Deli Cheese: How Long Does It Really Last?

Deli cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in sandwiches, burgers, sauces, soups, casseroles, and more. However, it's important to be mindful of its shelf life to ensure food safety and maintain its quality. The length of time deli cheese lasts after the sell-by date depends on various factors, including the type of cheese, storage conditions, and original packaging.

Deli cheese can be refrigerated for 2-4 weeks after the sell-by date

For example, sliced American deli cheese can be safely refrigerated for 2-3 weeks after the sell-by date, provided it has been properly stored. Similarly, sliced cheddar deli cheese can be refrigerated for 3-4 weeks past its sell-by date.

It's important to note that the shelf life of deli cheese can be influenced by storage conditions. Deli cheese should always be kept refrigerated at a constant temperature between 35-40°F (1.7-4.4°C). Proper storage helps to maintain the quality and safety of the cheese, preventing spoilage and extending its shelf life.

To further extend the shelf life of deli cheese, it can be frozen. When freezing, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen deli cheese will maintain its best quality for about 3-8 months, but it will remain safe to consume beyond that period if stored at a constant temperature of 0°F (-18°C).

However, freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly and less suitable for dishes where a smooth texture is desired. Therefore, thawed deli cheese is best used in cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, casseroles, or grilled cheese sandwiches, where its altered texture will be less noticeable.

To determine if deli cheese has spoiled, inspect it for any signs of mold, off odors, or changes in flavor or appearance. If mold is present, discard the entire package of sliced cheese. If the cheese develops an off odor, flavor, or appearance, it should be discarded as well.

It should be stored at a temperature between 35-40°F

Deli cheese should be stored at a temperature between 35-40°F. This is the ideal temperature range to prevent spoilage. It is important to note that the temperature should remain constant to avoid fluctuations that can lead to the growth of spoilage-causing microbes.

To maintain this temperature range, deli cheese should be stored in the centre of your refrigerator, as the temperature in the door of the fridge may be higher. A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Warmer temperatures significantly increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, increasing the risk of spoilage.

If you are storing sliced American deli cheese, it is recommended to keep it in its original store deli packaging before opening. Once opened, it is best to use the cheese within 5-7 days for the best quality. To maximise the shelf life, you can wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag.

For long-term storage, freezing deli cheese is an option. To freeze, wrap the cheese in wax paper or cheese paper, followed by a layer of foil, or place it in freezer bags. This process helps prevent freezer burn and the cheese from absorbing other odours. It is important to note that freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, affecting its taste and meltability upon thawing.

By storing deli cheese at the recommended temperature range of 35-40°F and following proper storage practices, you can maximise its quality and longevity.

It can be frozen to extend its shelf life

Deli cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. If you've purchased sliced American or cheddar deli cheese, you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. The cheese should be placed in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.

To maximize the shelf life of sliced deli cheese in the freezer, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. This will prevent dry air from getting into the cheese and causing freezer burn.

When freezing cheese, it's important to do so as rapidly as possible to prevent the formation of large, disruptive ice crystals. Frozen cheese can be kept indefinitely, but for the best quality, it should be used within 6 to 9 months.

Once you're ready to use the frozen cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator. This can take 7 to 8 hours per pound of cheese. The quality of the cheese can be improved by tempering it in the refrigerator after thawing, allowing it to ripen for a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of cheese.

It's important to note that freezing cheese can affect its texture and quality. Frozen cheese may become drier, crumbly, and mealy, and it may lose some of its flavor. Therefore, it's best suited for cooked dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable, such as sauces, soups, casseroles, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

It should be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic freezer wrap

Deli cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for extended periods, but proper storage methods are essential to maintaining its quality and freshness. One crucial step is to wrap the cheese tightly in foil or plastic freezer wrap. This protective layer acts as a barrier against moisture and oxygen, which are significant contributors to mould and bacterial growth.

When wrapping deli cheese, it is important to use heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap. This type of wrap provides a more effective barrier than regular foil or plastic wrap. It is also important to ensure that the cheese is wrapped tightly, with no gaps that could allow air to penetrate. This helps to maintain the quality of the cheese and prevents it from drying out.

In addition to the choice of wrapping material, the technique used to wrap the cheese is also important. It is recommended to wrap each slice of cheese individually before placing them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. This extra layer of protection further safeguards the cheese from potential spoilage factors. The freezer bag should be squeezed to remove as much air as possible before sealing it tightly.

By wrapping deli cheese tightly in foil or plastic freezer wrap, and following the other recommended storage practices, consumers can effectively extend the shelf life of their cheese. This simple yet crucial step helps to maintain the quality, flavour, and safety of the cheese, ensuring that it remains edible and enjoyable for a longer period of time.

It will last 3-8 months in the freezer

Deli cheese will last 3-8 months in the freezer, depending on the type of cheese. For example, sliced American deli cheese will last for about 8 months in the freezer, while sliced cheddar deli cheese will last for about 3 months.

To maximize the shelf life of deli cheese in the freezer, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove all the air from the freezer bag before sealing it.

It is important to note that freezing deli cheese may change the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly. Therefore, it is recommended to use the cheese in cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, omelets, and sandwich melts, after it has been thawed in the refrigerator.

Additionally, properly stored deli cheese can be safely consumed beyond the recommended freezer storage time. It will remain safe indefinitely in the freezer if it has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F. However, the recommended freezer storage time is based on maintaining the best quality of the cheese.

Frequently asked questions