Your Guide: How Long Can Mozzarella Last In The Fridge

How long can mozzarella last in the fridge? Mozzarella’s time in the fridge depends on its type, if it is opened or not, and how you store it, but generally, opened fresh mozzarella lasts only a few days (around 3-5 days), while opened low-moisture block or shredded mozzarella can last about 1-2 weeks past its printed date if stored well, and unopened mozzarella can often last longer, sometimes a few weeks past the date on the package.

How Long Can Mozzarella Last In The Fridge
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Figuring Out Mozzarella Shelf Life

Knowing how long mozzarella keeps helps you use it before it goes bad. It also stops you from throwing away good food. Different kinds of mozzarella last for different times. This depends a lot on how much water is in the cheese. Fresh mozzarella has a lot of water. Low-moisture mozzarella has less water. Less water means it lasts longer.

Types of Mozzarella and How Long They Last

Mozzarella comes in many forms. Each form lasts a different amount of time in the fridge.

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is soft and often comes in a water or liquid solution. This type has a very short fresh mozzarella shelf life.

Unopened: If it stays sealed in its liquid, it usually lasts until the date on the package. This date is often just a couple of weeks from when it was made. Once you get close to that date, plan to use it soon.
Opened: Once you open the package, the clock starts ticking fast. Opened fresh mozzarella shelf life is typically only about 3 to 5 days. You must keep it in liquid. If you don’t, it dries out and spoils faster.

Block Mozzarella

This is the firmer kind often used for slicing or shredding. It has less water than fresh mozzarella. This low-moisture block mozzarella fridge duration is longer.

Unopened: An unopened block of low-moisture mozzarella usually lasts until the printed expiration date. It might even be good for 2 to 4 weeks past this date if stored correctly. Look for signs of spoilage before using it past the date.
Opened: Once cut or opened, its shelf life shortens. Opened mozzarella shelf life for a block is generally 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. You need to wrap it well to keep it fresh.

Shredded Mozzarella

This is block mozzarella that has been shredded. It is very convenient. The shredded mozzarella expiration date is often printed on the bag.

Unopened: An unopened bag of shredded mozzarella usually lasts until the date on the package. Like block mozzarella, it might be okay for 1 to 2 weeks past the date if the bag was sealed tightly.
Opened: Opening the bag lets air in. This makes it spoil faster. Opened shredded mozzarella shelf life is usually about 5 to 7 days. Sometimes it might last a little longer, maybe up to 10 days, but it is best to use it quickly.

Mozzarella Balls (Low Moisture)

These are small balls of low-moisture mozzarella. They are denser than fresh mozzarella balls.

Unopened: Similar to block mozzarella, unopened mozzarella storage time for these balls is usually until the package date. They might last a bit longer past the date.
Opened: Once opened, treat them like opened block mozzarella. Their opened mozzarella shelf life is about 1 to 2 weeks. Keep them wrapped well.

How Storage Impacts Shelf Life

The way you store mozzarella makes a big difference in how long it lasts. Poor storage makes it spoil faster. Good storage helps keep it fresh longer. These are important mozzarella cheese storage tips.

Keeping It Cold

Mozzarella, like most cheeses, needs to be kept cold. The fridge is the right place. The best temperature for storing cheese is between 35°F and 40°F (1°C and 4°C). Make sure your fridge is set in this range.

Air and Moisture Control

This is very important.

Too much air: Air can dry out cheese. It can also bring in mold spores. Wrapping cheese tightly keeps air away.
Too much moisture: While fresh mozzarella needs its liquid, other types don’t need extra moisture. Too much moisture can cause mold to grow faster.
Losing moisture: Block or shredded mozzarella can dry out if not wrapped. This makes the cheese hard and not nice to eat.

Deciphering Expiration Dates

What do the dates on the package mean? There are different types of dates.

“Sell By” date: This date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. It is not a safety date. The cheese is usually still good for some time after this date if stored correctly at home.
“Best By” or “Best if Used By” date: This date suggests when the product will have the best flavor and quality. It is also not a strict safety date. The cheese may be safe to eat after this date, but its quality might not be as good.
“Use By” date: This date is often found on products that spoil faster, like fresh mozzarella. This date is a better guide for when the cheese should be eaten for safety and quality.

For most low-moisture mozzarella, you can often use it past the “Sell By” or “Best By” date. But always check for signs of spoiled mozzarella before eating it.

How to Properly Store Mozzarella

Storing mozzarella the right way is key to making it last as long as possible. Here are some tips for different types. This is how to properly store mozzarella.

Storing Fresh Mozzarella

In its liquid: If you buy fresh mozzarella in a container with liquid (like brine or water), keep it in that liquid. This is the best way to keep fresh mozzarella fresh.
After opening: Once opened, keep the mozzarella submerged in the liquid. If there is not enough liquid, you can add a little cold water or a light saltwater solution (about 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of water).
Use a small container: Put the mozzarella and its liquid into a clean, airtight container. A smaller container is better because it means less air space.
Change the liquid: Some people suggest changing the liquid every day or two to keep it very fresh.
Keep it cold: Always store fresh mozzarella in the coldest part of your fridge.

