Andy Montoya
Whether or not it is safe to consume 1-week-expired Cheddar cheese depends on several factors. Firstly, the type of cheese matters; for example, soft cheeses are more susceptible to the growth of harmful bacteria and mould than hard cheeses. Proper storage is also crucial; Cheddar cheese that has been naturally aged and stored in an unopened package below 40°F can continue to age and sharpen in flavour even after the expiration date. Additionally, the condition of the cheese should be considered; if the cheese has a slimy texture, an odd odour, or a sour flavour, it is unsafe to eat. While mould on hard cheeses can often be cut away, if mould is present on soft cheeses, it is recommended to discard the entire product. Ultimately, it is important to use common sense and instinct when deciding whether to consume cheese past its expiration date, and when in doubt, it is better to be cautious and discard the cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety of consumption | 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 | Not recommended for consumption after the code date due to higher moisture content |
| Signs of spoilage | Mold, odd odours, slimy texture, sour flavour |
| Mould | Cut off 1/8-1/4 inch around and below the mouldy part; discard if grated cheese |
| Odour | Throw out if emitting a toxic ammonia-like odour or a barnyard smell |
| Taste | Spoiled cheese will not taste like cheese at all; may cause tingling or burning sensation in the mouth |
| Texture | Goat cheese, for example, becomes firmer with time |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheddar cheese can be safely consumed past its expiration date, depending on how it's stored
- Hard cheeses can be safely consumed after a week of being opened
- If the cheese has an ammonia-like odour, it is no longer safe to eat
- If the cheese tastes bad, it is spoiled—even if it passes the look and smell tests
- Soft cheeses are more susceptible to mould and should be discarded if mould is spotted
Cheddar cheese can be safely consumed past its expiration date, depending on how it's stored
When it comes to cheddar cheese, naturally-aged varieties can continue to age and sharpen in your fridge if stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F. On the other hand, stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack, are not recommended for consumption after the code date due to their higher moisture content.
It's important to inspect your cheese before consuming it, regardless of the best-by date. Hard cheeses like cheddar can develop white specks or crystallized patches, which are typically calcium lactate crystals that form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium. These spots are safe to consume. However, if you notice surface mold on hard cheese, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the spots.
If you're unsure about the safety of your cheese, there are some additional tests you can perform. Firstly, use your sense of smell to detect any off-odors. A spoiled cheese may emit a toxic ammonia-like smell or resemble the scent of a barnyard. Secondly, if the appearance and smell are acceptable, take a small bite. If the cheese makes your tongue, lips, or cheeks tingle or burn, spit it out immediately as this indicates spoilage. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry, so when in doubt, discard the cheese.
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Hard cheeses can be safely consumed after a week of being opened
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can generally be safely consumed up to four weeks after being opened, provided they have been stored correctly. However, it's important to inspect hard cheeses for mould and cut off any spots, as mould can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria. Other signs that a hard cheese has gone bad include a strong ammonia or "barnyard" smell, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. White specks or crystallised patches on cheddar are usually calcium lactate crystals, which are safe to eat.
It's worth noting that the safety of consuming cheese past its expiration date depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it has been stored, and individual tolerance. While some people may be comfortable consuming cheese past its expiration, others may prefer to adhere to the recommended dates. Ultimately, the decision to consume expired cheese involves assessing the risks and using common sense and instinct.
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If the cheese has an ammonia-like odour, it is no longer safe to eat
Whether or not it is safe to consume cheddar cheese that is one week past its expiration date depends on several factors. Firstly, the cheese should be inspected for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. While a mild ammonia smell is considered normal in certain cheeses, particularly those with a bloomy rind like Brie and Camembert, or washed rind varieties like Époisses or Taleggio, an overpowering ammonia smell indicates that the cheese is no longer safe to eat.
Ammonia is a natural by-product of the breakdown of proteins in the cheese by bacteria and enzymes during ripening. This process is accelerated by improper storage conditions, such as wrapping the cheese too tightly in plastic or storing it in airtight containers, which prevent gases like ammonia from escaping. If the cheese is stored at too warm a temperature, bacterial activity increases, leading to faster protein breakdown and more ammonia production.
If the cheese has an overpowering ammonia smell, it is likely that the cheese has over-ripened and is no longer safe to consume. This is characterised by an ammonia smell that is harsh and reminiscent of household cleaning products, as well as a bitter and unpleasant taste that masks the cheese's usual characteristics. Over-ripened cheese may also exhibit texture changes, becoming overly runny or breaking down entirely.
