Cheese Longevity: Packaged Cheese's Expiry And Storage

How long does packaged cheese last? This is a question many cheese lovers have asked, and the answer depends on several factors. Firstly, the type of cheese matters; harder, aged cheeses like Asiago, Parmesan, and Cheddar can last between four to six months in the fridge if unopened, while soft cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, and mozzarella should be consumed within one to two weeks of refrigeration. Secondly, storage methods play a role; proper storage involves keeping unopened cheese in its original packaging and wrapping leftovers in parchment or cheese paper to maintain moisture. Finally, the cheese's environment is crucial, as a safe fridge temperature of below 40°F (4°C) significantly reduces the rate of bacterial growth and spoilage. With these factors in mind, cheese enthusiasts can maximise their cheese's longevity and minimise food waste.

How long does unopened packaged cheese last?

The shelf life of unopened packaged cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, storage conditions, and packaging.

Type of Cheese

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which provides a more suitable environment for bacterial growth. Unopened soft cheeses typically last around 1-2 weeks in the fridge.

On the other hand, hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have a lower moisture content, making it more difficult for bacteria to grow. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator.

Storage Conditions

To maximize the shelf life of unopened packaged cheese, it is essential to maintain proper storage conditions. This includes keeping the cheese refrigerated at all times and ensuring that the refrigerator temperature remains below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the rate of bacterial growth and accelerate spoilage.

Additionally, proper wrapping and packaging are crucial. Cheese should be wrapped in a breathable and porous material, such as wax, parchment, or cheese paper, to allow it to release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as they can dry out the cheese and harden it.

Packaging

The original packaging of unopened cheese plays a role in its shelf life. Cheese sold in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, should be kept in its original liquid and securely sealed to maintain freshness. For other types of cheese, the packaging should be intact and unopened to ensure maximum shelf life.

In summary, the shelf life of unopened packaged cheese can range from 1 week to 6 months, depending on the type of cheese, storage conditions, and packaging. To ensure food safety and maintain optimal quality, it is essential to follow proper storage practices and regularly check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, unpleasant odors, or changes in texture.

How long does opened packaged cheese last?

The shelf life of packaged cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Soft cheeses tend to spoil faster than hard cheeses.

Once opened, an unprocessed package of hard cheese like Parmesan or cheddar will be good for about six weeks in the fridge. Opened semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses like Gouda and Gruyère will last in the fridge for about two to three weeks. Soft cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, and feta contain more moisture than hard cheeses, so they should be consumed within one to two weeks of being opened and stored in the fridge.

When it comes to processed cheese, like Kraft Singles, the cheese should be used within a week of opening the package.

How to store cheese

For optimal storage, keep unopened cheese in its original package. Any leftovers should be wrapped loosely in a piece of parchment inside a Ziploc bag so that air can circulate without the cheese drying out. Blocks of cheese (or other types that don’t come in resealable packaging) should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. 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.

How to know if cheese has gone bad

Cheese can be inspected for specks of blue or green surface mould. If mould is found, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots. If you have a healthy immune system, you’ll likely be fine if you accidentally eat a mouldy spot, but monitor yourself for symptoms of food poisoning like vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea.

White specks or crystallised patches on certain aged hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Gouda 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.

Throw away soft cheeses like cottage cheese and cream cheese, as well as crumbled, shredded, or sliced cheeses—whether soft or hard—that contain mould.

You can also smell the cheese to determine whether it’s safe to eat. Although some types of cheeses may smell stinky, they shouldn’t have a sweaty, chlorine-like, or ammonia-like odour.

How to store packaged cheese

The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Proper storage can help maintain the cheese's moisture and keep it safe to eat. Here are some tips on how to store packaged cheese:

Hard Cheeses

Harder, aged cheeses like Asiago, Parmesan, Beaufort, pecorino Romano, and Cheddar have a longer fridge life due to their lower moisture content. An unopened package can last between two and four months, while an opened package or block can be safely stored for about six weeks in the fridge. These cheeses can also be frozen for up to eight months, but their taste may be slightly altered.

To store hard cheeses, avoid wrapping them tightly in non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as this can dry them out. Instead, use wax, parchment, or cheese paper, and place the cheese in the refrigerator, preferably on the top or middle shelf or in a drawer. Ensure your fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth.

