Randy Chandler
It is generally agreed that hard cheeses such as cheddar and gouda can be consumed past their sell-by date, as long as they are stored properly and show no signs of spoilage. Signs of spoilage include mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. However, softer cheeses such as mozzarella should be discarded if they show signs of spoilage. While there are no regulations on date marking for cheese in the US, it is important to use common sense and trust your instincts when deciding whether to consume cheese past its sell-by date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety of eating cheese past its best-by date | Depends on the type of cheese and how it's been stored |
| Cheese that can be eaten past its best-by date | Naturally-aged cheddar cheese |
| How to store naturally-aged cheddar cheese | In an unopened package below 40°F |
| Cheese not recommended to be eaten past its best-by date | Stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack |
| Signs of spoilage | Mold, odd odors, slimy texture, or sour flavor |
| What to do when in doubt | Discard the cheese |
| What to do if there is mold | Cut off the moldy part plus an extra 1/8- to 1/4- inch and continue to use the cheese |
| Type of cheese that can survive a little mold | Whole, cut, or sliced cheeses |
| Type of cheese that is riskier with mold | Grated cheese |
| Type of cheese that should be bought whole and grated as needed | Cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella |
| Type of cheese that can go longer without risk | Pre-grated or shaved Parmesan |
| Type of cheeses that always show mold | Bloomy Rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert |
| What to do if the cheese has a strong smell | Throw it out if the smell of livestock urine is strong |
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What You'll Learn
- Mouldy cheese can be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy part
- Hard cheeses can be eaten long past their expiration date
- Trust your senses: if it smells, looks, and tastes fine, it's probably fine
- Grated cheese should be discarded if mouldy
- Cheese continues to ripen after purchase, so its taste and texture will change over time
Mouldy cheese can be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy part
Mouldy cheese can often be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy part, but this depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. For hard or semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda, it is safe and effective to cut off the mouldy area. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut at least one-quarter of an inch around and below the mouldy spot, without letting the knife touch the mould. Once the mould is removed, reseal the remaining cheese tightly.
However, soft cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, or Camembert are more susceptible to mould because of their higher moisture content. If mould develops on these cheeses, it is best to discard them, as the mould can penetrate deeper into their structure. Fresh soft cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone, and chèvre should also be thrown away, as the damp environment allows mould to spread throughout the cheese.
To prevent mould, cheese should be tightly wrapped in an airtight material, such as plastic wrap, to minimise exposure to air. This is especially important for harder cheeses, which can dry out more quickly than softer varieties. Proper storage can increase the shelf life of cheese and reduce waste.
If you have accumulated several odds and ends of cheese, they can be transformed into delicious recipes like mac and cheese or Fromage Fort, a French cheese spread made with ground-up cheese, garlic, olive oil, wine, and herbs.
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Hard cheeses can be eaten long past their expiration date
The safety of eating cheese past its best-by date depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. Hard cheeses, such as cheddars and Goudas, can be eaten long past their expiration date. This is because hard cheeses are less moist, and mould needs moisture to grow. Therefore, hard cheeses are more resistant to decay.
Indeed, even if a hard cheese has developed a mould, it does not necessarily mean it will make you ill. If the cheese looks, smells, and tastes fine, it is probably safe to eat. However, if you are unsure, it is better to be safe and discard the cheese.
One way to extend the life of cheese is to store it properly. For naturally aged cheddar cheese, it can continue to age and sharpen in your fridge if stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F. However, for stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack, it is not recommended to eat them after the code date due to their higher moisture content.
Additionally, the way you consume the cheese can impact its longevity. Whole, cut, or sliced cheeses can usually survive a little mould and still be edible. However, grated cheese should be examined carefully. If there is mould in grated cheese, scoop it out with a spoon and discard it, then examine the rest of the cheese. If you have stirred or shaken the cheese before noticing the mould, it is best to discard the entire batch.
