How long does sour cream last?
Sour cream: 1-2 weeks in the fridge and freezing is not recommended.
| State | Counter / pantry | Fridge 40 °F | Freezer 0 °F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sour cream | 2 hours max CDC | 1-2 weeks Extension Sources disagree: 14 days ExtensionExtension Also stated: until the use-by date FoodKeeper | Not recommended FoodKeeper Extension Extension Extension |
| Sour cream based dip | 2 hours max CDC | 2 weeks FoodKeeper | Not recommended FoodKeeper |
Sources compared
| Source | State | Counter / pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018 | Sour cream | - | Until the use-by date | Not recommended |
| Nebraska Extension | Sour cream | Not recommended | 1-2 weeks | Not recommended |
| Utah State University Extension | Sour cream | - | 14 days | - |
| NDSU Extension | Sour cream | - | 2 weeks | Not recommended |
| National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia) | Sour cream | - | - | Not recommended |
| CDC 2025 | Sour cream | 2 hours | - | - |
| CDC 2025 | Sour cream based dip | 2 hours | - | - |
| USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018 | Sour cream based dip | - | 2 weeks | Not recommended |
A dash means that source gives no time for that place.
Handling and freezing notes
- “Refrigerate sour cream and use within three weeks of the sell-by date.” Extension
- “Yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk Keep refrigerated and use within 3 weeks of the date stamped on the package.” Extension
- “Sour cream As topping, in salads Separates, watery” Extension
- “Freezing causes the sour cream to separate, and it will not blend back together acceptably.” Extension
What the sources say
Rather than a number of days, FoodKeeper ties sour cream in the fridge to the use-by date printed on the package.1
The Nebraska Extension chart gives 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, and Utah State University Extension lists 14 days for sour cream in its original container at 38 to 40 °F.23
The University of Illinois Extension counts from the sell-by date instead, advising to refrigerate sour cream and use it within three weeks of that date.8
The University of Wisconsin-Extension gives a similar 3 weeks from the date stamped on the package for yogurt, sour cream and buttermilk.9
On freezing, FoodKeeper lists it as not recommended and the Nebraska chart says sour cream does not freeze well.12
The National Center for Home Food Preservation puts sour cream on its list of foods that do not freeze well, noting that when used as a topping or in salads after thawing it separates and turns watery.10
The National Center for Home Food Preservation page on freezing sour cream is firmer still: sour cream should not be frozen, because freezing makes it separate and it will not blend back together acceptably.5
The NDSU Extension food storage guide gives 2 weeks in the fridge with the advice to keep it covered, and its freezer column marks sour cream as not recommended.4
Sour cream based dips have their own FoodKeeper time of 2 weeks in the fridge from the date of purchase, and freezing them is also listed as not recommended.7
In a pantry or cupboard at room temperature, the Nebraska chart marks sour cream as not safe.2
Rules that apply here
Related foods
Sources
- USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 29: Sour cream. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Sour cream. Refrigerate: Package use-by date; Freeze: Not Recommended
- Home Food Storage | UNL Food | Nebraska. Nebraska Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24.
Sour cream Not safe 1 to 2 weeks Does not freeze well
- Food Storage in Home | USU. Utah State University Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24.
Cream sour original container 38-40°F refrigerator 14 days
- 1 • FN579 • Food Storage GuideNDSU Extension. NDSU Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25.
Sour cream 2 weeks * Keep covered.
Sour cream 2 weeks * Keep covered. ... * Not recommended
- Freezing Sour Cream - National Center for Home Food Preservation. National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia). No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25.
Sour cream should not be frozen.
Freezing causes the sour cream to separate, and it will not blend back together acceptably.
- Preventing Food Poisoning | Food Safety | CDC. CDC. Dated 2025-11-24. Checked 2026-10-24.
Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).
- USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 16: Dips, sour cream based. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Dips, sour cream based. DOP_Refrigerate: 2 Weeks; Freeze: Not Recommended
- The Secrets of Sour Cream | Simply Nutritious, Quick and Delicious | Illinois Extension | Illinois. University of Illinois Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24.
Refrigerate sour cream and use within three weeks of the sell-by date.
- Safe and Healthy: Food Product Dating. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24.
Yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk Keep refrigerated and use within 3 weeks of the date stamped on the package.
- Foods That Do Not Freeze Well - National Center for Home Food Preservation. National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia). No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24.
Sour cream As topping, in salads Separates, watery
- REFRIGERATOR & FREEZER STORAGE CHART. FDA. Dated 2018-03-01. Checked 2026-10-24.
Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.