Does cream cheese need to be refrigerated?

Cream cheese is a dairy product and needs to be refrigerated. Cream cheese should be stored at temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Cream cheese in foil packages can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 weeks past the printed date. This type of cream cheese can also be frozen for 2 months if properly sealed.

Flavored cream cheese and cream cheese in plastic containers can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks after the printed date.

If cream cheese is left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours bacteria can begin to grow. Cream cheese that is left out of the refrigerator for too long poses a risk of foodborne illness.