Cheese Expiry: How Long Does It Last?

Cheese is a beloved food for many, but it can be hard to know how long it will last in the fridge. The shelf life of cheese depends on a few factors, including the type of cheese, how it's stored, and its moisture content. Generally, harder cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and Cheddar will last longer, ranging from six weeks to four to six months if stored properly. On the other hand, softer cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, and feta have a shorter fridge life, typically lasting one to two weeks. Semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses like Gouda and Gruyère fall in the middle, staying fresh for about two to four weeks. It's important to pay attention to signs of spoilage like mold, dryness, or unusual smells, as these indicate that it's time to toss the cheese.

How long does hard cheese last?

Hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This means that once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a long time—sources suggest anywhere from four weeks to six months. Unopened packages of hard cheese will last about six months, according to the USDA.

Hard cheeses include aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmigiano reggiano.

Storing hard cheese in the refrigerator is simple:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

To maximise the lifespan of hard cheese, it's important to store it in the right place in the fridge. Wrap blocks of cheese (or other types that don’t come in resealable packaging) in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store the cheese on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

Avoid wrapping cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out and harden it.

You can also freeze hard cheese. While freezing cheese isn’t usually recommended, a block of cheese intended for cooking will be fine in the freezer for a few months.

The most obvious sign of spoilage is visible, unintentional mould, but it's important to note that not all moulds are created equal. If you see red or black mould, your cheese is a no-go. With harder cheeses, you can cut a little mould off and use the rest of the cheese. If the mould is white, or blue/green, this is natural.

Other signs that your hard cheese has spoiled include an unintentional bitter flavour, fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue.

How long does semi-hard cheese last?

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, and Provolone, are cooked and pressed but not aged, so they contain more moisture than hard cheeses. This means they won't last as long as hard cheeses, but they will still last beyond their "best-by" date. When stored properly in the fridge, an opened package of semi-hard cheese will last about two to three weeks, and up to two months in the freezer.

For optimal storage, keep unopened semi-hard cheese in its original packaging. For leftovers, wrap the cheese loosely in a piece of parchment paper and place it inside a Ziploc bag to allow for some airflow while also preventing the cheese from drying out.

To determine if your semi-hard cheese has gone bad, use your senses of sight, smell, and taste. A change in colour, texture, or smell can indicate spoilage. If you see any mould, cut off at least one inch around the mould without touching it and re-cover the cheese with fresh wrap. However, if you see red or black mould, it is best to discard the entire cheese.

How long does soft cheese last?

Soft cheeses are more perishable than hard cheeses, as they contain more moisture, which makes them more susceptible to spoilage. This means that soft cheeses will not last as long as hard cheeses, even when stored in the fridge.

Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese, will last for about one to two weeks beyond their printed dates when stored properly. This means keeping them in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower immediately after each use, and storing them in a tightly closed container or plastic wrap to keep out moisture and other contaminants.

It is important to note that soft cheeses should not be kept at room temperature for extended periods, as they will quickly degrade as the temperature increases. If you want to keep soft cheeses for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to six months, although this is not recommended as it will change their texture and consistency.

To determine if a soft cheese has gone bad, you can rely on your senses. The most common trait of spoilage in soft cheese is the growth of blue or green mold. Once mold is visible, the entire cheese product should be discarded, unlike hard cheeses where you can cut off the moldy part. Although some molds on cheese are harmless, many can produce dangerous toxins. Other signs of spoilage in soft cheeses include darkening or hardening of edges, and an unpleasant fermented smell.

What are the signs of spoilage?

The signs of spoilage will depend on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, Romano and Cheddar, are less prone to spoilage due to their low moisture content. However, if you notice any signs of spoilage, it is best to discard the cheese. For hard cheeses, this includes any signs of mould, especially red or black mould, or a "funny" smell.

Semi-hard and semi-soft cheeses, such as Emmental, Gouda, Cheddar, Roquefort, or Gruyère, are more susceptible to spoilage due to their higher moisture content. If you notice any mould that wasn't there originally, or if the smell or taste seems off, it is best to discard the cheese.

Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, Brie, feta, ricotta, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and more, are the most susceptible to spoilage due to their high moisture content. If you notice any mould that isn't native to the cheese, or if the quality seems significantly degraded, it is best to discard the cheese. For example, cottage cheese that has separated into two layers, with a solid bottom and liquid top, should be thrown out.

How to store cheese?

How to Store Cheese

The shelf life of cheese depends on a variety of factors, including storage practices, moisture content, and preservatives. The temperature at which cheese is stored is the most influential factor in its shelf life. Bacteria and mould, which cause cheese to spoil, thrive in temperatures above 40ºF. Therefore, storing cheese in a refrigerator is crucial to slowing bacterial growth and preventing spoilage.

When storing cheese in the fridge, it is important to wrap it in a breathable material, such as cheesecloth, parchment paper, or wax paper. This allows the cheese to retain some airflow while still being protected. For serious cheese lovers, specialised cheese bags can be purchased, which maintain humidity to prevent the cheese from drying out, while still allowing it to breathe. Plastic wrap can be used in a pinch, but it can impart a plasticky flavour to the cheese.

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and Cheddar, can be stored in an unopened package in the fridge for two to four months. Once opened, these cheeses will last for about six weeks. If you want to extend the shelf life further, hard cheeses can be frozen for up to eight months, although the texture and taste may be slightly altered.

Semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses, including Gouda, Gruyère, and Cheddar, can be kept in the fridge for about two to four weeks. For storage, it is recommended to wrap the cheese in parchment paper and then place it inside a Ziploc bag to limit airflow while still allowing the cheese to breathe. These cheeses can also be frozen for up to two months.

Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, feta, Gorgonzola, and Camembert, have a shorter shelf life due to their higher moisture content. These cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks of being opened and stored in the fridge. Soft cheeses can be frozen, but they will lose their fluffy texture once defrosted.

In summary, the key to storing cheese is to maintain a cool temperature, allow for some airflow, and minimise exposure to moisture. By following these guidelines, you can maximise the shelf life of your cheese while preserving its quality and flavour.

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