The shelf life of a sealed, unopened box of cream cheese in the refrigerator can vary depending on the manufacturer, packaging, and storage conditions. In general, most commercially produced cream cheese should last for about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator past the printed expiration date.
It's important to check the "best by" or "use by" date printed on the packaging. This date provides an estimate of how long the product will remain at its best quality. If the cream cheese is stored properly and remains unopened, it should be safe to consume even after the "best by" date, but the quality may start to decline.
If the cream cheese develops an off smell, unusual texture, or mold growth, it's best to discard it, as these are signs of spoilage. Always use your senses (smell, sight, and taste) to assess the freshness of any food product, including cream cheese. When in doubt, it's safer to dispose of the product rather than risking foodborne illness.