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What Does Bad Cream Cheese Taste Like?

Last Updated on October 4, 2022 by Lauren Beck

One might think that all cream cheese would taste the same since it is, well, cream cheese. However, there can be big differences in taste depending on how the cream cheese is made and what quality ingredients are used. So, what does bad cream cheese taste like?

Generally speaking, bad cream cheese will have an unpleasant sour smell and a sour, acidic taste. The texture may also be grainy or watery. Good cream cheese, on the other hand, should have a smooth, creamy texture and a mildly sweet taste.

Of course, what one person considers to be bad cream cheese might be perfectly fine for someone else. It really depends on your personal preferences. So if you’re unsure whether or not the cream cheese you’re about to eat is bad, err on the side of caution and throw it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

How to Make Cream Cheese?

It’s actually quite easy to make cream cheese at home! Here is a recipe for homemade cream cheese:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Pour mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  6. Pour mixture into a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a bowl.
  7. Let mixture drain for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
  8. Transfer cream cheese to a covered container and store in the refrigerator.
  9. Enjoy!

Note: The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the cream cheese will be. If you want a softer, spreadable cream cheese, drain for only 8 hours. For a thicker, more firm cream cheese, drain for up to 24 hours.

Ways to tell if Cream Cheese is bad, rotten or spoiled?

cream cheese on bread with tomato and mint

Mold is the easiest way to tell if your cream cheese has gone bad. Cream cheese is a soft cheese, so it is especially susceptible to mold growth. If you see any mold on the surface of the cream cheese, discard it immediately.

Another way to tell if your cream cheese has gone bad is by its smell. If the cream cheese has developed a sour or unpleasant smell, it is best to throw it out.

Finally, you can tell if your cream cheese has gone bad if its texture has changed. If the cream cheese is grainy or watery, it has gone bad and should be discarded.

What happens if you eat bad cream cheese?

Eating bad cream cheese can cause food poisoning. This is because cream cheese is a dairy product and contains high levels of lactose. Lactose is a sugar that bacteria love to eat. When bacteria feast on lactose, they produce lactic acid. This lactic acid can make you sick if you eat enough of it.

So, if you eat bad cream cheese, you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are the result of lactic acid build-up in your body. In severe cases, food poisoning from cream cheese can lead to dehydration and even death.

How long does opened cream cheese last?

If stored properly, opened cream cheese can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, if you see mold growing on the surface of the cream cheese or if it has developed an unpleasant smell, it is best to discard it.

Does cream cheese go bad if not opened?

No, unopened cream cheese will last much longer than opened cream cheese. Unopened cream cheese can last up to two months in the refrigerator.

How to store Cream Cheese?

Here are some tips for storing cream cheese:

  • Store cream cheese in its original packaging in the refrigerator.
  • If you transfer the cream cheese to another container, be sure to use a clean, airtight container.
  • Be sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was opened.
  • Use cream cheese within two weeks of opening.
  • If mold appears on the surface of the cream cheese, discard it immediately.
  • Do not taste cream cheese that you think may be bad. Eating just a small amount of bad cream cheese can make you very ill.

Health Benefits Of Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. It also contains vitamins A and B-12. These nutrients are important for bone health, immune function, and red blood cell production.

In addition to these nutrients, cream cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) [1]. CLA is a type of fat that has been linked to a number of health benefits, including weight loss and reduced inflammation.

Can you freeze Cream Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze cream cheese. Frozen cream cheese will last for up to two months in the freezer.

To freeze cream cheese, place it in a clean, airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was frozen.

Conclusion

Cream cheese is a delicious and versatile dairy product. However, it can go bad if it is not stored properly, bad cream cheese will have an unpleasant sour smell and a sour, acidic taste. Be sure to check the expiration date on your cream cheese before eating it. If you see mold or the cream cheese has an unpleasant smell, discard it immediately.

When in doubt, throw it out! Eating bad cream cheese can cause food poisoning, which can lead to serious health complications.

Reference:

  1. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-826/conjugated-linoleic-acid-cla
Lauren Beck

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