How Long Cheese Lasts in the Fridge, According to Experts

Good cheese, whether it’s tangy feta, nutty gouda, or creamy brie, is a real treat, and storing it properly is important to enhance its shelf life. The refrigerator is a great place to store cheese but how long do different types of cheese last in the fridge?

We asked cheese experts to provide specific time frames for different types of cheese, from soft cheeses like mozzarella to hard cheese favorites like aged cheddar. Also, we’ll tell you which signs to look for to tell if cheese is past its prime.

Moisture and Shelf Life

When it comes to how long cheese will last in the refrigerator, shelf life will depend on its moisture content, says Janet Fletcher, founder of Planet Cheese, cheese educator, and author of Cheese & Wine and Cheese & Beer. Moisture is needed for bacterial growth—so cheeses with higher moisture levels have a shorter shelf life. In contrast, cheeses with lower moisture levels will last longer, as they lack the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

But moisture is just one piece of the puzzle; storage method matters, too. "Good cheese is expensive, and you don't want to waste a crumb. Storing it properly can dramatically extend its refrigerator life," says Fletcher. Proper storage should allow the cheese to "breathe" and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge, she says.

When life gets busy (or the fridge becomes disorganized), knowing how long different cheeses last in the fridge—and the best ways to store them—will help you get the most out of your cheese.

Soft Cheese

Soft cheeses (think ricotta, feta, mozzarella) have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses.

Shelf Life

In general, soft cheese will last one week in the fridge, but the quality and taste will be at their prime before that time is up.

Storage

Since the shelf life of soft cheese is so short, proper storage is key for getting the most out of the product. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and make sure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, you can wrap them in foil, says Gordon Edgar, cheesemonger at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative in San Francisco and author of Cheddar: A Journey into the Heart of America’s Most Iconic Cheese.

Soft-ripened cheese (or "semi-soft" cheese) like Brie has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses, says Edgar. Wrapping it in cheese paper is best (he recommends the brand Formaticum), but you can also use parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container, he says.

Semi-Hard Cheese

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, contain less moisture than soft cheese.

Shelf Life

With less moisture than soft cheese, semi-hard cheeses have a slightly longer shelf life of two to three weeks in the fridge, says Edgar.

Storage

To ensure your semi-hard cheese lasts the full two to three weeks, follow these steps for properly storing them in the fridge, as shared by Fletcher:

1. Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
2. Wrap it loosely in pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
3. Put the cheese in a container with an air-tight lid.

Hard Cheese

Hard cheeses include aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Shelf Life

Hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Thus, once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a long time—about four weeks in the refrigerator, according to Edgar. Unopened packages will last about six months, per the experts at the USDA.

Storage

Storing hard cheese in the refrigerator requires the same steps as semi-hard varieties:

1. Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
2. Wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper.
3. Put the cheese in a container with an air-tight lid.

Signs Cheese Has Gone Bad

The most obvious sign of spoilage is visible, unintentional mold, says Edgar.

For semi-soft to hard cheese, you can simply cut underneath the mold and use it as usual. "However, I'd throw out high moisture [cheese] with visible unintended mold because it can spread quickly in a high moisture environment," he says.

Other signs you should toss cheese include an unintentional bitter flavor, fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue.