If you love mozzarella cheese, you are likely wondering, “Does mozzarella cheese go bad?” Mozzarella cheese, like most other cheeses, does go bad. But how long does mozzarella cheese last before this happens? Join us to find out the answer in today’s post.
Table of Contents
- Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad?
- How Long Does Mozzarella Cheese Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Is Mozzarella Good for After Expiration Date?
- How Long Does Mozzarella Cheese Last?
- How to Tell If Mozzarella Cheese Is Bad?
- Types of Mozzarella
- Can You Eat Expired Mozzarella Cheese?
- How to Store Mozzarella Cheese?
- Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad? It Definitely Does!
- FAQs
Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad?
Yes, mozzarella cheese goes bad. However, much like other cheeses, the way you store fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella will play a big factor in how soon this happens. Also, whether or not the bag has been opened will play a key role in how long your mozzarella cheese will last.
Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad If Unopened?
It does, but it takes a while.
Unopened soft cheeses like mozzarella cheese will typically expire within seven days of the date printed on the label. Thus, if you’ve got a bag of unopened cheese in your fridge, you can safely keep it there for a little while after its expiration.
Having said that, it is important to note that these parameters only apply when the cheese is refrigerated. Cheese that is unrefrigerated or left at room temperature must be discarded after 2 hours, no matter if it is in the bag or not.
How Long Does Mozzarella Cheese Last in the Fridge?
Mozzarella cheese that has been opened will typically last anywhere from 3-7 days in the refrigerator. Mozzarella cheese that is left unopened can remain in the fridge for about 1 week after the expiry date printed on the package.
Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?
Yes. Mozzarella cheese, and most other cheeses for that matter, must be refrigerated. Without proper refrigeration, you may experience food poisoning. The same is true if you eat old mozzarella. Whatever the case, always be sure to refrigerate your mozzarella cheese within 2 hours of having left the fridge.
How Fast Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad at Room Temperature?
Mozzarella cheese will go bad at room temperature within 2 hours. To prevent this from happening, always refrigerate your cooked or uncooked mozzarella cheese within that time frame.
How Long Is Mozzarella Good for After Expiration Date?
After the use by date, plan on having your mozzarella cheese for up to 1 week. However, this rule only applies to unopened mozzarella cheese.
If your mozzarella cheese is opened, it is imperative that you discard it within seven days. Eating mozzarella that has been open after this amount of time may develop harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad After the Sale Date?
In tandem with when mozzarella cheese goes bad, you may also be wondering how long after the sale date is mozzarella no longer edible. The answer to this is usually one week. Still, it is important that you check your cheese for signs of having gone rancid. A sour smell or cheese that tastes bad are all signs of spoiled cheese. Be sure to avoid eating it, even if it isn’t the full seven days past expiry.
How Long Does Mozzarella Cheese Last?
Mozzarella cheese typically lasts about seven days after being opened. A mozzarella ball may last even less (at around five days).
How to Tell If Mozzarella Cheese Is Bad?
Mozzarella cheese that is bad usually has the following characteristics:
- Mold
- A sour or rancid smell
- Bitter taste
- Changes in consistency
- Changes in color
How to Tell If Fresh Mozzarella Is Bad?
Fresh mozzarella cheese that has gone bad usually shows up as moldy cheese. You may also notice that the bag that it’s housed in becomes “bloated”. If you notice any of these signs in addition to those mentioned above, be sure to avoid eating it as it may make you sick.
Types of Mozzarella
Does Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad?
Yes, shredded mozzarella cheese goes bad. Shredded mozzarella cheese is usually good for one week past expiry, unopened. Opened shredded mozzarella cheese is usually good for up to one week if properly stored.
Does Mozzarella String Cheese Go Bad?
Thankfully, mozzarella string cheese has a longer shelf life at about 6-8 weeks before it goes rancid. Some people report to have stretched it an additional 1-2 weeks past expiry without any issues. But we wouldn’t recommend it.
Does Cooked Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad in the Fridge?
Yes, it will. How long cooked cheese will last will depend on what it is topping. To be safe, try researching how long the dish your cheese is topping lasts (i.e. pizza, pasta, etc.) and discard the cooked cheese according to that time frame.
Can You Eat Expired Mozzarella Cheese?
Whether or not you eat expired mozzarella cheese is up to you, but you should know the risks involved if you do so.
Of course, you might be okay if your mozzarella cheese was unopened and is within one week after the expiry date. However, consuming any food after its expiry is always a risk. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms that can be indicative of food poisoning when eating expired mozzarella:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Wheezing
- Low-grade fever
How to Store Mozzarella Cheese?
Store fresh mozzarella balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container with water or olive oil. Store it this way for up to three days.
For shredded mozzarella varieties, keep it in the bag that it is in (sealed tightly) or transfer the cheese to an airtight container. From there, keep your cheese for up to 5-7 days. As always, be sure to check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Can You Freeze Mozzarella Cheese?
Actually? Yes! Fresh mozzarella cheese can be frozen for up to 8 months. Just know that it may become more crumbly once you’ve done so, so be sure to handle it with care after thawing.
Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad? It Definitely Does!
Yes, mozzarella cheese can go bad. In fact, it inevitably will. Still, there are ways that you can keep mozzarella fresh. By placing your cheese in an airtight container or freezing it, you can keep mozzarella cheese a bit fresher for a little while longer.
Remember that if you are using fresh mozzarella cheese that the cheese may go bad about 3-5 days after opening it. Conversely, if you are using shredded mozzarella or a mozzarella block, you can expect to need to use up the cheese within a week of having opened it.
Bear in mind that mozzarella cheese left unopened will likely keep for up to a week after its expiration date. Still, it is advisable that you check your cheese for signs of spoilage before consumption.
Hope that answers the question! See you next time!
FAQs
What happens if you eat expired mozzarella cheese?
Eating expired mozzarella cheese, whether shredded or as mozzarella balls, can be detrimental to your health. You may acquire food poisoning or have an upset stomach. If you experience ill symptoms after consuming expired mozzarella, be sure to phone your doctor for tailored medical advice.
How long does mozzarella last in the fridge?
Mozzarella cheese typically lasts about 3-7 days in the fridge, depending on the type and how it was stored.
How long does unopened mozzarella cheese last in the fridge?
Unopened mozzarella cheese lasts in the fridge for about one week after the printed expiration date.
What does bad mozzarella smell like?
Bad mozzarella can have a sour smell, much like spoiled milk.
Mozzarella cheese smells like feet!
If your mozzarella cheese smells like feet, it is most likely spoiled. Check for other signs of spoilage to confirm this, including the expiry day. Know that there are some varieties of mozzarella out there that sit in a “brine” this brine water can give off an aroma similar to foot odor. In this instance, the off-odor may be normal. Still, if you sense something is off, it’s best you throw the cheese out.
How Long is mozzarella good for after expiration date?
Fresh or leftover mozzarella is good for about one week after the expiration date, provided that it is unopened. Opened mozzarella will only be good for 3-7 days after it is opened. This is true regardless of the expiration.
