Smell: Cottage cheese should have a mildfresh, and only slightly tangy smell. If it has a sour, pungent, or off-putting smell, it is bad and should be discarded.
Texture: Cottage cheese should be smooth and creamy. If it is lumpywatery (with a bad smell), or has a grainy texture, it is bad and should be discarded.
Color: Cottage cheese should be white or off-white in color. If it is yellowbrown, or has any other discoloration, it is bad and should be discarded.
Mold: Cottage cheese should not have any mold on it. If you see any moldit is bad and should be discarded.
Instructions
If you are unsure if cottage cheese is bad, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Here are some tips on how to store cottage cheese properly to prevent it from going bad:
Refrigerate cottage cheese as soon as you get home from the store.
Do not leave cottage cheese out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Store cottage cheese in an airtight container.
Use a clean spoon to remove each serving from the container.
Consume cottage cheese within seven or so days of opening, but always look for signs of spoiling (since you can’t always tell if a container was left out on the counter and put back).
By following these tips, you can enjoy cottage cheese safely and prevent it from going bad.