Whether your sour cream has gone bad depends on several factors you'll need to assess. Inspect your sour cream carefully.
How to Tell if Sour Cream is Bad:
Here's what to look for to determine if your sour cream is still good:
- Mold: The presence of any mold indicates spoilage. Discard immediately.
- Off-Color: A change in color, such as yellowing or discoloration, can indicate that the sour cream has gone bad.
- Off Smell: A sour, pungent, or otherwise unpleasant odor is a sign of spoilage. Fresh sour cream has a mildly tangy smell.
- Taste Test (Use Caution): If the appearance and smell seem normal, you can taste a very small amount. If it tastes unusually sour, bitter, or otherwise off, discard it.
Don't Confuse Separation with Spoilage
It's important to note that some liquid separation in sour cream is normal. This is simply the whey separating from the solids. You can usually stir it back in. Separation alone does not indicate spoilage.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
If you're unsure about the safety of your sour cream, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Food poisoning is never worth the risk.
