Randy Chandler
Sliced cheese is a convenient and tasty food, but how long does it stay good for? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it is packaged, and how it is stored. Generally, soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which makes them more perishable. Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of sliced cheese, and it is recommended to wrap cheese in porous materials like wax or parchment paper to prevent it from drying out and to store it in the coldest and darkest part of the fridge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | Below 40°F (4°C) |
| Storage material | Wax, parchment, or cheese paper |
| Soft cheese shelf life | 1-2 weeks |
| Hard cheese shelf life | 3-4 weeks |
| Deli cheese shelf life | 2-3 weeks |
| Deli cheese freezer shelf life | 8 months |
| Deli cheese post-freezer shelf life | 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Sliced cheese's shelf life depends on the type of cheese
The shelf life of sliced cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the storage conditions, and whether it has been opened.
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses. Once opened, soft cheeses typically last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge. 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. It is important to note that soft cheeses should be discarded if mould is present.
On the other hand, hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese have a longer shelf life due to their lower moisture content. Unopened hard cheeses can last for several months to even a year or more past their "best by" date when stored in the fridge. Once opened, they typically stay good for 3 to 6 weeks if stored properly. If mould appears on hard cheeses, it can generally be cut off (at least 1 inch around and below the affected area), and the rest of the cheese can be safely consumed.
Processed cheese slices, such as American deli cheese, can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks after the "sell-by" date if stored properly. To extend the shelf life, it can be frozen and will maintain its best quality for about 8 months.
It is important to note that the "best by" or "sell-by" dates on cheese packages are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Cheese can often remain safe to eat beyond these dates if stored correctly. However, it is always recommended to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, a sour or rancid smell, or a change in texture or taste.
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Sliced cheese's shelf life depends on storage conditions
The shelf life of sliced cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the storage conditions, and whether it has been opened.
Soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses. Unopened, they typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months when refrigerated. Once opened, soft cheeses last about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are also highly perishable, usually lasting only a few weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
On the other hand, hard cheeses like Cheddar and Swiss have a relatively long shelf life. Unopened, they can last for several months to even a year or more when stored in the fridge. Once opened, hard cheeses typically stay good for 3 to 6 weeks if stored properly.
Sliced American deli cheese, for example, can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks after the sell-by date if it has been properly stored. To further extend its shelf life, it can be frozen and will maintain its best quality for about 8 months.
To maximize the shelf life of sliced cheese, it is important to store it properly. Cheese should be stored in the coldest and darkest part of the fridge. It should be wrapped in breathable wraps like cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper, and then loosely in foil. Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. For cheeses packed in brine, they may last a bit longer, up to 10 days.
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Sliced cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
When freezing sliced cheese, separate the slices using parchment paper. Then, wrap the cheese in freezer paper and tape it shut. Place the package into a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date and freeze for up to nine months. Frozen cheese should be used within two to three months and should not be refrozen after thawing.
It is recommended to freeze harder block cheeses such as Parmesan, cheddar, and Monterey Jack, as they have a lower moisture content. Softer cheeses with a higher moisture content, such as ricotta, cottage, and cream cheeses, are not suitable for freezing as their structure can be significantly damaged. Freezing blue cheese is also not recommended as the different strains of mold in the cheese have varying tolerances to cold temperatures, and some may not survive.
Overall, freezing sliced cheese can be a useful way to extend its shelf life, but it is important to follow proper freezing techniques and be aware of the potential changes in texture.
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Sliced cheese that has mould should be discarded
Sliced cheese is a convenient way to store and eat cheese. However, it is important to be cautious when consuming sliced cheese that has mould on it. While some harder cheeses can be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy parts, this is not the case for sliced cheese.
Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta, tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content. This makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage. Therefore, if you spot mould on soft cheeses, it is recommended to discard the entire product.
Similarly, sliced cheese, whether hard or soft, should be discarded if mould is present. This is because the slicing process increases the surface area exposed to air and moisture, creating an ideal environment for mould to spread quickly. The presence of mould indicates that the cheese is no longer safe to consume and should be thrown away.
While it may be tempting to cut off the mouldy portion and consume the rest, it is important to prioritise your health and safety. Mould can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins, which can be harmful to humans even in small amounts. Additionally, mould growth can be an indicator of other spoilage organisms, such as bacteria, that may not be visible to the naked eye but can cause foodborne illnesses.
Therefore, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard sliced cheese that has mould. By doing so, you can minimise the risk of consuming potentially harmful substances and protect your health. Remember to store your cheese properly, maintain a clean and sanitised environment, and regularly check your cheese for any signs of spoilage to ensure its safety and prolong its shelf life.
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Sliced cheese that has a strange smell should be discarded
Sliced cheese is a convenient and tasty food, but it's important to practise good food safety habits to avoid eating spoiled cheese. While it can be tricky to determine if cheese has gone bad, using your senses of sight, smell and taste can help.
If your sliced cheese has developed a strange smell, it's best to discard it. An "off" smell is one of the signs that cheese, as a dairy product, has spoiled. This scent can be similar to that of spoiled milk, ammonia, or even a refrigerator or freezer. While some cheeses naturally have a strong odour, a concentrated version of that smell could indicate that the cheese is no longer safe to eat.
Additionally, it's important to inspect the cheese for any signs of surface mould. Small amounts of mould on hard cheeses can be trimmed off, leaving at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area. However, soft cheeses and shredded or sliced cheeses, whether hard or soft, should be discarded if mould is present.
To prolong the shelf life of sliced cheese, it's recommended to store it properly. This includes keeping the refrigerator temperature below 40°F (4°C) and wrapping the cheese in porous material like wax or parchment paper to prevent it from drying out. Proper storage can help maintain the quality and safety of the cheese.
In summary, if your sliced cheese has developed an unusual smell, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Combining sensory evaluation with proper storage practices can help ensure food safety and reduce the risk of consuming spoiled cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Sliced cheese can be kept good by refrigerating it at all times and storing it in the right way. The shelf life depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge, whereas hard cheeses can last 3-6 weeks.
Sliced American deli cheese can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks. To further extend its shelf life, it can be frozen and will maintain its best quality for about 8 months.
To store sliced cheese, wrap it in cheese paper or wax paper and then loosely wrap it in foil. Avoid using plastic wrap as it traps moisture and can encourage mould.
Sliced cheese has gone bad if it has mould on it. If you spot fuzzy, green, or black mould on non-blue cheeses, it is time to discard it. Soft cheese should be discarded if there is mould on it, whereas hard cheeses may be salvageable by cutting away the mould.
