How Long Does Cheese Last?
Storage method
* freezer times are best-quality windows
Cheese — hard such as cheddar, swiss, block parmesan — refrigerator, from date of purchase
6 months in the refrigerator
- Refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C)
- Applies from date of purchase · hard such as cheddar, swiss, block parmesan
Pick a valid date to calculate the recommended use-by window.
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24) · About this data · Report an issue
FoodStorageCheck — official USDA FoodKeeper guidance · foodstoragecheck.com
All official guidance for cheese
Every storage entry the USDA FoodKeeper dataset lists for this food, exactly as published (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24). “No official duration listed” means the source does not provide a number for that combination — not that the food lasts forever.
Cheese — hard such as cheddar, swiss, block parmesan
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 6 months |
| Refrigerator | after opening | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Freezer | from date of purchase | 6 months (best quality) |
Cheese — parmesan; shredded or grated
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 12 months |
| Freezer | general guideline | Not recommended |
Cheese — shredded; cheddar, mozzarella, etc.
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 1 month |
| Freezer | from date of purchase | 3 to 4 months (best quality) |
Cheese — processed slices
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Freezer | general guideline | Not recommended |
Cheese — soft such as brie, bel paese, goat
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | from date of purchase | 6 months (best quality) |
Common questions about cheese
- How long does cheese last in the refrigerator?
- 6 months in the refrigerator, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Times assume a refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C).
- Can you freeze cheese?
- Yes. 6 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. This is a best-quality window — food kept constantly frozen at 0 °F (−18 °C) stays safe indefinitely.
- How long does cheese last after opening?
- Once opened — refrigerator: 3 to 4 weeks, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset.
Two reminders that apply here
Keep the fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or below.Refrigerator times in this dataset assume a refrigerator held at or below 40 °F. An appliance thermometer is the reliable way to check.
The two-hour rule.Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90 °F / 32 °C) should be discarded, per FoodSafety.gov. Storage windows assume food was refrigerated promptly.