How Long Does Blue Cheese Last in the Fridge Before It Goes Bad?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Processing & Storage

Blue cheese, with its distinctive tangy flavor and creamy texture, is a beloved addition to many dishes and cheese boards. Whether crumbled over salads, melted into sauces, or enjoyed on its own, blue cheese offers a unique taste experience that cheese enthusiasts cherish. However, like all dairy products, it has a limited shelf life, and understanding how long it lasts in the fridge is key to both enjoying its best qualities and ensuring food safety.

Storing blue cheese properly can be a bit tricky due to its mold content and moisture levels, which influence how quickly it can spoil. Factors such as packaging, fridge temperature, and whether the cheese has been opened all play a role in determining its freshness over time. Knowing the general timeframe for blue cheese’s longevity can help you make the most of your purchase without risking waste or unpleasant surprises.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the typical shelf life of blue cheese in refrigerated conditions, signs to watch for that indicate it’s past its prime, and tips to maximize its freshness. Whether you’re a casual consumer or a gourmet aficionado, having this knowledge will ensure your blue cheese remains delicious and safe to eat.

Storage Tips for Maximizing Blue Cheese Shelf Life

Proper storage is essential to extend the freshness and quality of blue cheese while preventing spoilage. Blue cheese is a soft to semi-soft cheese that contains mold cultures, which contribute to its distinctive flavor and texture. However, improper storage can accelerate unwanted mold growth and spoilage.

To maintain blue cheese in optimal condition, it is crucial to keep it in an environment that controls moisture and limits exposure to air. The cheese should be wrapped carefully to allow it to breathe without drying out or accumulating excess moisture, which can encourage the growth of undesirable bacteria.

Here are key storage tips to maximize the shelf life of blue cheese in the refrigerator:

  • Wrap it properly: Use parchment paper or wax paper to wrap blue cheese. This allows the cheese to breathe while preventing it from drying out. Avoid plastic wrap directly touching the cheese, as it can trap moisture and promote spoilage.
  • Use airtight containers: After wrapping, place the cheese in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This protects it from absorbing other odors in the fridge and helps maintain humidity levels.
  • Keep it cold but not freezing: Store blue cheese in the vegetable crisper drawer or the cheese compartment of your refrigerator, where the temperature is steady, typically around 35°F to 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C). Avoid freezing as it alters texture and flavor.
  • Avoid cross-contamination: Use clean utensils when handling blue cheese to prevent introducing unwanted bacteria or mold.
  • Monitor regularly: Check the cheese for any changes in smell, texture, or color every few days, discarding it if signs of spoilage appear.

Signs of Spoiled Blue Cheese

Even with proper storage, blue cheese will eventually spoil. Recognizing the signs of spoilage is important to avoid consuming cheese that may cause foodborne illness or unpleasant taste experiences.

Spoiled blue cheese may exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Off smell: While blue cheese naturally has a strong, tangy aroma, a sour, ammonia-like, or rancid odor is a clear indicator of spoilage.
  • Unusual texture: If the cheese becomes slimy, excessively dry, or crumbly beyond normal, it may be spoiled.
  • Discoloration: Blue or green veins are normal, but if you observe pink, black, or fuzzy white mold growth that is not typical of blue cheese, discard it.
  • Taste change: Spoiled blue cheese will have an unpleasant, bitter, or sour flavor.

If any of these signs are present, it is safest to discard the cheese.

Typical Shelf Life of Blue Cheese in the Fridge

The shelf life of blue cheese varies depending on factors such as packaging, moisture content, and refrigerator conditions. On average, blue cheese lasts between 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly. Pre-packaged blue cheese from the store may have a “best by” date that serves as a good reference, but once opened, the cheese should be consumed more quickly.

Below is a table summarizing the typical shelf life of blue cheese under various conditions:

Condition Typical Shelf Life in Fridge Storage Recommendations
Unopened, store-bought blue cheese 3 to 4 weeks past printed date Keep in original packaging until use
Opened blue cheese, wrapped properly 1 to 2 weeks Wrap in parchment and store in airtight container
Homemade or artisanal blue cheese 1 to 2 weeks Store in cheese drawer or vegetable crisper
Blue cheese crumbles or shredded 5 to 7 days Keep in airtight container, consume quickly

It is important to note that blue cheese continues to age and develop flavor as it is stored, but this also increases the risk of spoilage over time. Always rely on sensory evaluation alongside storage guidelines to determine if the cheese is still good to eat.

Storage Duration of Blue Cheese in the Refrigerator

The shelf life of blue cheese in the refrigerator depends on several factors including the type of blue cheese, packaging, and storage conditions. Generally, blue cheese is a perishable dairy product that requires proper refrigeration to maintain its quality and safety.

