Cheese Expiration: How Long Can You Safely Indulge?

The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Soft cheeses tend to spoil faster than hard cheeses, as they have more moisture and are therefore more prone to bacterial growth. Hard, unopened cheeses don't need to be refrigerated but will last longer if they are. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to 6 months in the fridge, while soft cheeses will only last 1-2 weeks. Most hard cheeses will last 3-4 weeks. Properly sealed cheese can last for months or even a year. To determine whether cheese is safe to eat, it's important to look out for mould, smell it, and use your common sense.

Hard cheeses can last 3-4 times longer than soft cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have a much longer shelf life than soft cheeses. This is because they contain less moisture, which means they are less prone to spoilage from bacterial growth.

Soft cheeses, like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, have a high moisture content, making them more perishable. Generally, soft cheeses will last for about a week in the fridge, while hard cheeses can last for up to four weeks. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can even last up to six months if refrigerated.

To extend the shelf life of hard cheeses, proper storage is essential. Hard cheeses should be removed from their plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in breathable material, such as cheese paper or wax paper, before being placed in an airtight container. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, should be consumed within a week of opening and stored in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss.

When it comes to determining whether a cheese is safe to eat, it's important to inspect it for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an unpleasant odour. Hard cheeses with limited amounts of mold can be salvaged by cutting off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected spots. However, soft cheeses with mold should be discarded entirely.

Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheeses typically last between one and two weeks in the fridge after opening. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses. As a result, soft cheeses are more susceptible to spoilage from bacteria.

To maximise the shelf life of soft cheeses, it is important to store them properly. For soft cheeses sold in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, keep them in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. Blue cheese can be wrapped in foil. Soft-ripened or semi-soft cheeses like Brie have a delicate rind, so they need more care than other soft cheeses. It is recommended to wrap them in cheese paper, or parchment paper, and keep them in an airtight container.

It is worth noting that the shelf life of soft cheese is only a rough guide, and the quality and taste of the cheese may decline before the specified time frame. Therefore, it is always a good idea to inspect your cheese to ensure it is safe to eat, regardless of the best-by date.

In summary, soft cheeses can be safely stored in the fridge for about one to two weeks, but proper storage methods and regular checks are essential to ensure the cheese remains in good condition.

Hard cheeses can be stored at room temperature but last longer in the fridge

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Gruyere, are aged longer and have a distinct, crumbly texture. They are made by removing most of the whey from the curds during the cheesemaking process, which results in a lower moisture content. This removal of moisture means that hard cheeses can be stored at room temperature for longer than soft cheeses, such as mozzarella or cream cheese, without spoiling. However, storing hard cheeses in the fridge will increase their longevity even further.

Hard cheeses are typically aged for between two and 36 months, and sometimes even longer. The longer ageing process means that hard cheeses usually have more complex flavours and are best suited for crumbling or grating.

While hard cheeses can be left out of the fridge without becoming unsafe, the quality and taste may change. The U.S. Department of Health does not recommend keeping perishable food out of the fridge for more than two hours. Harder cheeses can be left out for up to four hours, but this is still likely to impact the quality of the product.

To ensure the longevity of hard cheeses, it is important to store them correctly. Cheese needs to breathe, so wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or a plastic bag will reduce its quality and flavour. Instead, hard and semi-hard cheeses should be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth, butcher paper, cheese storage bags, or beeswax wrap. They should then be stored in the egg or vegetable drawer of the fridge, where the temperature is both cold and stable, with consistent humidity.

How to identify if cheese has gone bad

Knowing when cheese has gone bad can be tricky. Each cheese ages and spoils differently, so it's important to use your senses—sight, smell, and sometimes even taste—to determine whether your cheese is still good to eat.

Smell

The smell of cheese is often the best indicator of whether it has gone bad. If a usually mild-smelling cheese has a strong smell, it's probably bad. Naturally pungent cheeses like blue cheese or Camembert will have a strong ammonia smell when they go bad, similar to cat urine. If you're familiar with the smell of a particular cheese, and the cheese you have smells like a much more concentrated version, it's probably no longer safe to eat.

Appearance

Before purchasing cheese, it's a good idea to check its appearance so that you can identify any signs of spoilage. Surface mould is normal for cheese, and it's usually safe to trim off the mouldy part and eat the rest. However, if the entire piece is covered in thick mould, it's best to discard it. Other appearance indicators of spoilage include changes in colour (fading or darkening), sliminess, oil, and bloated packaging.

Taste

If all else fails, you may have to taste a small piece of the cheese to determine whether it has gone bad. If the cheese tastes sour or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely spoiled.

Texture

Changes in the texture of the cheese can also indicate spoilage. Hard cheeses can become brittle and prone to cracking due to changes in moisture content and the growth of unwanted bacteria. Soft cheeses can become slimy due to the growth of unwanted bacteria, which can also cause an off-putting odour.

How to store cheese

Storing cheese properly is essential to keeping it fresh and tasty. Cheese is a living, breathing food, so it needs oxygen and humidity to stay in good condition. While it may be convenient to keep cheese in the plastic wrap it came in, this is not the best way to store it.

Avoid Plastic Wrap

Plastic wrap cuts off the air supply, suffocating the cheese. It also traps in moisture, which can cause the rind to become slimy and mouldy. The transparency of plastic wrap also lets in a lot of light, which can oxidise aged cheeses and destroy their flavour.

Check the Date

If you buy cheese that has been stored in plastic, check the date to make sure it hasn't been wrapped for too long. If there is only a sell-by date, use your judgement by checking for discoloured spots or cracks in the rind.

Let it Breathe

When you get home, remove the plastic wrap and let the cheese breathe for a few minutes. If the cheese is firm and tastes a little like a refrigerator, take a non-serrated chef's knife and scrape off the glossy layer.

Wrapping Cheese

Wrap your cheese in specialty cheese paper, or parchment paper, and then a Ziploc bag. Make sure no parts are left exposed, as the fridge will dry them out. Before closing the bag, ensure there is still some air inside so the cheese has plenty of oxygen and humidity.

Storing Cheese in the Fridge

Store all types of cheese in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable.

Removing Mould

If you find mould on your cheese, just scrape it off. However, with soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, Brie, mozzarella, Neufchâtel, feta, and Camembert, any sign of mould means you should throw the whole thing away.

Different Types of Cheese

The length of time you can keep cheese differs by variety. In general, the harder the cheese, the longer it will last. Hard cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged Gouda, should last three to four weeks. Blue cheeses, like Gorgonzola and Roquefort, have a shelf life of one to two months. Semi-hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyere, should be used up within seven to ten days. Soft and semi-soft cheeses, such as goat, Camembert, and Brie, should be used up within a week. Fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta, should last between seven to ten days in the fridge.

Frequently asked questions