Patrick Oconnell
Whether block cheese is safe to eat past its expiration date depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, its moisture content, and how it has been stored. In general, hard cheeses with lower moisture content tend to have a longer shelf life than softer cheeses, as they provide a less ideal environment for bacterial growth. Proper storage is crucial to extending the life of cheese, with best practices including storing cheese at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) and wrapping it in porous materials like wax or parchment paper to maintain moisture. While expiration dates on cheese products are often considered arbitrary, it is always important to inspect cheese for signs of spoilage, such as mould, odd odours, or changes in texture, before consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety of eating cheese past its expiration date | Depends on the type of cheese and how it's been stored |
| Naturally-aged cheddar cheese | Can continue to age and sharpen in the fridge if stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F |
| Stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack | Not recommended for consumption after the code date due to their higher moisture content |
| General inspection rule | Check for signs of spoilage such as mold, odd odors, slimy texture, or sour flavor |
| Hard cheeses | Can be consumed even if there is surface mold, by cutting off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mold |
| Soft cheeses like cottage cheese and cream cheese | Should be discarded if they contain mold |
| Storage | Store in wax, parchment, or cheese paper; avoid tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap |
| Fridge temperature | Below 40°F (4°C) |
| Freezing cheese | Processed cheese slices and soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage, and cream cheeses don't freeze well; all other types may be frozen for 6 months at a safe temp of 0°F (-18°C) or below |
| Soft cheeses | Can be stored in the fridge for at least 7 days |
| Hard cheeses | Can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 weeks |
| Semi-hard cheeses | Can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
- Hard cheeses can be eaten past their expiration date if there is no mould or bad smell
- Soft cheeses with higher moisture content are more likely to spoil and should be consumed before their expiration date
- Wrapping block cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper can extend its shelf life
- Freezing block cheese is an option to prolong its freshness, but it may not be suitable for all cheese types
- Proper storage is critical to maximising the shelf life of block cheese
Hard cheeses can be eaten past their expiration date if there is no mould or bad smell
The safety of eating cheese past its expiration date depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, its storage, and any signs of spoilage. Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have a longer shelf life compared to softer varieties due to their lower moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth.
Hard cheeses can generally be stored in the refrigerator for about four weeks after opening if properly stored. However, they can often be safely consumed beyond this recommended timeframe if certain precautions are taken. Firstly, always inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. If any of these indicators are present, it is best to discard the cheese.
If there is no visible mould or noticeable bad smell, hard cheese can be consumed past its expiration date. Simply cut off at least one inch (2.5 cm) around and below any mouldy spots, as some moulds can be dangerous and cause food poisoning. It is also important to ensure that the cheese has been stored properly, preferably in an unopened package below 40°F (4°C).
Additionally, the type of cheese plays a role in determining its shelf life beyond the expiration date. Naturally-aged cheddar, for example, can continue to age and sharpen in the refrigerator if stored properly. On the other hand, stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack are not recommended for consumption beyond their expiration date due to their higher moisture content, which provides a more suitable environment for bacterial growth.
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Soft cheeses with higher moisture content are more likely to spoil and should be consumed before their expiration date
The safety of eating cheese past its expiration date depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it has been stored, and its moisture content. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and fresh cheeses like mozzarella, have a higher moisture content, ranging from 55% to 80% of their dry weight. This moisture creates an environment that promotes bacterial growth and spoilage, making them more perishable than hard cheeses.
Hard cheeses, on the other hand, like chedder, Parmesan, or Gouda, have a lower moisture content, which makes them less prone to spoilage. Properly stored hard cheeses can last anywhere from four weeks to six months in the fridge, while soft cheeses usually last only one to two weeks. Soft cheeses are also more susceptible to quality control issues and improper storage, which can cause them to spoil even before their expiration date.
It is important to note that the length of time cheese lasts in the fridge also depends on the temperature and storage practices. Cheese should be stored in the fridge at a temperature of below 40°F (4°C). At higher temperatures, bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of spoilage. When storing cheese in the fridge, avoid wrapping it in tight, non-porous materials such as plastic wrap. Instead, opt for porous materials like wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper, which allow the cheese to breathe and maintain its moisture.
