How Long Can Cheese Be Stored in the Refrigerator?

How Long Does Cheese Last in the Fridge?

When you open a package of cheese, you might wonder how long that delicious treat will stay fresh in your fridge. Cheese is not only tasty but also versatile and nutritious. Have you ever thought about why some cheeses seem to last ages, while others spoil quickly? It all boils down to the type of cheese and how you store it!

Understanding Cheese Shelf Life

The shelf life of your cheese really depends on its variety. Soft cheeses tend to spoil faster, whereas hard cheeses can stick around much longer. For example:

Soft Cheeses: Most soft cheeses (like blue, Brie, cottage, feta, goat, mozzarella, and ricotta) are typically good for about 7 days, with cream cheese sometimes lasting up to 14 days.
Hard Cheeses: Hard cheeses such as Cheddar, American, Colby, Gouda, Parmesan, shredded cheeses, and Swiss usually last about 3–4 weeks after opening. In fact, hard cheeses are known to last 3–4 times longer because they have less moisture, which slows down spoilage.

Did you know that unopened hard cheeses can last as long as 6 months in the fridge? Still, even after opening, they still keep well if stored properly.

Knowing When Your Cheese is Safe

Most cheese packages come with a best-by date, which tells you when the cheese is at its best quality though it might still be safe to eat after. However, sometimes the cheese can go bad sooner because of factors like manufacturing glitches or not-so-great storage conditions.

Here are some practical tips:

If you spot blue or green mold on hard cheese, trim off at least 1 inch around and below the moldy area. This can often save the rest of your cheese!
White spots or a crystalline texture on aged hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda? Those are usually harmless calcium lactate crystals—no need to worry!
With soft cheeses such as cottage or cream cheese, or even pre-sliced, shredded, or crumbled varieties, any sign of mold means it’s best to toss them out for safety.
Trust your nose: If the cheese smells excessively sweaty, like chlorine or ammonia, it’s a signal that it might have gone off.

Cheese Storage Made Simple

A tried-and-true tip is to keep your fridge at 40°F (4°C) or lower. This cooler setting slows down bacterial growth, which helps your cheese stay fresh longer. Here are a few storage pointers:

When storing cheese that doesn’t come in a resealable package, wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and place it on the top or middle shelf—or even in a dedicated drawer.
Avoid using tight, non-porous wraps like plastic; they can actually cause the cheese to dry out and toughen up.
While many cheeses freeze well, processed cheese slices and soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage, and cream cheeses are best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing is an option for most other types of cheese for about 6 months when your freezer is at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

The Bottom Line

Cheese is a favorite in many kitchens for its flavor and flexibility. After opening, most soft cheeses are best enjoyed within 7 to 14 days, while hard cheeses can last anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks. If you notice any mold on hard cheeses, just trim off the affected areas; with soft cheeses or pre-cut options, it's safer to discard them if mold appears.

Remember, proper storage is key: keep your fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) and wrap your cheese in breathable materials to retain moisture and flavor.

Just one thing: Why not take a moment today to check your fridge and make sure your cheese is stored correctly? For more ideas on keeping your kitchen fresh and healthy, explore our article on healthy fridge staples!