Is It Safe to Eat Cheese Past Its Best Before Date?

Is It Safe to Eat Cheese Past Its Best Before Date?

If you've ever found a block of cheese in your fridge that's a little past its best before date, you might wonder if it's still safe to eat. The good news? In many cases, cheese can be enjoyed well beyond this date, depending on the type, how it's stored, and its overall condition. Let’s dive into what you need to know to make an informed—and delicious—decision.

What Does “Best Before” Really Mean?

The best before date indicates the period during which a product is at its peak quality. Unlike use by dates, which are about food safety, best before is more about flavor and texture. Foods with a best before date can often be consumed after this period as long as they’ve been stored properly.

Cheese, especially, falls into a unique category because it is already a preserved product. Depending on the type of cheese, it might not only still be edible but could taste even better with a bit of age.

Types of Cheese: What to Look Out For

1. Hard Cheeses (Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda)
   Hard cheeses are the most forgiving when it comes to aging. Their low moisture content makes them less prone to spoilage. If you spot a bit of surface mold, don’t panic! Simply cut off at least 1–2 cm around the moldy area, ensuring no spores remain, and the rest should be safe to eat.

2. Semi-Soft Cheeses (Havarti, Monterey Jack)
   Semi-soft cheeses are a bit more delicate but can still last past their best before date. As with hard cheeses, mold on the surface can often be removed. However, check for off smells or an overly slimy texture, which may indicate spoilage.

3. Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Cream Cheese)
   Soft cheeses are trickier. These have higher moisture content and are more susceptible to bacterial growth. If you notice mold or an ammonia-like odor, it’s best to toss them. However, if they look and smell normal, they may still be fine a few days past their best before date.

4. Blue Cheeses (Gorgonzola, Roquefort)
   With blue cheese, mold is part of the package! As long as the cheese has been stored correctly and smells as it should—earthy and tangy rather than sour—it’s usually fine. Watch out for excessive wetness or pink discoloration, which are signs of spoilage.

Storage Matters

Cheese longevity largely depends on how it’s stored. To keep it fresh:

• Wrap it in wax or parchment paper, not plastic, to allow it to breathe.
• Store it in the cheese drawer or the vegetable crisper, where the temperature is stable.
• Avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils when handling it.

Signs It’s Time to Toss the Cheese

When in doubt, check for these telltale signs of spoilage:

• Strong ammonia-like or sour odors
• Excessive sliminess
• Unusual discoloration, such as pink or green spots
• Off taste (but only taste it if it passes the visual and smell test first).

If any of these are present, it’s safer to discard the cheese.

A Delicious Opportunity

Cheese past its best before date isn’t just safe to eat—it can also be a great addition to recipes! Hard cheeses can be grated over pasta or melted into sauces, while softer varieties can elevate soups, quiches, or baked dishes. Blue cheese, even when nearing its end, is perfect crumbled over a salad or a steak.