To ensure food safety, soft cheeses should be consumed before their expiration date. Signs that a soft cheese has gone bad include visible mould, an unpleasant fermented smell, drastic changes in texture, and a bitter or fizzy taste. It is always best to inspect your cheese and use your senses to determine if it is safe to eat, regardless of the expiration date. If you're unsure, taste, smell, and closely examine the cheese for any signs of spoilage.
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Wrapping block cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper can extend its shelf life
The shelf life of block cheese can be extended by wrapping it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. This is because cheese is prone to sweating, and these materials help to maintain its moisture. It is important to note that cheese should be stored in the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer of the fridge, at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). This is considered a safe fridge temperature that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria.
It is recommended to avoid wrapping cheese in tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as this can cause the cheese to dry out and harden. Instead, porous materials such as wax or parchment paper are suggested to maintain the cheese's texture and quality. Freezing cheese is also an option, but it is important to note that processed cheese slices and soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese do not freeze well.
To further extend the shelf life of block cheese, it can be grated before freezing and stored in a Ziploc freezer bag with the air squeezed out. This will help to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the cheese. When it comes to consuming cheese past its expiration date, it is generally safe to do so if it looks, smells, and tastes fine. However, it is important to check for signs of spoilage such as mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour.
Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan can be safely consumed even if they develop surface mould. It is recommended to cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spots. On the other hand, soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and shredded or sliced cheeses should be discarded if mould is present.
By following these storage methods and inspecting the cheese for any signs of spoilage, the shelf life of block cheese can be extended beyond its expiration date, ensuring that it remains safe and enjoyable to consume.
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Freezing block cheese is an option to prolong its freshness, but it may not be suitable for all cheese types
Freezing is an option to prolong the freshness of block cheese, but it may not be suitable for all cheese types. While freezing can extend the shelf life of cheese, different varieties of cheese will be affected differently.
Cheeses with lower moisture content, such as hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss cheese, and other blocks of processed cheese with a smooth and uniform texture, tend to freeze well. This is because there is less moisture in the cheese to expand upon freezing and damage the cell walls. However, it is worth noting that hard cheeses can last a long time in the refrigerator, up to six months before opening and up to four weeks afterward, so freezing may not be necessary.
On the other hand, fresh cheeses with high moisture content, such as soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, do not freeze well. The water in these cheeses expands during freezing, damaging the texture and flavor. Soft cheeses with natural rinds, such as Camembert, cloth-bound cheddar, and St. Nectaire, may also develop undesirable flavors when frozen.
When freezing block cheese, it is recommended to cut the cheese into chunks, wrap them tightly in parchment paper and foil, place them in a resealable plastic bag, and store them in the freezer for up to six months. However, it is important to note that freezing can affect the texture and flavor of the cheese, making it crumbly and less flavorful upon thawing.
It is always important to inspect your cheese, regardless of the expiration date, to ensure it is safe to eat. Signs of spoilage include mold, odd odors, slimy texture, or sour flavor. When in doubt, it is better to discard the cheese.
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Proper storage is critical to maximising the shelf life of block cheese
It is important to avoid wrapping cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out and negatively impact its texture. Plastic wrap cuts off the air supply, suffocating the cheese and leading to off-flavours and undesirable textures. Instead, opt for porous materials that allow the cheese to breathe. If you are storing cheese in the refrigerator, maintain a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
For commercially packaged cheese, it is best to remove the plastic wrap as soon as you get home and let the cheese breathe for a few minutes. If the cheese has been stored in plastic, check the date and try to consume it within a week of opening. If there is discolouration, cracks in the rind, or any other signs of spoilage, it is best to discard the cheese.
To extend the shelf life of block cheese, you can also utilise additional storage methods. Vacuum sealing or using resealable plastic bags or airtight containers can help keep cheese fresh for longer. For longer-term storage, freezing is an option for some types of cheese. Hard cheeses can be frozen, but fine cheeses may not taste as good after thawing. It is important to note that processed cheese slices and soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese do not freeze well.
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Frequently asked questions
The safety of eating cheese past its expiration date depends on the type of cheese, how it's been stored, and its appearance. Hard cheeses with no signs of spoilage such as mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour can be consumed after the expiration date.
Block cheese should be stored in a refrigerator set below 40°F (4°C). It should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to help maintain its moisture.
Most hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for about three to four weeks after opening.
