Cheese Expiration: Easy Cheese's Unopened Shelf Life Explained

Unopened cheese can last for an extended period after its expiration date, depending on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last for several weeks beyond their expiration dates if properly stored, while soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert have a shorter shelf life and are best consumed within one to two weeks. Proper storage involves keeping the cheese refrigerated and wrapped in a breathable material like parchment paper, not plastic wrap, to prevent it from drying out. Freezing unopened cheese is another way to extend its shelf life, but it may affect the taste. It's important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, an unpleasant odor, or a change in texture or taste, before consuming it past its expiration date.

Hard cheeses can last for several weeks beyond their expiration date

Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can last for several weeks beyond their expiration date. This is because hard cheeses have less moisture content and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria. In fact, unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to 6 months in the fridge.

When it comes to storing hard cheeses, it is recommended to wrap them in wax, parchment, or cheese paper, and keep them in the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer of the fridge. It is important to avoid wrapping them in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry out the cheese and make it harder.

To determine if a hard cheese is still safe to eat, look for any signs of spoilage, such as mold growth, a slimy texture, an off-putting odor, or an unpleasant taste. If you notice any blue or green surface mold on hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses are usually safe to eat and are most likely calcium lactate crystals.

It is worth noting that freezing unopened hard cheese is an excellent way to extend its shelf life. However, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.

Soft cheeses are best consumed within 1-2 weeks after the expiration date

Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, Neufchâtel, feta, Gorgonzola, and Muenster, are best consumed within 1-2 weeks after their expiration date. This is because soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which makes them more prone to bacterial growth and spoilage.

It is important to note that even before their expiration date, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert will show mould, which will appear as a velvety white covering on the rind. This is normal and edible. However, if you notice any orange, rust red, blue, or green moulds on or in the cheese, this indicates that the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded.

To extend the shelf life of soft cheeses, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or lower. They should be kept in a tightly closed container or wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent moisture and other contaminants from affecting the cheese. Additionally, soft cheeses should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods, as their temperature increases, they will quickly degrade.

When it comes to determining whether a soft cheese is still safe to consume, your senses of sight, smell, and taste can be helpful. If the cheese has developed a slimy texture, an off-putting odour, or an unpleasant taste, it is best to discard it.

While it is possible to freeze soft cheeses, it is not recommended as it can alter their texture and consistency.

Cheese should be refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food, but it's important to store it correctly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Unopened cheese should always be kept refrigerated, as this will significantly extend its shelf life. While some types of cheese can be stored outside the refrigerator, this is not recommended as it could lead to rapid spoilage and an increased risk of foodborne illness.

The refrigerator is your cheese's best friend. By keeping cheese chilled, you slow down the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mould, all of which can cause cheese to spoil. A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). At higher temperatures, bacteria multiply more quickly, increasing the risk of spoilage. To monitor the temperature, you can purchase a fridge thermometer and place it in the warmest spot, usually near the door.

When storing cheese in the fridge, it's important to use the right type of wrapping. Avoid tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as these can dry out the cheese and harden it. Instead, opt for porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper, which allow the cheese to breathe. Wrap the cheese loosely and store it on the top or middle shelf of the fridge, or in a drawer. Keep it away from raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

In addition to refrigeration, there are other factors that can affect the freshness of unopened cheese. The type of cheese is one such factor. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda tend to have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. This is because hard cheeses contain less moisture, making them less prone to spoilage. Proper storage is also key, with vacuum-sealed packaging and correct wrapping techniques helping to extend the shelf life.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your unopened cheese remains fresh and safe to eat. However, it's always important to inspect your cheese before consumption, regardless of the best-by date. Look for signs of spoilage, such as mold growth, a slimy texture, an unpleasant odour, or an off-putting taste. If you notice any of these issues, discard the cheese to prevent potential health risks.

Freezing unopened cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life

Freezing unopened cheese can significantly extend its shelf life by slowing down the growth of bacteria and mould. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can last for several weeks beyond their expiration dates if properly stored. On the other hand, soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert have a shorter shelf life and are best consumed within one to two weeks after the expiration date.

To freeze unopened cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can then be stored in the freezer for up to six months at a safe temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.

It's important to note that freezing cheese may alter its taste and texture. Some people find that cheese tastes a little different after being frozen. However, this is a small price to pay for the extended shelf life that freezing provides.

Additionally, pre-sliced or shredded cheese tends to spoil faster than whole blocks or wheels of cheese since more of its surface area is exposed to air. Therefore, freezing unopened cheese in its original block form is ideal.

Use your senses to determine if cheese has gone bad

While the expiration date on a package of cheese is a helpful guideline, it does not necessarily mean the cheese is immediately spoiled. Unopened cheese can last for an extended period after its expiration date if stored correctly and shows no signs of spoilage. Trust your instincts and use your senses to determine its freshness.

Appearance

If your cheese has some surface mould, try trimming a small amount off the side that is growing mould. If the area below is clean and it exhibits no other signs of spoilage, then the cheese should be safe to eat. However, if the entire piece is covered in thick mould, it may not be worth saving.

Mould isn’t the only indicator of appearance. When a cheese has changed colour (faded or darkened, for example) or if the consistency in texture has changed, this can also indicate spoilage. Other appearance indicators to keep an eye out for are any sliminess, oil, or bloated packaging.

Smell

Because cheese is a dairy product, one sign of spoiled cheese is an "off" smell. Depending on the type of cheese, this scent can be of spoiled milk, ammonia, or even of a refrigerator or freezer. A good tip is to smell your cheese when you first purchase it so that you can identify any changes in scent. Sometimes cheeses can be pungent and "off" smelling to begin with, and in these cases, smell may not be the best indicator of spoilage.

Taste

Taste is the one indicator that will be a dead giveaway that your cheese is bad. If your cheese tastes sour or just has a plain unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely gone bad.

Other indicators

Other indicators of spoilage include a slimy texture, an off-putting odour, or an unpleasant taste.

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