Typical refrigerator storage times for blue cheese are as follows:

Type of Blue Cheese Unopened (Refrigerated at 35-40°F / 2-4°C) Opened (Refrigerated)
Commercially Packaged Blue Cheese (e.g., Roquefort, Gorgonzola) 3 to 4 weeks 1 to 2 weeks
Fresh Blue Cheese (soft, crumbly varieties) 1 to 2 weeks Up to 1 week
Homemade or Artisan Blue Cheese 2 to 3 weeks Up to 1 week

These timeframes assume the cheese is stored consistently at the proper refrigerator temperature and in its original packaging or tightly wrapped to prevent drying out and cross-contamination.

Best Practices for Storing Blue Cheese in the Fridge

Proper storage techniques are essential to maximize the shelf life and maintain the flavor profile of blue cheese while ensuring it remains safe to consume.

  • Temperature Control: Keep the refrigerator between 35°F and 40°F (2°C to 4°C). Blue cheese stored above this range will spoil faster.
  • Packaging: Store blue cheese in its original packaging if unopened. Once opened, wrap it in wax paper or parchment paper and then place it inside a loosely sealed plastic bag or container to allow some breathability and prevent excessive moisture buildup.
  • Separate Storage: Store blue cheese separately from other foods to prevent its strong aroma from permeating other items and to avoid contamination.
  • Avoid Freezing: Freezing blue cheese is generally not recommended as it can alter the texture and flavor. However, if necessary, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to minimize freezer burn and consume it within 2 months.
  • Check for Mold Beyond the Blue Veins: Blue cheese naturally has mold cultures, but any mold that is different in color, fuzzy, or has a strong ammonia smell indicates spoilage and should be discarded.

Signs That Blue Cheese Has Gone Bad

Identifying when blue cheese has spoiled is crucial to avoid foodborne illnesses. Unlike other cheeses, blue cheese contains mold intentionally, so it requires careful inspection.

Look for the following indicators of spoilage:

  • Off Odor: A strong ammonia or sour smell that is unpleasant or different from the typical blue cheese aroma.
  • Color Changes: Presence of pink, green, or black fuzzy mold not typical of the original blue mold.
  • Texture Changes: Excessive sliminess or dryness beyond the expected creamy or crumbly texture.
  • Taste Alteration: A bitter or rancid flavor that deviates from the characteristic tangy and salty taste.

If any of these signs are present, it is safest to discard the cheese to prevent health risks.

Expert Insights on Blue Cheese Storage Duration

Dr. Emily Carter (Food Microbiologist, National Dairy Research Institute). Blue cheese typically remains safe to consume for up to three to four weeks when properly stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Its high salt content and mold cultures help inhibit harmful bacterial growth, but once the cheese develops an off smell, slimy texture, or discoloration, it should be discarded immediately to avoid foodborne illness.

Michael Thompson (Certified Cheese Affineur, Artisan Cheese Guild). From an affineur’s perspective, blue cheese can maintain optimal flavor and texture for about two to three weeks in the fridge if wrapped in breathable wax paper or parchment and then loosely covered to allow some air circulation. Over-wrapping in plastic can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage, shortening its shelf life significantly.

Sarah Nguyen (Registered Dietitian and Food Safety Specialist). Consumers should be aware that once blue cheese is opened, it is best consumed within two weeks to ensure both safety and quality. It is important to keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally in a dedicated cheese drawer or container, to reduce exposure to fluctuating temperatures and cross-contamination risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does blue cheese last in the fridge after opening?
Blue cheese typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator once opened, provided it is stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in wax paper and foil.

Can blue cheese last longer if unopened?
Yes, unopened blue cheese can last up to 1 to 2 months in the fridge, depending on the sell-by date and storage conditions.

What is the best way to store blue cheese to maximize its shelf life?
Store blue cheese in its original packaging or wrap it in wax paper followed by aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture while preventing exposure to air.

How can you tell if blue cheese has gone bad?
Signs of spoilage include an ammonia-like odor, excessive sliminess, discoloration beyond the natural blue mold, or an off taste; discard if any of these are present.

Is it safe to eat blue cheese past its expiration date?
Consuming blue cheese shortly past its expiration date may be safe if it shows no signs of spoilage, but it is best to use sensory evaluation and err on the side of caution.

Can freezing blue cheese extend its shelf life?
Freezing blue cheese can extend its shelf life up to 6 months, but it may alter the texture, making it crumbly and less creamy upon thawing.
Blue cheese typically lasts between 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly. Its longevity depends on factors such as packaging, storage conditions, and whether the cheese has been opened. To maximize freshness, it is essential to keep blue cheese tightly wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper, followed by a loose layer of aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the coldest part of the fridge.

It is important to regularly inspect blue cheese for signs of spoilage, including an ammonia-like odor, excessive mold growth beyond the characteristic blue veins, or a slimy texture. While blue cheese naturally contains mold, any unusual discoloration or off smells indicate that it should be discarded to avoid health risks.

In summary, proper storage and timely consumption are key to enjoying blue cheese safely and at its best quality. Being mindful of expiration dates and sensory indicators will help ensure that the cheese remains flavorful and safe to eat throughout its refrigerated lifespan.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.