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Trust your senses: if it smells, looks, and tastes fine, it's probably fine
When it comes to cheese, expiration dates are not set in stone. In fact, in some jurisdictions, expiry dates are entirely optional for most goods and are determined by the manufacturer. Cheese is often aged for years, and even decades, so a few extra months or even a year past the "best by" date won't necessarily render it unsafe to consume. The key is to use your senses to assess whether the cheese is still good.
If the cheese has no signs of spoilage, such as mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour, it's likely safe to eat. Hard cheeses, in particular, have a long shelf life due to their low moisture content, which inhibits the growth of mould. However, it's important to note that mould needs moisture to grow, so drier cheeses like pre-grated Parmesan can also be safe to consume even if they show signs of mould.
That being said, it's important to exercise caution. If you're unsure, it's better to be safe and discard the cheese. Additionally, some types of cheese, such as stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack, are not recommended for consumption after the "best by" date due to their higher moisture content. Proper storage is also crucial; cheese should be wrapped and stored properly in the fridge, ideally below 40°F, to maintain its quality and safety.
Ultimately, trust your instincts and use your common sense when deciding whether to consume cheese past its "best by" date. If it smells, looks, and tastes fine, it's probably safe to enjoy. However, if you have any doubts or if the cheese shows signs of spoilage, it's best to discard it and enjoy some fresher cheese instead.
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Grated cheese should be discarded if mouldy
While microorganisms like mould are what make cheese, well, cheese, it's important to know when to draw the line with mouldy cheese. When it comes to grated cheese, it's best to discard it if it's mouldy. Grated cheese has a larger surface area exposed to the air, which means that mould can spread more easily throughout the cheese.
The safety of eating cheese past its best-by date depends on the type of cheese and how it's been stored. For naturally-aged cheddar cheese, it can continue to age and sharpen in your fridge if stored properly in an unopened package below 4°C. However, for stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack, it's not recommended to eat them after the best-by date due to their higher moisture content.
In general, it's important to check for signs of spoilage such as mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour before consuming any cheese past its best-by date. When in doubt, it's better to be safe and discard the cheese.
That being said, some people choose to cut off the mouldy parts of a cheese and continue to eat the rest. This is generally safe for harder cheeses, but it's important to be cautious and use your best judgement. If the cheese is soft and mouldy, it's best to discard it entirely.
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Cheese continues to ripen after purchase, so its taste and texture will change over time
Cheese is a living, breathing organism, and as such, it continues to ripen and change after purchase. This means that its taste and texture will evolve over time. For instance, goat cheese may be soft and mild when purchased, but if it's stored for too long, it can become firmer and stronger in flavour. Despite these changes, the cheese is still fine to eat as long as you enjoy the taste.
Indeed, the safety of eating cheese past its best-by date depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. For example, hard cheeses like cheddar can be kept for years, even after their best-by date, if stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F. On the other hand, stirred-curd cheeses like Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack are not recommended for consumption after their best-by date due to their higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to spoilage.
It's important to note that mould needs moisture to grow, so drier cheeses are more resistant to decay. This is why grated cheese is riskier, as it has a larger surface area exposed to moisture. However, mouldy cheese can often be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy portion plus a little extra and then consuming the rest. Nevertheless, if there is any doubt about the safety of the cheese, it is always better to discard it.
In general, it is advisable to use your common sense and instinct when deciding whether to keep or discard cheese that has exceeded its best-by date. Check for signs of spoilage such as mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour. Remember, cheese is often aged for years, and a little mould is not always cause for concern. As long as it looks, smells, and tastes acceptable, it is likely safe to consume.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is generally safe to eat cheese past its sell-by date, as long as it has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage, such as mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour.
Cheese is a living, breathing organism, and it will continue to age and sharpen even after you purchase it. If you notice any mould on the surface, strange smells, or changes in texture or taste, it is best to discard the cheese.
Yes, the moisture content of the cheese is an important factor. Drier cheeses, such as naturally-aged cheddar, are more resistant to decay, while stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack have a higher moisture content and should be consumed by the code date. Grated cheese is also riskier and should be examined carefully for mould.
