How Long Does Cheddar (Opened) Last in the Fridge?
Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026
Cheddar (Opened) keeps 3–4 weeks once opened and 6 months while sealed, in a fridge running at 0–5°C.
Storage tips for cheddar (opened)
- Fridge at 0–5°C. A fridge thermometer is the cheapest food-safety upgrade — many home fridges run warmer than their dial suggests.
You can also check the calorie content of cheddar (opened) alongside its safety information. Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
Why this time limit?
Hard cheese keeps so well because it is low in moisture, high in salt and acidic, so most bacteria cannot grow in it. That is the reason the unopened and opened times are so far apart: an unopened block is sealed from the air, whereas once you cut it the surface dries out, picks up mould spores and absorbs fridge smells. Wrap cut cheese in baking paper or wax paper rather than cling film so it can breathe. The usual guidance for hard cheese is that if a little mould appears you can cut at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) around and below it and eat the rest; soft cheese, shredded cheese and anything with mould that has spread should be thrown away.
Cheese: how storage times compare
| Cheese | Fridge (unopened) | Fridge (opened) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar (hard) | 6 months | 3–4 weeks |
| Parmesan (hard block) | 6 months | 3–4 weeks |
| Shredded cheese | 1 month | — |
| Brie (soft) | 1–2 weeks | — |
| Mozzarella (soft) | 1–2 weeks | — |
| Cottage cheese | 2 weeks | 1 week |
| Cream cheese | 2 weeks | — |
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Store it properly
Fridge thermometer
These storage times assume 0–5°C — check what your fridge actually runs at.
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More storage essentials
Vacuum food sealer
Removes the air that speeds spoilage — extends shelf life by days.
Check Price →Airtight glass containers
Fridge, freezer and microwave safe — one less transfer step.
Check Price →Cheddar (Opened) next to similar foods
| Food | Fridge time |
|---|---|
| Cottage Cheese (Opened) | 2 weeks |
| Processed Cheese Slices | 3–4 weeks |
| Grated Cheddar or Mozzarella | 1 month |
| Cheddar (Opened) | 6 months |
| Parmesan (Opened) | 6 months |
Of the 10 cheese foods with a fridge time in this guide, cheddar (Opened) keeps for longer than 7, the same time as 1 and less time than 1.
Cheddar (Opened): the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In the freezer (Cheddar) | Yes — freezes well (best quality for 6 months) |
Common questions
How long does cheddar (opened) last in the fridge?
3–4 weeks once opened, and 6 months while sealed and unopened, in a fridge running at 0–5°C. Count from the day you open it, and use the printed date if it is earlier.
How can I tell if cheddar (opened) has gone off?
On hard cheese, a small patch of mould can be cut away with at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) of margin; on soft, crumbled, grated or sliced cheese, any mould means bin it. Do not rely on this alone: the time guideline matters even when everything looks fine.
Can I freeze cheddar (opened) to keep it longer?
Yes. For best quality, freeze it for around 6 months; it stays safe beyond that because freezing halts bacterial growth, and only texture and flavour decline.
Does my fridge temperature really matter?
Yes. These times assume a fridge at 0–5°C, which is what the Food Standards Agency says to set it to. Bacteria grow faster in a warmer fridge, and many fridges run warmer than their dial suggests, so a cheap fridge thermometer is worth having.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.