Semi-Hard to Semi-Soft Cheeses

Cheeses like Emmental, Gruyère, Havarti, Muenster, Gouda, and Edam fall into this category. Their fridge life is slightly shorter than harder cheeses due to their higher moisture content. An opened package of these cheeses can last for about two to three weeks in the fridge and up to two months in the freezer.

For optimal storage, keep the cheese in its original packaging or wrap it in breathable parchment paper and place it inside a Ziploc bag to limit airflow and maintain freshness.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, feta, Gorgonzola, and Camembert, have the shortest fridge life due to their high moisture content. They should be consumed within one to two weeks of opening. Freezing is not recommended for these cheeses as they will lose their texture.

To store soft cheeses, keep them in their original unopened packaging until ready to use. Once opened, place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.

Processed Cheese Slices

Processed cheese slices, like American cheese, have a long fridge life due to preservatives. Unopened slices can last up to two months beyond the printed expiration date, while opened slices should be used within a week. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the taste and texture and affect meltability.

To store processed cheese slices, follow the same guidelines as for soft cheeses, keeping them in their original packaging until opened and then transferring them to a sealed container in the fridge.

How to know if packaged cheese has gone bad

Knowing if your cheese has gone bad is essential to avoid food poisoning. While cheese has a relatively long shelf life, it can still spoil before its best-by date due to quality control issues during manufacturing or improper storage. Here are some detailed signs to look out for:

Check for Mould

The presence of mould is a clear indication that your cheese has gone bad. However, the type of mould and the variety of cheese determine whether you can salvage parts of it. For hard cheeses, you can cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spots and safely consume the rest. Keep an eye on the colour of the mould; if it's white, blue, or green, it's natural, but if you see red or black mould, discard the entire block.

For soft cheeses, any sign of mould means it's time to toss the whole thing. This rule also applies to shredded, sliced, or crumbled cheeses, regardless of whether they are soft or hard varieties.

Observe Texture and Odour

Beyond mould, changes in texture and odour are telltale signs of spoilage. Touch the cheese and discard it if it feels slimy. Additionally, smell the cheese, and if it has a sour or ammonia-like odour, it's best to throw it out. While some types of cheese may have a strong smell, they shouldn't have a sweaty or chlorine-like odour.

Examine the Best-By Date

While the best-by date is not an exact indicator of spoilage, it's still essential for gauging the cheese's freshness. Cheese can be safely consumed for some time after this date, but the quality may deteriorate, and the risk of spoilage increases.

Trust Your Senses

Ultimately, your senses are your best tools for determining if cheese has gone bad. Use your eyes to spot mould, your sense of touch to detect changes in texture, and your sense of smell to identify unpleasant odours. If you're unsure, it's better to be safe than sorry—discard the cheese and get a fresh block.

How to revive packaged cheese

The length of time cheese lasts in the fridge depends on the type of cheese and how it's packaged. Hard cheeses tend to last longer than soft cheeses, which have a shorter shelf life due to their higher moisture content. Proper storage is essential to prolonging the life of packaged cheese. Here are some tips to revive packaged cheese that may be past its prime:

Inspect the Cheese

Before attempting to revive packaged cheese, it's important to inspect it for any signs of spoilage. Check for mould, especially on soft cheeses. If there is mould on hard cheeses, it can be cut off, leaving at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of unaffected cheese around and below the affected area. However, if there is mould on soft cheeses, it's best to discard the entire package.

Smell and Taste

Use your senses to determine if the cheese is safe to consume. Although some types of cheese have a strong odour, it shouldn't smell sweaty, like chlorine, or like ammonia. If the cheese smells off, it's best to discard it. Additionally, taste the cheese if you're comfortable doing so. If it doesn't taste right, it's probably best to throw it out.

Storage Methods

Proper storage can help extend the life of packaged cheese. Cheese should be stored in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). It's best to wrap blocks of cheese in porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as they can dry out the cheese.

Freezing

If your cheese is still good but you won't be able to consume it before it goes bad, consider freezing it. Freezing can alter the taste and texture of the cheese, but it's a viable option for long-term storage. Cheese can be frozen for up to six to nine months. However, freezing is not recommended for soft cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda, as they will significantly change texture.

Use in Recipes

If your cheese is past its prime but still safe to consume, consider using it in recipes like mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, or calzones. This can help mask any slight changes in taste or texture and allow you to enjoy the cheese in a different form.

Frequently asked questions