Lactose Free Cheddar CheeseShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide
Pantry
Not RecommendedNot recommended
For optimal safety and quality, store opened hard cheese in the refrigerator. Unopened, it can be stored at cool room temperature until the 'Best By' date, but refrigeration is always preferred.
Refrigerator
3-4 weeks
Store tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or in an airtight container, to prevent drying out and absorption of odors. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Freezer
6 months
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. Freezing may alter the texture, making it more crumbly, but it remains safe to eat. Best used for cooking after thawing.
Signs of Spoilage
- Visible mold (other than intentional mold on certain specialty cheeses)
- Off-odor, sour smell
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Significant discoloration
Room Temperature Safety
The 'Danger Zone' for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
Always refrigerate cheese promptly after purchase and use. If serving, keep cheese on ice or refrigerate portions not immediately consumed to stay out of the danger zone.
Safe Handling
Always keep cheese refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Avoid leaving cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if temperature is above 90°F/32°C).
If mold appears on hard cheese, you can cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot. Be careful not to touch the mold with your knife. Discard soft cheeses with mold.
Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling cheese.