Cheese Expiry: How Long Does It Actually Last?

The shelf life of cheese depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of cheese, how it's stored, and its moisture content. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses, as they are more susceptible to bacterial growth. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can last for several months to a year when stored properly in the fridge, even if unopened. Blue cheeses, like Stilton, can also last for several months if refrigerated properly. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually last only a few weeks past their 'best-by' date. It's important to note that the 'best-by' date on cheese packaging is a guideline for quality rather than safety, and cheese can often be safely consumed past this date if stored correctly. However, it's crucial to inspect cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, odd odors, or a sour flavor, before consumption.

Hard cheese can last for several months to a year if unopened and stored correctly

Hard cheese, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can last for several months to a year if unopened and stored correctly. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth and extends their shelf life.

When unopened, hard cheeses can be stored in a cool, dry place and will last for several months. However, storing them in the fridge will help them last even longer—up to a year. To store hard cheese in the fridge, follow these steps:

• 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.

Even after opening, hard cheese can last for about four weeks in the refrigerator. To prolong its life, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly and store it in the coldest part of the fridge.

It's important to note that "best-by" or "sell-by" dates on hard cheese are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Hard cheese is often safe to eat beyond these dates if stored correctly. However, it's always a good idea to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, changes in texture, discolouration, or an off-taste.

Soft cheese typically lasts a few weeks to a couple of months unopened

Soft cheese typically lasts a few weeks to a couple of months when unopened. For example, an unopened package of cream cheese can last for up to one month past the "sell-by" or "best before" date, assuming it has been continuously refrigerated. The key to maximising the lifespan of soft cheese is to store it at a consistently cold temperature. According to experts, the ideal temperature for storing cheese is 40° Fahrenheit at all times.

Cream cheese is considered perishable and should be kept in the refrigerator, even if the package is sealed and unopened. If stored properly, an unopened package of cream cheese from a reputable source can be safely consumed for up to a month past the sell-by date. However, it's important to inspect the cheese for any signs of deterioration before consuming it.

The shelf life of soft cheese can be influenced by various factors, such as the type of cheese, the storage conditions, and the original sell-by date. Different types of soft cheese may have varying shelf lives, so it's always a good idea to check the packaging for specific storage instructions and expiration dates.

Additionally, proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of soft cheese. It should be stored in an airtight container or well-sealed package in the refrigerator. Exposure to air, moisture, or contaminants can accelerate spoilage, so it's important to ensure that the cheese is adequately protected.

Lastly, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming cheese past its recommended date. While unopened soft cheese can generally be safely consumed for a few weeks to a couple of months past the date, there is still a risk of deterioration in quality and the possibility of foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it's essential to exercise caution, inspect the cheese thoroughly, and prioritise quality and safety when in doubt.

Fresh cheese is highly perishable and usually lasts a few weeks past its 'best by' date

Fresh cheese is highly perishable and will usually only last a few weeks past its best-by date. This is because fresh cheeses, such as cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese, have a high moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth. This, in turn, leads to a shorter shelf life.

To maximise the shelf life of fresh cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in a sealed container or wrapped in wax paper or plastic wrap. This will help to prevent the cheese from drying out or absorbing odours from other foods. Additionally, it is best to buy smaller amounts of cheese more frequently, as cheese has a relatively long shelf life.

It is important to note that the best-by date on cheese is a guideline for quality rather than safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond this date if it is stored correctly. However, fresh cheese is more perishable than harder cheeses, so it is best to consume it within a few weeks of this date.

When it comes to determining whether fresh cheese has gone bad, there are several signs to look out for. Firstly, if the cheese has developed a slimy or moldy appearance, it should not be consumed. Secondly, if the cheese becomes excessively dry, crumbly, or develops an off-putting odour, it is best to discard it. Lastly, if the cheese tastes sour, bitter, or generally unpleasant, it is likely spoiled. Proper storage is key to preventing fresh cheese from spoiling prematurely, so it is important to follow the recommended guidelines for refrigeration and consumption.

Grated cheese is riskier and should be used as soon as possible

Grated cheese is often more convenient and saves time in the kitchen. However, it is important to note that grated cheese can be riskier than block cheese and should be used as soon as possible.

The main issue with grated cheese is that it has a larger surface area exposed to the air, which means it is more prone to bacterial contamination. This is especially true for soft cheeses, which have a higher moisture content and are therefore more susceptible to bacterial growth. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, are less risky when grated as they are drier and have a lower moisture content.

Additionally, pre-grated cheese often contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin to prevent the shreds from clumping together. These additives can affect the taste and texture of the cheese, making it less creamy and more clumpy when melted.

For these reasons, it is generally recommended to buy whole cheese and grate it yourself as needed. This ensures that the cheese is as fresh as possible and has not been contaminated by bacteria or affected by preservatives.

When storing grated cheese, it is important to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, will only last a few weeks, while harder cheeses can last up to a month.

If in doubt, always throw the cheese away

Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it's important to know when to let go. While cheese has a relatively long shelf life, it's crucial to practise good food safety habits to prevent foodborne illnesses.

First, it's important to understand the difference between "best-by" and expiration dates. "Best-by" dates are guidelines for quality rather than safety, indicating the date until which the cheese is of the best quality. Expiration dates, on the other hand, are more conservative and indicate that the cheese may not be safe to consume after this date. However, even these dates are not always accurate, and cheese can go bad before or after these dates depending on quality control issues or improper storage.

So, how do you know if your cheese has gone bad? The simplest way is to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. If you notice any of these issues, it's best to discard the cheese.

For hard cheeses, if you notice small spots of mould, you can cut off the mouldy part plus an extra 1/4 inch and continue to use the cheese. However, for soft cheeses, grated cheeses, and crumbled or shredded hard cheeses, it's best to discard the entire product if mould is present.

Additionally, consider the type of cheese and how it has been stored. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. These cheeses can often be safely consumed past their expiration date if properly stored and if they show no signs of spoilage. On the other hand, soft and fresh cheeses have a shorter shelf life and are more perishable.

Finally, trust your senses. If the cheese looks, smells, or tastes off, it's better to be safe and discard it. Remember, there is always more good cheese out there, and it's not worth risking your health to save a block of questionable cheese.

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