One of the most common questions we get here at Formaticum is, "how long will my cheese last?" and we're here to answer that question for you! The answer is….there is no one right answer. Cheese is a living, breathing product, and a gastronomic miracle, and there are a variety of factors that affect a cheese's shelf life. Keep reading to learn more about how to store your cheese in the fridge to keep it in peak condition as long as possible.
How Long Does Cheese Last in the Fridge?
So, how long does cheese last in the fridge? It’s an age-old question, and basically, it depends on the type of cheese and how it’s handled once you bring it home. In general, once opened, cheese (depending on the type) can last from 7 days to a couple of weeks.
The deciding factor in shelf life and how long it lasts in the fridge is how well you store the cheese. The key is to ensure it gets the right balance of air and moisture. You don’t want too much of either (it can create mold or dry it out altogether).
Formaticum specializes in the right storage tools, including cheese paper,cheese storage bags, and sheets. Plus, we carry the right kinds of knives and other accessories to help you get the most out of every bite.
Types of Cheese & Their Shelf Life in the Fridge
The way in which they’re made and aged largely determines their shelf life. Here’s a general guideline.
- Hard cheeses (like Parmesan) can last 3-4 weeks.
- Soft cheeses (Brie, Mozzarella, and the like) last for a week-ish.
- Semi-hard cheese (Swiss, Havarti, Colby Jack, some Blue cheese) will last 1-2 weeks.
- Soft and fresh cheeses (Brie, Goat Cheese, Feta, Mozzarella) last about 7 days (or a few days more).
- Fresh cheese (with a high moisture content), such as cream cheese and Ricotta, will last 1-2 weeks.
How Packaging Affects Cheese Shelf Life
Keeping cheese fresh requires an optimal balance of airflow, temperature, and moisture. Much of that comes down to packaging and how you store cheese. Something like processed cheese slices or those bags of shredded cheese from the store has a long shelf life (like other processed foods). Artisanal types and other fresh cheeses require a little something extra.
When it comes to aged, soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses, and the like, wrapping them in breathable cheese paper or cheese bags is the best move. In a pinch, wax paper or parchment will do. They’re a little porous, allowing air to flow.
The worst thing to do is to wrap the cheese in plastic wrap. It “smothers” it, leading to a buildup of moisture. That affects the taste, shortens the shelf life, and can lead to mold.
Exact Signs Your Cheese Has Gone Bad
General signs that cheese has gone bad include a strong ammonia-like odor or sour or rancid milk. The texture may be slimy or crumbly (when it shouldn't be). And, of course, signs of mold (depending on the type of cheese). Pink, black, or fuzzy spots are a sign to ditch it.
Hard cheeses have a relatively long shelf life. You can trim off an inch or more around any moldy spots and still eat them. The same goes for dark or dry spots.
Soft cheese spoils faster. You can tell it’s gone bad if it’s slimy, has a strong or rancid smell, or shows signs of mold. These are signs it’s time to discard your soft cheeses.
Can You Freeze Cheese? (Freezing Guide by Type)
In a perfect world, freezing cheese wouldn’t happen. However, certain aged hard cheeses and semi-hard cheeses can be frozen. The texture will be crumbly, but they can be used in cooking, such as in sauces or casseroles.
Wrap blocks of cheese tightly and store in a freezer bag to remove as much air as possible. It’s recommended to shred aged hard cheeses first. Toss with a little flour and store flat in a freezer bag. It can last 6-12 months, but it’s best to use it sooner rather than later.
Soft cheeses like Brie, Blue, and cream cheeses shouldn’t be frozen. The texture changes are too dramatic.
1. When purchasing cheese, choose pieces that were cut as recently as possible. Having a cheesemonger cut a piece for you fresh from the wheel is the best option, but if you don't have access to a cut-to-order cheese counter, pay attention to the pack date and Best By dates on the cheese at your grocery store. Look for pieces that were cut in the last few days, or that have a Best By date of 2-4 weeks from the day you are shopping.
2. Store your cheese in material designed to keep cheese fresh. Formaticum cheese storage bags and paper are specially designed by European cheese paper companies and are used in many of the world's best cheese shops. While plastic wrap suffocates your cheese and imparts off flavors, Formaticum cheese storage products allow your cheese to breathe and prevent it from drying out, which means your cheese will be in peak condition longer! If you buy cheese wrapped in plastic, transfer it to a Formaticum bag or sheet as soon as possible before placing it in the fridge. Remember to gently scrape the face of the cheese with a knife before placing it in the bag or paper, in order to remove any plastic flavor or excess moisture/butterfat that may cause the cheese to deteriorate more quickly.
3. Dedicate a section of your fridge to just cheese. We recommend storing your cheese in a drawer or other area of your fridge where it will not be as susceptible to temperature fluctuations from opening and closing the door, and it will not pick up any aromas or flavors from other items in your fridge. And make sure that your fridge is not too cold - frozen cheese, when thawed, develops an unpleasant texture.
4. Buy less cheese, more often. Cheese is not an immortal product and the quality will inevitably deteriorate over time. Cheese was meant to be eaten, not to sit in your fridge for months! The best way to ensure that your cheese will taste as fresh as possible, every time, is to buy fresh pieces as often as possible. There is a reason our bags were designed to be the size they are! We recommend accounting for 1-2oz per cheese, per adult, when buying cheese. Of course, you can always adjust as needed.
We know that good cheese can be expensive, so we want to help you protect your investment! Use these tips to help save your cheese, and honor the hard work of the makers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make cheese last longer in the fridge?
Wrap cheese in wax or cheese paper, or parchment. Unlike plastic wrap, it breathes, providing the right balance of air and moisture. Store in the crisper or a cheese drawer in the refrigerator.
What cheese lasts the longest out of the fridge?
Because they’re low-moisture, hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar or Pecorino Romano, they do well outside the refrigerator. The natural dryness keeps bacteria from forming. Wrap in parchment paper or foil, and store in a cool, dark place. If you leave it out, plan to eat it within a few days.
What cheese should not be frozen?
Hard cheeses can be frozen, but soft and semi-soft cheeses shouldn’t; freezing changes their creamy texture.
Can you eat cheese after it's been frozen?
Hard cheeses can hold up after freezing, but are best used for cooking. Shred it first and store it flat in an airtight container or bag. Use it in sauces, casseroles, or as a pizza topping.
