Kamil Perry
Cheeses are a kitchen staple, and Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK. But does it go bad? The answer is yes, but there are ways to make it last longer. The first thing to note is that 'best by' or 'sell by' dates on cheese are a guideline for quality, not safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if it's stored in the right way. For example, if a hard cheese is vacuum-packed, it will last for years in the fridge. Soft cheeses, especially those in breathable packaging, are designed to age over a matter of weeks. In general, hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks, while soft cheeses can be stored for at least 7 days. To make cheese last longer, it should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and stored on the top or middle shelf of the fridge. It should also be stored above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Expiry | Cream cheese can be consumed up to four weeks after its expiry date if stored properly. |
| Opened | Once opened, it must be consumed within 10-14 days. |
| Unopened | Unopened packages can be used up to one month past the date on the package. |
| Frozen | Can be frozen for up to two months. |
| Left out | Cream cheese can be left out for two hours or less. |
| Spoilage | Spoilage is indicated by mould, hardness, or wateriness. |
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What You'll Learn
How to store cream cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, uncured cheese with a minimum milk fat content of 33%. It can be safely left out at room temperature for up to two hours, according to the American Dairy Association. However, if it is exposed to temperatures above 40° Fahrenheit for more than two hours, it should be discarded as it may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella.
Storing Unopened Cream Cheese
Unopened packages of cream cheese can be stored at room temperature for up to an hour. They can also be kept in the refrigerator and will last until the expiration date printed on the package, usually about a month.
Storing Opened Cream Cheese
Once the package is opened, it is best to keep the cream cheese in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for about two weeks. To extend its freshness, you can cover the opened side of the cream cheese with foil and reinforce it with a layer of plastic wrap to keep the air out. Then, store the double-wrapped cheese in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for about 10 days.
Freezing Cream Cheese
Cream cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Freezing cream cheese in oil can prevent ice crystals from forming and maintain its texture. To do this, place the block of cream cheese in the refrigerator first, then transfer it to a sealable plastic container along with a medium-sized bottle of vegetable oil that has been chilled in the freezer. Frozen cream cheese is safe to consume indefinitely but is best used within two to four months. It will lose some of its creaminess, but it can still be used in cooked applications.
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How long does unopened cream cheese last?
Unopened cream cheese can last for up to one month past the date printed on the package, if stored correctly. It is important to note that this does not mean that the cheese will be of the same quality after a month. The product might still be safe to eat but could have deteriorated in quality, with a pooling of liquid or an overall gritty texture.
The best way to ensure the longevity of an unopened package of cream cheese is to store it in the fridge at a temperature of 40°F or under. It is also important to avoid contaminating the cheese with crumbs or other foods, as this can cause mold to form.
Some sources suggest that unopened cream cheese can last for several months past its expiry date, although this is not recommended from a health and safety perspective.
Once opened, cream cheese should be consumed within 10-14 days. It is important to seal any unused portions in an airtight container or bag and store them in the fridge.
Cream cheese can also be frozen, either opened or unopened, and will last for up to two months. However, freezing will cause a change in texture, and the cream cheese will become grainy and lose its smoothness.
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How long does opened cream cheese last?
Opened cream cheese should be consumed within 10 to 14 days, as exposure to air and humidity speeds up spoilage. It is important to note that cream cheese should always be refrigerated at temperatures of 40°F or lower. At room temperature, cream cheese can be left out for a maximum of two hours, after which it may spoil or dangerous bacteria, such as Salmonella, may begin to grow.
To ensure that opened cream cheese lasts as long as possible, it is important to use a clean, dry knife or spoon to remove the desired amount from the packaging. This reduces the chances of external elements, such as moisture or food crumbs, contaminating the cream cheese and contributing to mould formation. Additionally, it is recommended to store the cream cheese on a shelf at the back of the fridge, as this is usually the coldest area.
Some people may choose to freeze their opened cream cheese, which can extend its life by up to two months. However, freezing will cause a change in texture, resulting in a crumbly or grainy consistency. Once thawed, the cream cheese will lose its silky-smooth texture. Therefore, freezing may only be suitable if the cream cheese is intended for use in sauces, dressings, or whipped dishes.
It is worth noting that some individuals claim that cream cheese can last for several weeks or even months after opening, depending on its appearance, smell, and taste. However, this may not be recommended from a health and safety perspective, as there is a risk of food poisoning.
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Can you freeze cream cheese?
Yes, you can freeze cream cheese. It freezes more successfully than many other dairy products, and freezing will stop the growth of microorganisms, keeping it safe until you thaw it. However, it's best to freeze it for no longer than two months due to the continued crystallisation of the moisture in the cheese.
Freezing cream cheese will alter its texture, making it grainy and crumbly, so it is not ideal for spreading on bagels. However, it can still be used in cooking and baking, where its texture will be less noticeable. It works well in dishes like soups, sauces, dips, casseroles, and baked goods.
To freeze cream cheese, it's important to keep it well sealed and protected from cold air, which can cause freezer burn. If the cream cheese is unopened, it can be frozen in its original packaging, which works for both foil-wrapped bars and tubs. If it's already opened, seal it as well as possible in the original wrapper, then place it in a resealable freezer bag. You can also cut larger blocks into single-serving portions, freeze them, then wrap each individually in plastic and place them in a resealable bag.
To thaw frozen cream cheese, it's best to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also defrost it in the microwave, but it's important to remove the foil packaging first.
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How to tell if cream cheese has gone bad
Cream cheese is a soft, uncured cheese with a high milk fat content. It is delicate and can go bad quickly if not stored properly. To avoid this, it is important to follow proper food safety standards.
Firstly, it is essential to refrigerate cream cheese at all times at a temperature of 40°F or lower. Opened cream cheese stored in the fridge should be consumed within two weeks, while unopened packages can be used for up to a month past the printed date.
If you want to use cream cheese as a spread, it is best to bring it to room temperature. However, it should not be left out for more than two hours, as it can spoil and dangerous bacteria, such as Salmonella, may begin to grow.
So, how can you tell if cream cheese has gone bad? Well, use your senses! If the cream cheese looks, smells, or tastes bad, it is probably best to discard it. Signs of spoilage include mould, hardness, or wateriness. Additionally, if the cream cheese has been contaminated with external elements, such as moisture or food crumbs, it may develop an unsightly appearance and be more prone to mould formation.
If stored properly, cream cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, freezing will affect the texture, making it crumbly and grainy, which may not be ideal for certain applications, such as frosting.
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Frequently asked questions
The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and whether it has been opened. Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort and Gorgonzola can last for several months when unopened and refrigerated properly. Soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months when unopened and refrigerated. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta and cottage cheese last only a few weeks when stored in the refrigerator. Unopened Cheddar cheese can last for several months to even a year or more when stored in the fridge. Once opened, soft cheeses can be safely stored in the fridge for at least 7 days and hard cheeses for 3–4 weeks.
Cheese that has gone bad may exhibit changes in texture, becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. It may also have a sour, rancid, or ammonia smell. Visible mould on cheese is also a sign that it has gone bad. Blue mould on blue cheeses like Stilton is safe to eat. Mould on other types of cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss is not safe, and the affected portion should be cut off and thrown away.
Wrap blocks of cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store them in the fridge on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. Avoid wrapping cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out and harden it. You can also freeze cheese, but processed cheese slices and soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage, and cream cheeses don’t freeze well. All other types of cheese may be frozen for 6 months at a safe temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
