How long does cheese last?
Short answer: Cheese (hard) keeps 6 months (3–4 weeks once opened) in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer.
Storage chart
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| hard such as cheddar, swiss, block parmesan | 6 months; 3–4 weeks (after opening) | 6 months |
| parmesan; shredded or grated | 12 months | Not recommended |
| shredded; cheddar, mozzarella, etc. | 1 month | 3–4 months |
| processed slices | 3–4 weeks | Not recommended |
| soft such as brie, bel paese, goat | 1–2 weeks | 6 months |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder, freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; food kept frozen stays safe indefinitely.
Keep it longer
Keep dairy on a shelf, not in the door, where the temperature swings every time the fridge opens.
Common questions
How long does cheese last in the fridge?
6 months (3–4 weeks once opened) in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper data.
Can you freeze cheese?
Yes. Frozen at 0°F (−18°C), cheese keeps best quality for 6 months. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; the time is for taste and texture.
How can I tell if cheese has gone bad?
Throw it out if you see mold, a slimy texture, an off smell or an odd color. For anything perishable, go by the storage time rather than smell: bacteria that cause food poisoning don't usually change how food looks or smells.
More dairy products & eggs
Source: USDA FoodKeeper data (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service). Updated 2026-10-13. General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.