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, the processing method, its exposure to heat, how it is stored, and its best-by date. Generally, hard cheeses last longer than soft cheeses as they contain less moisture and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria. Hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for up to a year, while soft cheeses typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months. However, it's important to note that the best-by date is a guideline for quality rather than safety, and cheese often remains safe to eat beyond this date if stored correctly.

Hard cheese can last for several months to a year in the fridge

Hard cheese, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can last for several months to a year in the fridge. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. They also contain less moisture and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria.

Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can be stored in the fridge or at room temperature. However, they will last much longer if they are refrigerated. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to 6 months in the fridge. Once opened, hard cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the fridge.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts as long as possible, it should be stored properly. This means removing the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper. Then, place the cheese in an airtight container and store it in the coldest part of the fridge.

It's important to note that hard cheese can still go bad before its best-by date. This can be due to quality control issues during manufacturing or improper storage. Therefore, it's always a good idea to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.

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

Once opened, soft cheeses should last about a week in the fridge. Opened fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese have an even shorter shelf life and are best consumed within a week or two of opening.

It's important to note that the shelf life of soft cheese can vary depending on factors such as the specific type of cheese, the processing method, packaging date, exposure to heat, and storage conditions.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the "best before" or "best by" dates on cheese are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if it's stored correctly. However, it's always a good idea to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, odd odors, a slimy texture, or a sour flavor, before consuming it. When in doubt, it's better to be safe and discard the cheese.

Fresh cheese like cottage cheese is highly perishable and usually lasts a few weeks

Fresh cheese, such as cottage cheese, is highly perishable and typically lasts a few weeks. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese are more prone to spoilage than hard cheeses because they contain more moisture. Therefore, it's best to consume them within one to two weeks of opening the package.

To extend the shelf life of fresh cheese, proper storage is essential. It should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Additionally, instead of using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, wrap the cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain moisture.

When it comes to determining whether fresh cheese is safe to eat, it's important to use your senses. Check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. If you notice any of these indicators, it's best to discard the cheese.

It's worth noting that the best-by date on packaged cheese is not an expiration date but rather an indication of optimal quality. The cheese may still be safe to consume after this date, but its flavour and texture may not be at its best. However, cheese can spoil before the best-by date if it is not stored properly or if there are quality control issues. Therefore, it's always a good idea to inspect the cheese before consuming it.

In summary, fresh cheese like cottage cheese has a short shelf life and requires proper storage to maintain its quality and safety. By following these guidelines and using your senses to check for spoilage, you can ensure that your fresh cheese lasts as long as possible and is safe to enjoy.

Properly sealed cheese can be fine for months or even a year

Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Unopened, they can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. On the other hand, soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life. Unopened, they typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their "best-by" date when refrigerated.

It's important to note that the harder the cheese, the longer it keeps. This is because bacteria can't grow as readily in a dry environment as it can in a moist environment. Additionally, the longer a cheese is aged, the sharper its taste.

When it comes to determining if cheese has gone bad, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments. Some common traits of cheese going bad are a darker color and harder texture, accompanied by a stronger smell. Visible mold on cheese is also a sign that it has spoiled. However, for blue cheeses, the presence of blue mold is intentional and safe to eat.

To extend the shelf life of cheese, it's important to practice proper storage techniques. Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower, either in its original wrapper or a tightly closed container to keep out moisture and other contaminants.

If in doubt, check for mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour

If you're unsure about whether your cheese is safe to eat, it's important to check for mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. These are all signs that your cheese has spoiled and is no longer safe to consume.

Mould can be identified by blue or green specks on the surface of the cheese. If you find mould on a hard cheese, it is generally safe to cut off the mouldy section plus at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below it, and consume the rest of the cheese. However, if mould is found on soft cheeses, crumbled cheeses, or shredded/sliced cheeses, the entire product should be discarded.

Odd odours can be an indication of spoilage. While some types of cheese may naturally have a strong smell, it should not smell like sweat, chlorine, or ammonia. If your cheese has an unusual or unpleasant odour, it's best to discard it.

A slimy texture is another sign of spoilage. Cheese should generally have a firm or creamy texture, depending on the variety. If it feels slimy, it is likely spoiled and should be discarded.

Similarly, if your cheese has a sour flavour, it has likely gone bad and should be thrown out. Trust your taste buds—if something doesn't taste right, it's better to be safe than sorry.

It's important to note that the safety of consuming cheese past its best-by date depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. Hard cheeses, such as naturally-aged cheddar, can continue to age and be safely consumed if stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F (4°C). On the other hand, soft cheeses and stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack have a higher moisture content and are more prone to spoilage, so it's generally not recommended to consume them after the best-by date.

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