Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.

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Store it properly

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Fridge thermometer

These storage times assume 0–5°C — check what your fridge actually runs at.

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Sour Cream (Opened): the other answers on this site

QuestionShort answer (links to the full page)
In the freezer (Sour Cream)Not recommended

Common questions

How long does sour cream (opened) last in the fridge?

until the use-by date in a fridge running at 0–5°C (USDA FoodKeeper guidance). After that, quality and safety both start to slip, and because the bacteria that cause food poisoning are invisible, ‘it seems fine’ is not a reliable test. When in doubt, throw it out.

How can I tell if sour cream (opened) has gone off?

A sour smell, lumps or curdling, a changed taste or any mould (other than on hard cheese) mean it should go. Do not rely on this alone: the time guideline matters even when everything looks fine.

Can I freeze sour cream (opened) to keep it longer?

Freezing is not recommended for this food; the texture tends to suffer badly. Buy or cook only what you will use in time.

Does my fridge temperature really matter?

Yes. These times assume a fridge at 0–5°C, which is what the Food Standards Agency says to set it to. Bacteria grow faster in a warmer fridge, and many fridges run warmer than their dial suggests, so a cheap fridge thermometer is worth having.

Related answers

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Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.

General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.