Soft Cheese: How Long Does It Really Last?

Soft cheeses are a delicious treat, but they don't last long in the fridge. In fact, soft cheeses only last about 1-2 weeks beyond their printed dates. This is because soft cheeses have a high moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage. To make matters worse, soft cheeses shouldn't be kept at room temperature for long as they will quickly degrade as their temperature increases. So, how can you tell if your soft cheese has gone bad? Well, your senses are usually the most reliable way to tell. If you see any blue or green mould, that's a sign that it's time to throw it out. The same goes for any slimy or discoloured patches on the cheese. If it smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it's probably best to get rid of it. And if you're still unsure, take a small taste – but be careful, as consuming spoiled food can be dangerous.

Soft cheese can last 1-2 weeks beyond the printed date

The shelf life of soft cheese is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the type of cheese, the processing method, the packaging date, its exposure to heat, and how the cheese is stored. For example, unopened soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert can last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated. On the other hand, 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 the 'best by' or 'sell by' dates on cheese are a guideline for quality, not safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if it is stored correctly. However, it is always a good idea to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.

Some signs that soft cheese has gone bad include the growth of blue or green mold, a sour or rancid smell, changes in texture such as becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy, and significant changes in color such as yellowing or browning. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese.

To extend the shelf life of soft cheese, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower immediately after each use. It should also be stored in a tightly closed container or wrapped in breathable paper to keep out moisture and other contaminants.

Hard cheese can be stored in the fridge for several months to a year

Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can last for several months and even up to a year if they are stored in the fridge. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which means they are less prone to spoilage from bacteria. For example, unopened blocks of hard cheese can last for 6 months in the fridge.

Once opened, hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. It is important to note that hard cheeses should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge.

Additionally, hard cheeses can be frozen for up to 6 months. However, it is recommended to wrap them in parchment or wax paper followed by a layer of plastic wrap or foil for long-term storage.

It's worth noting that the shelf life of hard cheese can be influenced by factors such as the processing method, packaging date, exposure to heat, and storage conditions. Proper food storage is crucial to extending the shelf life of hard cheeses. They should be stored in a refrigerator at 40°F or lower and in a tightly closed container or plastic wrap to maintain optimal quality.

Semi-hard cheese can last a few weeks to several months

Semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss, cheddar, Gouda, and provolone, have a relatively long shelf life. They can last several months past their "best-by" date when kept in the refrigerator before opening. Once opened, they can last for a few weeks to a couple of months.

The shelf life of semi-hard cheese is influenced by factors such as the type of cheese, the processing method, the packaging date, its exposure to heat, and how it is stored. Proper storage is crucial to extending the shelf life of semi-hard cheeses. They should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower and in their original wrapper or a tightly closed container to keep out moisture and other contaminants.

It is worth noting that the "best-by" or "sell-by" dates on cheese are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Semi-hard cheeses often remain safe to consume beyond these dates if stored correctly.

To determine if semi-hard cheese has spoiled, your senses are usually the most reliable tools. A darker colour, harder texture, and stronger smell are common traits of cheese going bad. If you see or smell mould growth, cut away the mould and at least one inch of the surrounding cheese and discard the rest.

Fresh cheese lasts a few weeks past its 'best by' date

Fresh cheese lasts a few weeks past its best-by date. This includes cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese, which are highly perishable and should be consumed within a few weeks of their printed date. The shelf life of soft cheese is influenced by factors such as the type of cheese, processing method, packaging date, exposure to heat, and storage.

Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of fresh cheese. It should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower immediately after each use and kept in a tightly closed container or wrapped in plastic to keep out moisture and other contaminants.

Additionally, soft cheeses should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods as they will quickly degrade as their temperature increases. Federal agencies recommend avoiding cheese made from unpasteurized milk. If soft cheese looks moldy, it should be discarded as molds can produce dangerous toxins. However, the mold rinds that encase brie and other ripened soft cheeses are often edible.

When it comes to determining if soft cheese has gone bad, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments. The most common trait of bad soft cheese is the growth of blue or green mold. Other signs of spoilage include an off or sour flavor, a sweaty, chlorine-like, or ammonia-like odor, changes in texture, and significant discoloration.

How to tell if soft cheese has gone bad

Soft cheeses are a delicious treat, but they can spoil quickly. Here are some ways to tell if your soft cheese has gone bad:

Check the Expiry Date

The "best before" or "use by" date on soft cheese is a guideline for quality rather than safety. Soft cheese can last about 1-2 weeks beyond its printed date, but this depends on how it's stored. If it's unopened and stored in the fridge, it can last a few weeks to a couple of months past its "best before" date. Once opened, soft cheese should be consumed within about a week.

Look for Mould

Mould is a sure sign that your soft cheese has gone bad. If you see any mould on soft cheeses, throw the entire product away. For hard cheeses, you can cut off the mouldy part and the area surrounding it, but soft cheeses are more susceptible to spoilage, so it's best to be cautious.

Smell the Cheese

Smell is a good indicator of whether your soft cheese has gone bad. Soft cheese should have a characteristic smell related to its type. If it smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it's likely spoiled. If you're familiar with the smell of fresh cheese, you'll be able to identify any deviations.

Observe the Texture

Spoiled soft cheese may exhibit changes in texture. If it feels different when sliced—for example, if it's crumbly, mushy, or very dry—it's likely gone bad.

Check for Discolouration

Significant changes in colour, such as yellowing or browning, can indicate that your soft cheese has spoiled.

Do a Taste Test

If you're still unsure, try a small amount of the cheese. If it has an off or sour flavour, it's likely spoiled and should be discarded.

Frequently asked questions