Cheddar Cheese: How Long Does It Really Last?

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, lasting several months to even a year or more past its 'best by' date when stored in the fridge. When unopened, it can be kept in its original packaging and will last for about six months in the refrigerator. However, once the package is opened, the cheese is exposed to air and potential bacterial contamination, reducing its shelf life considerably.

Unopened cheddar cheese can last for up to a year

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese with a lower moisture content, which means it will last longer than soft cheeses. Unopened cheddar cheese can last for up to a year in the fridge, although the exact length of time will depend on the storage conditions and the type of cheddar. For example, waxed cheddars should be stored in the fridge to avoid the cheese swelling and cracking the wax.

It's important to note that the "'best before'" date on cheese is a guideline for quality, not safety. Cheddar cheese will remain safe to consume beyond this date if it is stored correctly. However, the quality and taste of the cheese will begin to decline over time.

To maximise the shelf life of unopened cheddar cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator at all times and kept in its original packaging until ready to use. Properly stored, an unopened chunk of cheddar cheese will last for about six months to a year in the refrigerator.

If you want to extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese even further, you can freeze it. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheddar cheese will maintain its best quality for about six to eight months but will remain safe to consume beyond this time.

Cheddar has a longer shelf life than soft cheeses

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese with a lower moisture content, which means it has a longer shelf life than soft cheeses. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, and cottage cheese, are highly perishable and typically last for only a few weeks in the refrigerator. In contrast, unopened blocks of cheddar cheese can last for several months to even a year or more past their "best by" date when stored in the fridge. This is because hard cheeses like cheddar have lower moisture levels, creating an environment where bacteria find it difficult to thrive.

The shelf life of cheddar cheese will depend on its storage conditions. To maximize the shelf life of an unopened chunk of cheddar cheese, it should be kept in its original packaging and refrigerated at all times. When stored this way, cheddar cheese will typically remain safe to use for about six months, even if the "sell-by" or "best by" date on the package expires. If mold appears on an unopened chunk of cheddar cheese, it is still safe to eat. Simply cut away at least one inch around and below the moldy area, being careful not to touch the mold with the knife, and re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap.

Once a block of cheddar cheese is opened, its shelf life will decline considerably due to exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination. When stored in the refrigerator in a wrapper or airtight container, opened cheddar cheese can last for a few weeks to a couple of months. It is important to note that opened soft cheeses, such as Brie, goat's cheese, mozzarella, and feta, are more perishable and typically last for only one to a few weeks in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is essential to practice proper storage methods to maximize the shelf life of both unopened and opened cheddar cheese and maintain its quality and safety.

Cheddar can be frozen to extend its shelf life

Freezing cheddar will affect its texture and quality. When cheese is frozen, small ice crystals form on the inside, disrupting the internal structure of the cheese. When it’s thawed, water is released, causing the product to dry out, become crumbly, and potentially develop a mealy texture. Cheddar that has been frozen is, therefore, best suited for cooked dishes where changes to texture are less noticeable, such as in sauces, on pizza, or in grilled cheese sandwiches.

To freeze cheddar, first, portion it into quantities that you are likely to use in one go. For a large block of cheese, don't freeze more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion. The cheese can also be grated or sliced before freezing. Then, wrap the cheese in foil or cheese paper and place it in an airtight ziplock bag or container. This is essential to prevent dry air from getting into the cheese and causing freezer burn. Freeze the cheese as rapidly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large, disruptive ice crystals.

Cheddar can be kept frozen indefinitely but is best used within 6–9 months. Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator at 32–34 °F (0–1°C) for 7–8 hours per 1 pound (500 grams) of cheese.

Unopened, a block of hard cheese like cheddar will last 6 months in the fridge. Cheddar that is unopened and stored in the fridge can last for several months to even a year or more past its 'best by' date. Once opened, exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination mean that the shelf life of cheddar will decline considerably. When stored in the refrigerator in a wrapper or airtight container, opened cheddar cheese can last for a few weeks to a couple of months.

Signs of spoilage include a hard texture, discolouration, and mould

Cheddar cheese that hasn't been opened can last for several months to even a year or more past its "best by" date when stored in a refrigerator. However, it's important to watch out for signs of spoilage, especially if the cheese has been stored for a long time.

One of the signs of spoilage is a hard texture. Cheddar cheese that is going bad will often develop a very hard texture. This is caused by the cheese losing moisture over time, and it can make the cheese difficult to cut or grate.

Another sign of spoilage is discolouration. Cheddar cheese that has gone bad may darken in colour, with significant changes such as yellowing or browning. These colour changes indicate that the cheese is past its prime and should not be consumed.

Finally, the presence of mould is a clear sign of spoilage. If mould appears on an unopened block of cheddar cheese, it is important to handle it properly. Cut away at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area, being careful not to touch the mould with the knife. Then, recover the remaining cheese with fresh wrap. However, if mould appears in shredded, sliced, or crumbled cheddar cheese, the entire package should be discarded as the mould can spread quickly.

Cheddar should be stored in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C)

Cheddar is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it will last longer than soft cheeses. Unopened, it can last for several months to even a year or more past its 'best by' date when stored in the fridge. However, the ideal temperature for storing cheese in the refrigerator is below 40°F (4°C).

Storing cheddar cheese at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) will help to extend its shelf life and preserve its quality. At this temperature, bacteria are less likely to grow and spoil the cheese. Keeping the cheese in an airtight container or wrapped tightly can also help to maintain its freshness.

The "sell-by" or "best-by" date on a package of unopened cheddar cheese is generally a guideline for quality rather than safety. Cheddar cheese will typically remain safe to consume for about 6 months, even if the package's "sell-by" or "best-by" date has passed.

To further extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese, it can be frozen. When freezing, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheddar cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 to 8 months but will remain safe to consume beyond that time.

It is important to note that the shelf life of cheddar cheese may vary depending on factors such as the quality of the cheese, storage conditions, and how it is packaged.

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