Cheese Lifespan: How Long Does It Last?

Cheese is a living product that continues to ripen even after it's been packaged and sent to the store. The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content, with soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella having a shorter life than harder varieties like aged cheddar, gouda, and parmesan. Soft cheeses will last for about a week in the fridge, while semi-hard cheeses like cheddar and Gruyère can last up to three weeks, and hard cheeses can be kept for about four weeks. Unopened packages of hard cheese can last up to six months.

Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheeses typically last between one and two weeks in the fridge. This is because they have a higher moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses. Their shelf life is shorter, and they are more prone to spoilage from bacteria.

To get the most out of your soft cheese, proper storage is key. For cheese sold in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, you can wrap it in foil. Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses. It's best to wrap it in cheese paper, but you can also use parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container.

A wedge of cheese starts to decline the moment it's cut off the wheel, and no cheese will get better in the fridge. So, try to only buy cheese for the week ahead.

If you notice mould on soft cheese, discard it. You can cut off mould from hard cheeses, but soft cheeses with high moisture content are more susceptible to the spread of mould, so it's best to throw them out.

Other signs that soft cheese has gone bad include an unintentional bitter flavour, a fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue.

Hard cheeses last 3-4 weeks in the fridge

Hard cheeses, such as 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. Hard cheeses last 3-4 times longer in the fridge than soft cheeses since they contain less moisture and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria.

After opening, hard cheeses can be safely stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. Unopened hard cheeses, on the other hand, can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge.

To store hard cheese in the refrigerator, 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.
• Store it in the coldest part of the fridge.

It's important to note that hard cheeses can develop mould over time. Inspect the cheese for mould before consuming, and cut off any spots that appear. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses are normal and safe to eat. These spots are most likely not mould but calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.

Cheese can be frozen, but not all types

Cheese is a versatile and tasty dairy product that can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, not all types of cheese respond well to freezing, and some varieties are better suited for this preservation method than others. Freezing cheese can affect its texture, making it drier, crumbly, and mealy. It is important to note that while cheese can be frozen, it is still best enjoyed fresh to maximize its flavor and texture.

Hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, brick cheese, and blue cheese, can be frozen but may become crumbly and challenging to slice. Their texture will change, and they are more suitable for cooked dishes where these differences are less noticeable. Mozzarella and pizza cheese can also be frozen, but their melting properties may be impacted. Some semi-soft cheeses, like Stilton or soft goat cheese, are suitable for freezing as well.

On the other hand, soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and processed cheese slices such as American cheese, do not freeze well. Freezing soft cheeses can result in an undesirable texture and are therefore not recommended unless they will be used for sauces or dips. Fresh curd cheeses, soft ripened cheeses, and blue cheese are also best enjoyed fresh as freezing can affect their distinctive textures and flavors.

To freeze cheese, portion it into usable quantities, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil, and place it in an airtight container or bag. Freeze rapidly at a temperature of at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent large ice crystal formation, which can disrupt the cheese's structure. Frozen cheese can be stored indefinitely but is best used within 6-9 months for optimal quality. Thaw frozen cheese slowly in the refrigerator before use, allowing time for the moisture to be reabsorbed.

How to identify signs of spoilage

The length of time a cheese lasts depends on its moisture content. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. Here are some signs to look out for that indicate cheese has gone bad:

• Unpleasant odours, such as sour, rancid, or ammonia-like smells.
• Fuzzy or discoloured patches on the surface. Common mould colours include white, green, blue, or black.
• A slimy, sticky, or excessively hard texture.
• Discolouration, such as dark spots, streaks, or patches.
• A bitter or sour taste.
• A sweaty, chlorine-like, or ammonia-like odour.
• Unintentional mould, especially on high-moisture cheeses.
• Unintentional bitter flavour, fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue.

How to store cheese

The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content and storage method. Soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. In general, soft cheeses will last for about a week in the fridge. Semi-soft cheeses like Brie have a delicate rind, so they need more care than other soft cheeses. Wrapping them in cheese paper or parchment paper and keeping them in an airtight container is best.

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, contain less moisture than soft cheese and will last two to three weeks in the fridge. To store them, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging, wrap it loosely in a breathable material like wax paper or cheese paper, and put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have low moisture content, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened packages will last about six months. Storing hard cheese in the refrigerator is the same as for semi-hard varieties: remove the cheese from its plastic packaging, wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper, and put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually last only a few weeks past their 'best by' date when stored in the refrigerator.

To keep cheese fresh, it's important to maintain a safe fridge temperature—below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures significantly increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which raises the risk of spoilage. Wrap blocks of cheese (or other types that don’t come in resealable packaging) in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store the cheese on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. Avoid wrapping cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out and harden it.

Frequently asked questions