Cheese Lifespan: How Long Before It Goes Bad?

Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it's important to know how long it lasts so you don't end up eating a spoiled block. The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Generally, harder cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and Cheddar last longer than softer cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, and mozzarella. Proper storage is key to extending the life of your cheese.

How long does unopened cheese last in the fridge?

The shelf life of unopened cheese in the fridge depends on the type of cheese.

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Grana Padano, Pecorino, Asiago, Beaufort, and Cheddar, can be kept in the fridge for between two and four months. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can also last up to six months in the fridge. Once opened, hard cheeses are generally safe to eat for about six weeks.

Semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses, such as Emmental, Gouda, Gruyère, Cheddar, Roquefort, and Jarlsberg, can be stored in the fridge for up to two to four weeks after opening. Unopened, they can last anywhere from a month to a couple of months.

Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, feta, Gorgonzola, Camembert, and cottage cheese, have the shortest fridge life. Unopened, they can last anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on the type of cheese. Once opened, soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks.

It is important to note that the shelf life of cheese can vary depending on the storage conditions and the specific type of cheese. Proper storage methods, such as wrapping the cheese in breathable material and storing it in the right location in the fridge, can help extend the shelf life of unopened cheese.

How long does opened cheese last in the fridge?

The shelf life of opened cheese in the fridge depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses like feta, brie, and camembert contain more moisture, so they are more perishable and should be consumed within one to two weeks of being opened. Harder, aged cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and cheddar will last longer—up to six weeks in the fridge. Semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses like gouda and gruyere will keep for about two to four weeks after being opened.

To make your cheese last as long as possible, it's important to store it properly. Wrap the cheese in parchment paper or cheesecloth, or place it in a Ziploc bag or airtight container to limit airflow. Make sure your fridge is set below 40°F (4°C), and keep the cheese away from raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

While cheese will usually become unpalatable before it becomes dangerous, it's important to look out for signs of spoilage. If you see red or black mold on your cheese, it's time to throw it out. With harder cheeses, you can cut off any blue, gray, or green mold that appears, but with softer cheeses, it's best to discard the entire product if mold is present. Other signs that your cheese has gone bad include dryness, a yeasty or ammonia smell, and drastic changes in texture.

How to store cheese in the fridge

The best way to store cheese depends on its type, moisture content, and ripening technique.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, and Cheddar, can be stored in the fridge for between two and four months if unopened. Once opened, hard cheeses are generally safe to eat for about six weeks. For storage, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge drawer.

Semi-Hard Cheeses

Gruyère, Gouda, Emmental, and Jarlsberg are examples of semi-hard cheeses. These can be stored in the fridge for about two to four weeks after opening. For storage, wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or specialty cheese paper, then place it in the fridge drawer.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, feta, and Camembert, have a high moisture content and should be consumed within one to two weeks of being opened. For storage, place the cheese in a resealable plastic container and store it in the fridge drawer.

Fresh Cheeses in Water

Fresh cheeses include mozzarella or feta that has not been aged or pressed in molds. Leave the cheese in its original packaging and change the water every couple of days. Fresh cheese should last between seven to ten days in the fridge.

General Tips

• Cheese should be stored in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable.
• When using plastic wrap or a plastic bag, "face" the cheese by cutting off a slice that has been in direct contact with the plastic before each use to improve the taste.
• To determine if a cheese has spoiled, check for an off odor (especially if it's not a stinky cheese), unusual texture, or taste. If the surface texture has become slimy, wet, or soft, discard it immediately.
• Some mold on hard cheeses is okay and can be cut off. However, if the mold is black or dark gray, discard the cheese. For soft cheeses, it is best to discard the entire block if mold is present.

How to identify if cheese has gone bad

The length of time cheese lasts depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Harder, aged cheeses last the longest, with an unopened package staying good for up to four to six months in the fridge and two months in the freezer. Softer cheeses, such as cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, feta, Gorgonzola, and Camembert, contain more moisture, so they won't last as long and should be consumed within one to two weeks of being in the fridge.

To identify if cheese has gone bad, use your senses. If it doesn't smell or taste right, it's best to throw it out. Mould is also a sign of cheese going bad. Harder cheeses can be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy part and at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below it, but only if the mould is white, blue, or green. If you see red or black mould, the whole cheese should be thrown out. Softer cheeses are different—any sign of mould and the whole thing should be tossed.

How to store cheese in the freezer

The first thing to know about storing cheese in the freezer is that not all cheeses are suited to freezing. Soft cheeses, such as Camembert, brie, ricotta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, are not the best choice for freezing due to their high moisture content. Freezing soft cheeses can significantly damage their structure, and they will lose their fluffy, cheesy texture once defrosted.

Hard cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are better suited to freezing. If you are going to freeze hard cheeses, it is best to do so before opening the packet. Unopened cheese can be frozen in its original packaging. If the packet has been opened, wrap the cheese as airtight as possible, and ensure there is no moisture on the cheese before wrapping. A vacuum sealer works great for this. You can also use parchment paper followed by aluminum foil, or a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible.

Blocks or large hunks of cheese are ideal for freezing. If you are freezing sliced cheese, place small sheets of parchment paper between the slices to prevent them from freezing together.

It is best to use any frozen cheese within two to three months of freezing it. Harder cheeses like Parmesan can last a bit longer, up to eight months. You should avoid refreezing cheese that has been previously frozen and thawed.

When you are ready to use your frozen cheese, simply put it in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw, which can take a couple of hours. You can also use some frozen cheeses without thawing them first. For example, frozen shredded mozzarella can go right on a pizza, and it will melt in the oven.

Frequently asked questions