Kitchen

[JustJules]

Again, thank you all for your input. I think some people post without reading the other posts. Said questionable cream cheese is disposed of, even though it seemed fine. I decided not to risk it. Going shopping soon and cream cheese is on the list. Thanks again!

[Kay SD]

There's a great website and mobile app called "Still Tasty" that will answer questions like this. I think it's free, and very useful.

The dates on products often mean that the taste or texture of something starts to deteriorate after that date, not necessarily that it is unsafe. All this is explained in some detail. Product types vary greatly. Some really aren't safe to eat that far past the date they were packaged. With dairy, if you are able to smell spoiled milk (not everybody can), you may be able to tell if the cheese is bad that way. But it's not likely to taste right or cook the same way as a fresh product.

On balance, I'd probably toss it rather than take a risk of being sick or just disappointed, for something so inexpensive. But if you do use it, understand that if it's not spoiled already, it will go very fast--maybe hours--once opened.

[RedTop]

I would use it without hesitation. Cream cheese is one of those things I buy, but don't use quickly. I just used a block that expired in December of last year without any issues.

[Desertdi]

I probably wouldn't eat it......but would not hesitate to use it in a cheese cake or anything else ""cooked""

[Chicagoan]

This is my go to site regarding food shelf life.... www.stilltasty.com

[Linders Back]

On 6/12/2014 tkins said:

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

I find this interesting. As someone who is old enough to have lived BEFORE anything had a "use by date" on it, I think the whole concept is a marketing ploy to get people to throw things away and re-buy them.

As others have said, if the cheese is still sealed then it will be fine. IF it's open and green then plain old common sense will tell you not to eat it.

I grew up in Vermont in the Summers and the local store kept a huge wheel of cheddar on the counter ( not refrigerated) only protected with a screen cover to keep the flies off it. You bought a wedge cut to order, took it home, and ate it until it was all gone. If a bit of mold developed on the outside, you cut that part off.

OP: The only thing about your cream cheese, is that it might be a bit more "rubbery" than if it were fresh. Depending on what you plan to do with it, that might be an issue, but health wise, it's fine.

[Arley1210]

I would never use that cream cheese! When in doubt you throw it out and there is just not even a doubt about it!!!! Especially a dairy product!!!!

Arley