If you have a container of cottage cheese in your fridge and are wondering how long does cottage cheese last? Here you will find all the answers. The shelf life of cottage cheese is influenced by many factors, such as packaging date, storage, and whether it’s opened or unopened.
An unopened container of cottage cheese lasts for seven days. After it’s opened, cottage cheese lasts up to 5 days, properly sealed-pack and refrigerated.
Properly storing cottage cheese is crucial for ensuring it lasts as long as possible. Keeping it refrigerated at all times and ensuring the container is tightly sealed after each use.
In the rest of this article, we will explore the spoilage signs of cottage cheese and share storage tips. By following these tips, you can help ensure your cottage cheese stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
How Long Does Cottage Cheese Last?
| Cottage Cheese | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Cottage cheese (unopened) | Up to 7 days |
| Cottage cheese (opened) | 5 days |
Cottage cheese is a perishable dairy product with limited shelf life, even when properly stored. The sell-by date on the label is a good indicator of how long the product should retain its freshness.
Unopened cottage cheese usually lasts seven days, while opened cottage cheese lasts between 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
The shelf life of cottage cheese depends on how it was purchased and stored afterward. If you bought a container of cottage cheese from the supermarket, it might only last 7 to 12 days before going bad. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if purchased from a dairy farm.
If you want to freeze your cottage cheese, it can remain frozen for up to four weeks. However, the shelf life also depends on your cottage cheese type. Raw milk cottage cheese may have a shorter shelf life than aseptic cottage cheese.
How To Tell If Cottage Cheese Is Bad?
Here are a few factors to consider when determining if your cottage cheese has gone wrong:
1. Appearance
Take a look at the cottage cheese. If it has turned yellow, green, or pink or any mold spots, it’s time to throw it out.
2. Texture
The texture of cottage cheese can also give you a clue as to whether it’s still good. Cottage cheese should have a smooth, creamy texture. If there is a layer of liquid and the cottage cheese in chunks beneath it, it’s gone.
3. Smell
Another way to tell if your cottage cheese has gone bad is by smelling it. Give the cottage cheese a sniff. If it has a sour smell, it’s probably spoiled.
4. Taste
Finally, give the cottage cheese a taste. If it has a sour or unpleasant taste, it’s best to discard it.
While most cottage cheeses are generally white, it’s not uncommon for some varieties to have a slightly yellowish hue due to factors such as the cow’s diet. This is because the cows that produce the milk may eat different types of food, such as grass or hay, that change the color of cream cheese.
However, if your cottage cheese initially had a white color and has since turned yellow after a few days of opening, it’s best to discard it. This could indicate that the cheese has gone wrong and may no longer be safe to consume.
Storage Of Cottage Cheese
When it comes to where to store your cottage cheese, the refrigerator is the best option. Here are some tips on keeping cottage cheese in the fridge best.
- It should be stored in airtight containers to prevent cottage cheese from losing moisture.
- The refrigerator is the best place to store cottage cheese, as it helps to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent spoilage.
- Store your cottage cheese in the refrigerator at an optimal temperature of around 34-40°F.
- To keep your cottage cheese fresh for as long as possible, store it in the coldest part of your fridge, typically the back of the bottom shelf.
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods. Cottage cheese can easily absorb the odors and flavors of other foods. Store it in a separate drawer or section of your fridge.
- If you’ve made your cottage cheese or bought an unsalted version, adding a bit of salt can help to preserve it. Salt acts as a natural preservative and can inhibit the growth of bacteria. Ensure not to overdo it – a little salt goes a long way.
- Use a clean spoon to serve or scoop out some cottage cheese. This helps prevent contamination from your hands or other utensils, which could cause the cheese to spoil faster.
Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for 7-10 days after its best-by date, provided it remains unopened. Once opened, it can last for approximately 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
Unopened cottage cheese can be frozen for 3-6 months, while opened packages can be frozen for 2-3 months.
If you wish to extend its shelf life, freezing is an option. However, it’s important to note that freezing may cause changes in the texture and taste of the cheese.
When frozen, cottage cheese loses some moisture, which can change its taste and texture.
Conclusion
So, here we are at the end of this article. You learned that the shelf life of an unopened container of cottage cheese lasts for seven days. The unopened container of cottage cheese lasts for up to 5 five days.
It is clear now that the storage of cottage cheese should be in the refrigerator. Also, the fridge’s temperature should be around 36-40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
Moreover, storing cottage cheese away from strong-smelling foods is crucial as it can absorb odors quickly. If you want to extend the shelf life of your cottage cheese, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the back of the fridge, where the temperature is the coldest.
And with that, I hope this article has answered any questions you may have had about how long cottage cheese lasts. Thank you for stopping by!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does unopened cottage cheese last?
Unopened cottage cheese can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
How long does opened cottage cheese last?
Once opened, cottage cheese can last up to five to seven days in the refrigerator. To extend its shelf life, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
Can you freeze cottage cheese to extend its shelf life?
While you can freeze cottage cheese to extend its shelf life, it may change in texture and taste when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, use an airtight container and consume it within two months.
How can you tell if cottage cheese has gone wrong?
You can tell if cottage cheese has gone wrong by checking for any signs of mold, an off smell, or a sour taste. If you notice any of these, it’s best to throw them out.
