Cheese Expiration: How Long Does It Really Last?

Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it's important to know how long it lasts in the fridge to avoid food poisoning. The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content, with soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella having a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, and parmesan. Soft cheeses can last up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge, while hard cheeses can last 3-4 weeks or even 6 months if unopened. Proper storage methods, such as wrapping cheese in parchment paper or foil, can also extend the shelf life. Additionally, it's important to inspect cheese for mold and other signs of spoilage, as cheese can go bad before its best-by date.

How long does hard cheese last?

Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Generally, hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated but will last much longer if they are.

Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator, according to experts. Unopened packages will last about six months, per the experts at the USDA.

Storing hard cheese in the refrigerator is simple:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

To determine whether hard cheese is safe to eat, look for signs of spoilage, such as mould, an unpleasant odour, changes in texture, discolouration, or a sour taste. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses are usually safe to eat and are formed when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.

How long does soft cheese last?

Soft cheese typically lasts for 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening, though some sources suggest it can be up to a few weeks or even a couple of months. However, it's important to note that soft cheese doesn't last as long as hard cheese, and its shelf life is influenced by factors such as the type of cheese, processing method, packaging date, exposure to heat, and storage conditions.

To extend the shelf life of soft cheeses, they should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower immediately after each use. They should also be kept in a tightly closed container or wrapped in plastic to keep out moisture and other contaminants. Soft cheeses should not be left at room temperature for extended periods, as they will quickly degrade as their temperature increases.

For long-term storage, soft cheeses can be frozen for up to six months, although this is not recommended as it can alter their texture and consistency.

It's important to inspect soft cheese for signs of spoilage before consuming it. The most common trait of bad soft cheese is the growth of blue or green mould. Once mould is visible, the entire product should be discarded, unlike hard cheeses where the mould can be cut off. Soft cheeses can also darken or harden around their edges, which indicates spoilage.

How to store cheese

The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses, which tend to spoil more quickly. Here are some tips to help you store your cheese and extend its shelf life:

• Store cheese in the fridge: Keeping cheese in the fridge will extend its shelf life. Hard cheeses that are unopened can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, will last a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese will last a few weeks.
• Wrap cheese properly: When storing cheese in the fridge, wrap it gently in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as this can dry out the cheese. Cheese bags are also an option and help maintain humidity to prevent the cheese from drying out while still allowing it to breathe.
• Store in the right location in the fridge: Place the cheese on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.
• Freeze cheese: Freezing cheese is not usually recommended, especially for soft cheeses. However, blocks of cheese intended for cooking can be frozen for a few months.
• Inspect cheese for spoilage: Before consuming cheese past its 'best by' date, always check for signs of spoilage such as mold, odd odors, a slimy texture, or a sour flavor. When in doubt, it is better to discard the cheese.
• Be aware of different types of cheese: Naturally-aged cheddar cheese can continue to age and sharpen in the fridge if stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F. However, stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack are not recommended to be eaten after the 'best by' date due to their higher moisture content. Blue cheese, meanwhile, is best stored in aluminum foil due to its higher moisture content.

How to know if cheese has gone bad

The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses, as they have a higher moisture content. Therefore, it is important to know the signs of spoilage to ensure you do not consume cheese that has gone bad.

Firstly, if you notice any mould on soft cheeses, discard them immediately. Hard cheeses, on the other hand, can be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy spots and the area around them. However, if you see red or black mould on any type of cheese, it is best to discard it entirely, as this indicates spoilage.

In addition to mould, there are other signs that can indicate cheese has gone bad. A sour, rancid, or ammonia-like smell is a sign of spoilage, as is a drastic change in texture, such as the cheese becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. Significant discolouration, such as yellowing or browning, can also indicate that the cheese has gone bad.

If you are unsure, you can try tasting a small amount of the cheese. If it has an off or sour flavour, it has likely spoiled and should not be consumed. It is important to note that white specks or crystallised patches on aged hard cheeses are normal and safe to eat; they are usually calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.

To prolong the shelf life of cheese, it is important to store it properly. Wrap the cheese gently in parchment or wax paper, or store it in an airtight container, ensuring it is protected and able to breathe. Store the cheese in the coldest part of the fridge, at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).

Can expired cheese be eaten?

Whether or not expired cheese can be eaten depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it has been stored, and the degree of spoilage.

Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are less prone to spoilage from bacteria due to their lower moisture content. They can be safely consumed past their expiration date if properly stored and show no signs of spoilage. However, it is important to inspect hard cheeses for mold and cut off any spots before consuming.

On the other hand, soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, and crumbled or shredded cheeses, have a shorter shelf life and are more perishable. It is recommended to discard soft cheeses if mold is present, as the mold can be dangerous.

In general, cheese will become unpalatable far before it becomes dangerous. The best way to determine if expired cheese is safe to eat is to use your senses. Look for signs of mold, off colors, or unusual textures. Smell the cheese for any odd or ammonia-like odors. If the cheese passes these tests, you can also try a small taste to see if it has an off or sour flavor. If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it is generally advised to avoid consuming expired cheese.

Additionally, proper storage can help extend the shelf life of cheese. Cheese should be wrapped gently in parchment, wax, or cheese paper to protect it while still allowing it to breathe. It should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).

Frequently asked questions