Can You Eat Hard Cheese After the Best-Before Date?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against FSA date labelling guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Hard cheese usually carries a best-before date — it's generally fine after it. If surface mould appears on a hard block, you can cut it off with a good margin (at least 1cm) and eat the rest.
Why it's usually fine past the date
Hard cheeses are low-moisture and typically carry best-before dates: quality guidance rather than a safety deadline. They dry out and sharpen with age rather than becoming dangerous. Uniquely among foods, the FSA acknowledges that mould on a block of hard cheese can be cut away — remove at least 1cm around and below the spot — because mould can't penetrate deeply into dense hard cheese. Soft cheeses, and anything shredded or sliced, don't get this pass.
You can also check the calorie content of hard cheese alongside its safety information.
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Hard Cheese: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| Left out overnight | Probably ok — judge it |
Common questions
Can I cut mould off hard cheese?
On a solid block of hard cheese the FSA says you can cut the mould away with a margin of at least 1cm around and below it. Don't do this with soft, sliced or grated cheese.
Which cheeses carry use-by dates?
Fresh and soft cheeses usually do. Hard cheeses usually carry best-before dates, but check your label.
How long does hard cheese keep?
USDA FoodKeeper gives cheddar about 6 months in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer (unopened); parmesan about 6 months. Wrap in wax paper, not cling film.
What is the difference between use-by and best-before?
Use-by is about safety: do not eat after it. Best-before is about quality. Hard cheese usually carries best-before.
Related answers
Primary source: FSA date labelling guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.