Randy Chandler
Sliced cheese is a convenient food item to have in your fridge, but how long does it last? The shelf life of sliced cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Soft cheese will last in the fridge for about a week, while hard cheese can last for up to four weeks. Unopened sliced American deli cheese can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks and frozen for up to 8 months. However, it's important to note that the best before date on a package of sliced cheese is not the same as an expiration date; the cheese may still be safe to eat past this date, but the quality may not be optimal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long does sliced cheese last in the fridge? | 6-8 months (best quality); 2-3 weeks after the sell-by date |
| How to store sliced cheese in the fridge? | Unopened sliced cheese may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; do not open the package until ready to use |
| How to further extend the shelf life of sliced cheese? | Freeze the cheese before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed |
| How to maximize the shelf life of sliced cheese in the freezer? | Wrap the sliced cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap or place in heavy-duty freezer bags |
| How long does sliced cheese last in the freezer? | Properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for about 8 months, but will remain safe beyond that time |
| How long does sliced cheese last after being frozen and thawed? | Sliced cheese that has been defrosted can be kept for an additional 3-4 days in the refrigerator before using; for best results, thaw cheese in the refrigerator |
| How to tell if sliced cheese is bad or spoiled? | If cheese develops an off odor, flavor, or appearance, it should be discarded; if mold appears, discard all of the sliced cheese |
What You'll Learn
Sliced cheese can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 weeks
The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses because they have higher moisture levels, creating a more suitable environment for bacteria to thrive. Therefore, soft cheeses will generally last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening, while most hard cheeses will last 3-4 weeks.
To extend the shelf life of sliced cheese, you can freeze it. When freezing, make sure to wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil, plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen sliced cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months but will remain safe to consume beyond that period.
It's important to inspect your cheese to ensure it's safe to eat. If you notice any mould on soft cheese, discard it. For semi-soft to hard cheeses, you can cut off the mouldy parts and consume the rest. Additionally, if the cheese has an off odour, flavour, or appearance, it's best to throw it away.
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It can be frozen to extend its shelf life
Sliced cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. While soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage, and cream cheese don't freeze well, other types of cheese may be frozen for up to 6 months at a safe temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. To maximize the shelf life of sliced cheese in the freezer, wrap the slices tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them in heavy-duty freezer bags.
Properly stored cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months in the freezer, but it will remain safe to consume beyond that time. The freezer time indicated is only for the best quality; cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
After defrosting, cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor. It is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. Frozen cheese that has been defrosted can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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It's safe to eat beyond its sell-by date if stored properly
Sliced cheese can be safely consumed beyond its sell-by date if stored properly. While the sell-by date on the package of sliced cheese is typically set for 3-5 days after opening, this is primarily a recommendation for optimal quality and flavour. Provided that the cheese has been stored in the refrigerator and shows no signs of spoilage, it can be consumed beyond this date.
The longevity of sliced cheese depends on various factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, and storage conditions. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, have a shorter shelf life due to their higher moisture content, which facilitates bacterial growth. In contrast, hard cheeses like aged cheddar, aged gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano have lower moisture levels, making it more challenging for bacteria to thrive, thus extending their shelf life.
To maximize the shelf life of sliced cheese, it is essential to follow proper storage practices. This includes keeping the cheese refrigerated at all times, maintaining a temperature below 40°F (4°C) in the refrigerator, and ensuring proper wrapping. Instead of tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, opt for porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper to allow the cheese to breathe and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity.
Additionally, it is crucial to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consumption. Signs of spoilt cheese include visible mold, an off odor, altered flavour, or a fizzy sensation on the tongue. If you notice mold on hard cheese, discard the moldy parts by cutting at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected spots. For soft cheeses, it is recommended to discard the entire product if mold is present.
By adhering to proper storage practices and regularly inspecting the cheese for any signs of spoilage, you can safely consume sliced cheese beyond its sell-by date, ensuring that it maintains its quality and flavour while minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
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Soft cheese will last a week in the fridge
The shelf life of soft cheese is so short that it can be difficult to get the most out of the product. To ensure soft cheese lasts as long as possible, it should be stored in the right way. Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper. Then, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
It's also important to keep your fridge at the right temperature. A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures significantly increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which raises the risk of spoilage. Some fridges have built-in thermometers, but you can also purchase a fridge thermometer to ensure that it stays at a safe temperature. Place the thermometer in the warmest spot (near the door), not tucked away at the back.
It's worth noting that soft cheese will last longer if it hasn't been opened. Unopened soft cheeses typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated.
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Hard cheese can last up to four weeks in the fridge
To ensure your hard cheese lasts as long as possible, it's important to store it correctly. Firstly, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging. Then, wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Finally, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
It's also important to note that hard cheese can last even longer if it's unopened and stored in the fridge. Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge.
When it comes to determining whether hard cheese is still safe to eat, it's important to inspect it for any signs of spoilage. The most obvious sign of spoilage is visible, unintentional mould. If you see any mould on hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected areas. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses, such as 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Sliced cheese can be kept in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks after opening. Unopened, sliced cheese can be kept in the fridge for 6-8 months.
To extend the shelf life of sliced cheese, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
The best way to tell if sliced cheese has gone bad is to smell and look at it. If the cheese has developed an off odour, flavour or appearance, it should be discarded. If there is any mould, throw away the cheese.
Yes, freezing sliced cheese is a good way to extend its shelf life. Frozen sliced cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that.
The "sell-by" date on sliced cheese packaging is the date until which the cheese will be at its best quality. The cheese will remain safe to use after this date if it has been properly stored.
