Kitchen

[JustJules]

I have an 8oz brick of Philly cream cheese in my refrigerator that has a use by date of Feb 2014. For whatever reason, I forgot about it and didn't use it, but now I have a recipe that requires cream cheese. Can I still use it? It's been refrigerated the whole time in my little deli drawer, never been opened so it's still in that little tinfoil cover. I know it's part dairy, but cheese items last longer, and it's only 4 months. I'm usually pretty good about using things before their "expiration" dates, but I haven't done as much cooking lately the past few months because of family stuff. I know it's a cheap item and easy to toss and my a new one, just curious if anyone has used cream cheese a few months beyond, or thoughts on it. Obviously when I open it, if it looks compromised I won't use it. Oh, and I am just cooking for me, nobody else... so if it were bad, I would be the only one to get sick.

[terrier3]

Are you feeling lucky today?

[Kachina624]

I would use it as long as it hasn't been opened. Stuff like that is sterile and will keep for months.

[JustJules]

On 6/12/2014 terrier3 said:

Are you feeling lucky today?

I'm rarely lucky... so I guess that is a NO? I'll go buy fresh cream cheese. LOL

[ahoymate]

Smell, taste test. Good luck.

[chrystaltree]

I don't think it would harm you. It's many months past the "use by" date, my concern would be with the taste.

[Mominohio]

We have often used cream cheese 4 or 5 months beyond the date, and it works and tastes just fine.

[FunkyHulaGirl]

I've used cream cheese beyond it's "use by" date - as long as it's in the sealed, airtight package it should be fine.

[terrier3]

On 6/12/2014 Jules5280 said:

On 6/12/2014 terrier3 said:

Are you feeling lucky today?

I'm rarely lucky... so I guess that is a NO? I'll go buy fresh cream cheese. LOL

That's what I would do.

I have a friend who makes and sells yogurt from ""happy cows."" He can tell you what
the cows were eating when the yogurt was made...

Anyway - he has eaten (and survived) yogurt ONE YEAR past the sell by date. He says it just gets thicker and cheesier.

[tkins]

Hi Jules5280,

No, I would not use it. According to my favorite food expiration information website, a block of unopened foil wrapped cream cheese is only good for one month after the date on the package. Don't feel bad, looks like I got a couple to toss myself.

Here is a link to the website I mentioned above, it is a great resource.

http://stilltasty.com/

And of course you can always go by the old saying When in Doubt Don't.

tkins