To prevent cheese from becoming overly ammoniated, it is recommended to consume it promptly and store it properly. Cheese should be wrapped in a breathable material, such as cheese paper or wax paper, and allowed to breathe at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before consumption to allow any built-up ammonia to dissipate. If the cheese still has an unpleasant taste or strong ammonia smell after this airing-out period, it is best to discard it.
It is important to trust your instincts and use your common sense when determining whether or not to consume cheese that is past its expiration date. If you are unsure, it is always better to be safe and discard the cheese rather than risk potential foodborne illnesses.
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If the cheese tastes bad, it is spoiled—even if it passes the look and smell tests
It is important to determine whether your cheese has spoiled or not, as consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses. While smell and appearance can be indicators of whether your cheese has gone bad, the taste is the ultimate test. If your cheese passes the smell and appearance tests but tastes bad, spit it out immediately and discard it. This is because spoiled cheese can have an unpleasant aftertaste and cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.
Cheese is a perishable food, and it can spoil and harbour harmful bacteria. Spoiled cheese can have a range of visual indicators, including mould growth, discolouration, and a slimy or greasy texture. However, some moulds on cheese are harmless, and some types of cheese, such as Stilton or Brie, are intentionally inoculated with moulds to achieve a specific flavour or texture. In these cases, the mould is desirable and safe to eat.
The smell of spoiled cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and the stage of spoilage, but it is often described as rancid, sour, or putrid. Mild cheeses like Monterey Jack or American that smell strong, like blue cheese or Limburger, should be discarded. Naturally pungent cheeses like blue cheese or Camembert will have a strong ammonia smell once they go bad, similar to cat urine.
Taste is the indicator that will tell you with certainty whether your cheese has gone bad. If you are unsure, take a small bite of the cheese. If your tongue, lips, or cheeks tingle or burn, the cheese is bad. Even if it passes the look and smell tests, spit it out immediately, rinse your mouth with water, and toss the cheese.
It is important to note that each cheese ages and spoils differently, and the shelf life of cheese depends on proper storage. Naturally-aged cheddar cheese, for example, 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 consume them after the code date due to their higher moisture content.
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Soft cheeses are more susceptible to mould and should be discarded if mould is spotted
It is generally safe to consume cheddar cheese past its expiration date, provided it has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage. However, soft cheeses, such as Camembert, Brie, and blue cheese, are more susceptible to mould due to their higher moisture content.
Soft cheeses, including those mentioned above, as well as fresh cheeses like Mozzarella, are more prone to developing mould. This is because they are not pressed during the cheese-making process, which means they retain more moisture. Mould can be dangerous to consume and can quickly spread throughout the cheese. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect soft cheeses for any signs of mould before consumption. If mould is spotted, it is best to discard the entire cheese to prevent potential health risks.
When examining soft cheeses for mould, it is important to look for any slimy or discoloured patches. The mould could appear as pinkish, reddish, orange, rust red, blue, or green patches on the cheese. These colours indicate the presence of harmful mould, and the cheese should be discarded immediately. It is worth noting that some cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, develop a velvety white covering on the rind, which is edible and indicates a healthy cheese.
In addition to visual inspection, it is recommended to assess the smell and texture of the cheese. Soft cheeses that have gone bad may emit a strong ammonia or livestock urine odour. The texture may also become slimy or significantly softer than expected. If the cheese passes the visual and olfactory tests, a small bite can be taken to assess the taste. If the cheese causes a tingling or burning sensation on the tongue, lips, or cheeks, it should be discarded immediately, as this indicates the presence of harmful bacteria.
While it is possible to cut off the mouldy portion of some harder cheeses and consume the rest, this practice is not recommended for soft cheeses. Soft cheeses are more delicate and porous, allowing mould spores to spread easily throughout the cheese. Therefore, it is safer to discard the entire product if mould is spotted on any type of soft cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on how it has been stored. If it has been stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F, it is likely safe to consume. However, always check for signs of spoilage such as mold, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour before consuming. When in doubt, it is better to be safe and discard the cheese.
There are a few ways to tell if your cheddar cheese has expired and gone bad. Firstly, check for mould. If there is mould, cut around it, leaving a margin of at least 1/8 inch. If there is a slimy texture, odd colour, or sour flavour, the cheese has likely gone bad.
Consuming expired cheddar cheese that has gone bad can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, chills, and fever. In most cases, these symptoms can be managed at home, but in severe cases, medical attention may be required.
If the cheese is emitting a toxic ammonia-like odour or smells like a barnyard, it is no longer safe to eat. Spoiled cheese may also cause a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, even if it passes the smell test. In these cases, discard the cheese immediately.
Harder cheeses, such as cheddar, are generally safer to consume past their expiration date if properly stored. Pre-grated or shaved dry cheeses, such as Parmesan, can also last longer than softer, whole cheeses.
