Cheese Cubes: How Long Do They Stay Fresh?

Cheese is a beloved food item, but it's important to know how long it lasts to avoid food waste and health risks. The shelf life of cheese cubes varies depending on the type of cheese and storage method. Generally, harder cheeses like cheddar and parmesan last longer (up to 4-6 months unopened and 6 weeks opened) when stored properly in the fridge, while softer cheeses like mozzarella and feta are more perishable and should be consumed within one to two weeks of opening. Freezing cheese is an option to extend its lifespan, but it may alter the taste and texture. Proper storage methods, such as using breathable wraps and airtight containers, can also help prolong the freshness of cheese cubes.

How long do cheese cubes last in the fridge?

The shelf life of cheese cubes in the fridge depends on the type of cheese and how it is packaged.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Grana Padano, Pecorino, Asiago, Beaufort, and Cheddar, can last between four to six months in the fridge if unopened. Once opened, hard cheeses retain good quality for between one and two months. This is because hard cheeses have less internal moisture than other cheeses, so they are the least affected by time.

Semi-Hard to Semi-Soft Cheeses

Semi-hard and semi-soft cheeses, such as Emmental, Gouda, Cheddar, Roquefort, and Gruyère, last between one and two months unopened. Once opened, you can expect these cheeses to last for a generous two to four weeks.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, Brie, feta, ricotta, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and Camembert, are the most perishable. Unopened, they can last for a couple of months, but once opened, they should be consumed within one to two weeks.

Storage Tips

To make the most of your cheese's shelf life, it is important to store it correctly. It is best to wrap cheese in something breathable, like cheesecloth, parchment paper, or wax paper, and then place it in an airtight container. Freezing cheese is not usually recommended, but hard cheeses freeze well due to their low moisture content.

How do you store cheese cubes?

The best way to store cheese cubes depends on the type of cheese, whether it has been opened, and how long you intend to store it for.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, Pecorino, and Cheddar, can last for a long time in the fridge if stored correctly. An unopened package can be stored in the fridge for between two and four months. Once opened, hard cheese is safe to eat for about six weeks in the fridge. If you want to store hard cheese for longer, you can pop it in the freezer, where it will be okay for up to eight months, although the texture and taste may change slightly.

To store hard cheese in the fridge, wrap it in parchment paper, wax paper, or butcher paper, and then place it in an airtight container. This will help to protect the cheese while still allowing it to breathe. Alternatively, you can place it in a Ziploc bag, which will limit airflow and keep the cheesy smell from affecting other foods in the fridge.

Semi-Hard to Semi-Soft Cheeses

Semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses, such as Emmental, Gruyère, Gouda, and Cheddar, can be stored in the fridge for a shorter time than hard cheeses. An unopened package can last for a couple of months, while an opened package will be good for about two to four weeks. These types of cheese can also be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

To store semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses in the fridge, wrap the cheese in breathable parchment paper and then place it in a Ziploc bag. This will help to keep the cheese tasting fresh while also limiting airflow and containing the smell.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, feta, and Camembert, have the shortest fridge life due to their high moisture content. An unopened package can be stored in the fridge for up to a couple of weeks, while an opened package should be consumed within one to two weeks. Soft cheeses can also be stored in the freezer, but they may lose their texture and are best used in cooked dishes.

To store soft cheeses in the fridge, place them in a Tupperware container or plastic jar. This will help to limit airflow and keep the cheese from drying out.

What are the signs cheese cubes have gone bad?

Cheese cubes can go bad for a number of reasons. Here are some signs that your cheese cubes have gone bad:

• Change in colour -- If your cheese cubes have changed colour, this could be a sign that something has changed in the milk. A change in colour is a visual cue that the cheese is no longer safe to eat.
• Unusual texture -- If your cheese cubes feel different in texture, for example, crumbly, mushy, or very dry, this could be a sign that they have gone bad.
• Unusual smell -- If your cheese cubes smell bad, with an ammonia-like or sour odour, this is a sign that they have gone bad.
• Presence of mould -- If your cheese cubes have mould on them, this is a sign that they have gone bad. Mould can be dangerous to consume and can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria.
• Expiration date -- If your cheese cubes have passed their expiration date, it is best not to consume them as they may have gone bad.

It is important to note that soft cheese cubes can spoil sooner than hard cheese cubes due to their higher moisture content. Therefore, it is recommended to consume soft cheese cubes within a week of opening, while hard cheese cubes can last up to four weeks.

Can you freeze cheese cubes?

Yes, you can freeze cheese cubes, but it depends on the type of cheese. Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and brick cheese are suitable for freezing, but softer cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and quark are not. Freezing cheese is a good way to reduce waste and prolong shelf life, but it will affect the texture and quality of the cheese. Frozen cheeses may be drier, crumbly, and less meltable.

If you do decide to freeze your cheese cubes, there are some steps you can take to minimise the loss of quality. First, portion the cheese into quantities that you are likely to use in one go. Wrap the cheese cubes in foil or cheese paper, and place them in an airtight ziplock bag or container. This will prevent dry air from getting into the cheese and causing freezer burn. Freeze the cheese as rapidly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large, disruptive ice crystals.

Cheese can be kept frozen indefinitely, but for the best quality, it is recommended to use the cheese within 6–9 months. Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator at 32–34 °F (0–1°C) for 7–8 hours per 1 pound (500 grams) of cheese. You can also use the cheese frozen—for example, by sprinkling it straight onto a pizza.

Although freezing cheese is a convenient way to keep some cheeses on hand for use in cooking, it is important to remember that cheese is best enjoyed fresh to maximise its flavour and texture.

How long do cheese cubes last after being frozen and thawed?

Freezing cheese is not usually recommended, especially for soft cheeses. However, if you have a block of cheese intended for cooking, it will be fine in the freezer for a few months.

Once defrosted, a chunk of cheese that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days. If the cheese was thawed in the microwave or in cold water, it should be used immediately.

Cheese that has been frozen may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited to cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Frequently asked questions