How far past the best if used date can you use cream cheese?

The "best if used by" date on cream cheese is not an expiration date, but rather an estimate of when the cheese will be at its best quality. According to the USDA, cream cheese can be safely consumed for up to 2 weeks past the "best if used by" date if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Here are some tips for storing cream cheese:

- Keep cream cheese tightly wrapped in its original packaging or in an airtight container.

- Store cream cheese in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually the bottom shelf.

- Avoid storing cream cheese in the door of the refrigerator, as it is more likely to fluctuate in temperature.

- If you plan to use cream cheese within a few days, you can leave it in the original packaging.

- If you plan to store cream cheese for longer than a few days, you can freeze it. To freeze cream cheese, wrap it tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Cream cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months.

When freezing cream cheese, it is important to note that its texture may change slightly. Once thawed, cream cheese may be slightly softer and more crumbly than before freezing.