Dairy · Shelf Life · 2026
🧀 How Long Does Soft Cheese Last?
Safe storage times for brie, ricotta, cream cheese, goat cheese, and other soft varieties.
QUICK ANSWER
Most opened soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. High-moisture soft cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese last only 5-7 days after opening.
How Long Does Soft Cheese Last?
Signs Soft Cheese Has Gone Bad
- ⚠️ Visible mould (discard the entire piece)
- ⚠️ Sour or ammonia smell beyond the natural tang
- ⚠️ Pink or brown discolouration
- ⚠️ Watery separation combined with off smell
Soft Cheese Storage Tips
- Keep in original packaging until ready to use
- Store in the back of the fridge away from the door
- Cover cut surfaces with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the cheese
- Do not leave soft cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Buy only what you can use within the week
⚠️
Unlike hard cheeses, soft cheese cannot be salvaged if mould appears — discard the entire piece to avoid illness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Opened cream cheese lasts 10-14 days in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container.
Brie within 1-2 days of the best-by date is generally fine if it smells normal. A strong ammonia odour means it has over-ripened — discard it.
Opened ricotta cheese lasts 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Always check the smell and texture before using.
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