Whether you're building a cheese board, sprinkling Parmesan over pasta, or simply making a grilled cheese, there's a good chance you have at least one type of cheese in your fridge. But unlike milk or yogurt, cheese can be a little harder to judge when it's past its prime.
How long cheese lasts in the fridge depends largely on the type. Soft cheeses generally have a much shorter shelf life than hard cheeses, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), so it's important to know what you're working with before deciding whether that forgotten tub of ricotta is still good to eat.
How long does cheese last in the fridge?
Dr. Darin Detwiler, a food safety expert, author, and professor emeritus of food policy, says all cheeses must be stored at 40°F or below. But because of water content, different types of cheese can have very different storage lives. While a hard cheese like Parmesan and a soft cheese like ricotta are both classified as cheese, they create very different environments for microorganisms.
The following chart is a practical consumer framework:
| Cheese type | Examples | General refrigerated outlook after opening |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh/very soft | Cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese | Days to roughly 1–2 weeks, depending heavily on product and label |
| Soft | Brie, Camembert | Generally shorter-lived; monitor closely and follow package guidance |
| Semi-soft/semi-hard | Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gouda | Often weeks rather than days, depending on moisture and packaging |
| Hard | Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan | Often several weeks, particularly when properly wrapped |
| Grated/shredded | Pre-shredded cheddar, mozzarella, blends | Follow the opened-package instructions carefully |
However, when storing unopened, commercially packaged cheese, it is safest to follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions and date rather than relying on a general storage chart, Dr. Detwiler says.
How can you tell if cheese has gone bad?
Your cheese can give you a few clues. Look for mold, package swelling, or any unexpected changes in color, odor, or texture, including unexpected slime.
That said, a strong aroma is normal for some cheeses, and visible changes, like a white surface mold, are part of the identity of Brie and Camembert. So, instead of simply asking yourself if the cheese has mold or smells strong, ask yourself whether the appearance, aroma, or texture is normal for that particular cheese.
What is the best way to store cheese?
After setting your fridge to the right temperature, Dr. Detwiler recommends keeping commercially packaged cheese in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it.
After opening, store it in a clean, covered container or securely resealed package, depending on the type of cheese. Fresh and soft cheeses generally need more protection from moisture and contamination, while harder cheeses can be wrapped in cheese paper or similar breathable material.
You can also safely freeze cheese, although its texture may change after thawing. Harder, lower-moisture cheeses generally freeze better than fresh cheeses. If you have more cheese than you can use, consider shredding or portioning it before freezing so you can thaw only what you need.
For cheeses that require refrigeration, don't leave them at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour when temperatures are above 90°F. If you're unsure about a questionable cheese, it's safer to throw it away than risk getting sick.
The bottom line
Ultimately, knowing what type of cheese you're storing—and how it should look, smell, and feel—is key to knowing when it's still good to eat. Keep cheese properly refrigerated, follow the package's storage guidance, and watch for any unusual changes. And when you're unsure whether a cheese is safe to eat, it's better to toss it than take the risk.