Storing Block or Ball Mozzarella (Low Moisture)

After opening: Do not leave it in its original plastic wrap. This wrap is not airtight once opened.
Use cheese paper: The best way to keep mozzarella fresh in block form is to wrap it first in cheese paper or parchment paper. This lets the cheese breathe a little but protects it.
Then wrap in plastic: After wrapping in cheese paper, wrap the whole thing tightly in plastic wrap. Or place it in a resealable plastic bag, pressing out as much air as possible.
Aluminum foil: You can also wrap it tightly in aluminum foil after using cheese paper or plastic wrap. This adds another layer of protection from air.
Airtight container: Another option is to put the wrapped cheese in an airtight container.
Cut surfaces: If you cut the block, wrap the cut surface carefully.
Store in the cheese drawer: Many fridges have a cheese or deli drawer. This drawer often has a stable temperature.

Storing Shredded Mozzarella

Original bag: If you only use a little, squeeze air out of the bag and reseal it tightly. If the bag doesn’t reseal well, use a clip or rubber band.
Airtight container: For opened bags, putting the shredded mozzarella into an airtight container is even better. This keeps out more air.
Avoid contamination: Use a clean scoop or spoon to take out what you need. Don’t use your hands directly from the bag or container.

General Mozzarella Cheese Storage Tips

Label and date: Write the date you opened the cheese on the storage container or bag. This helps you remember how long it has been open.
Fridge placement: Store cheese away from strong-smelling foods. Cheese can absorb smells.
Avoid the door: The fridge door’s temperature changes a lot each time the door opens. Store cheese on a shelf inside the main part of the fridge.
Wrap cut cheese well: Any cut surface is where mold starts easily. Wrap it tightly.

Signs of Spoiled Mozzarella

Even with the best storage, mozzarella will eventually go bad. It is very important to know the signs of spoiled mozzarella. Eating spoiled cheese can make you sick.

Visual Signs

Mold: This is the most obvious sign. Mold on mozzarella can look like fuzzy spots. They can be white, green, blue, or even black.
- Fresh mozzarella: If fresh mozzarella has mold, throw the whole thing away. Its high moisture means mold spreads easily inside.
- Harder mozzarella (block/shredded): For low-moisture block mozzarella, if there are just a few small spots of mold on the surface, you might be able to cut off the moldy part. Cut at least an inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mold spot. Make sure your knife does not touch the mold. Wrap the rest of the cheese in fresh wrap. However, many experts say it is safer to just throw away the whole block if you see mold.
- Shredded mozzarella: If shredded mozzarella has mold, throw the whole bag away. You cannot cut mold off shredded cheese.
Color change: Fresh mozzarella should be white or creamy white. If it turns yellowish or pinkish, it is likely spoiled. Low-moisture mozzarella might get a deeper yellow color, but significant changes or dark spots (not mold) are bad signs.
Sliminess: Mozzarella should not feel slimy. If it has a slimy coating, throw it away. This slime is often a sign of bacteria growth.
Hardness/Dryness (for fresh mozzarella): Fresh mozzarella should be soft. If it becomes hard or dry, it is no longer good quality and might be spoiled, especially if it wasn’t kept in liquid.

Smell Signs

Sour or off smell: Fresh mozzarella has a mild, milky smell. Low-moisture mozzarella smells mild and milky too. If your mozzarella smells sour, like old milk, or has any unpleasant, strong smell, it is probably spoiled. Good cheese smells pleasant, even if strong (like aged cheeses, but that’s not mozzarella).

Texture Signs

Gummy or weird texture: Fresh mozzarella should be soft and slightly chewy. If it feels overly rubbery, hard, or gummy in a bad way, it might be spoiled.
Grainy texture: While not always a sign of spoilage, a grainy texture in fresh mozzarella can mean it is getting old or wasn’t made right. Combined with other signs, it means throw it out.

Taste Signs

Off taste: If the cheese looks and smells okay, you can try a very small piece. If it tastes sour, bitter, or just bad, spit it out and throw the rest away.

When in doubt, throw it out. It is better to waste a little cheese than to risk getting sick.

Extends or Shortens Shelf Life?

Several factors can change how long your mozzarella lasts.

Factors That Shorten Shelf Life

High temperature: Storing cheese outside the fridge or in a warm spot makes bacteria grow fast.
Poor wrapping: Not wrapping cheese tightly lets in air and bacteria, and causes it to dry out (which changes quality, even if not spoiled).
Cross-contamination: Using dirty knives or cutting boards, or letting the cheese touch other foods, can transfer bacteria and mold spores.
Too much moisture (for low-moisture types): Condensation in the container can lead to mold.
Leaving it out: Don’t leave mozzarella sitting on the counter for long periods. Put it back in the fridge right after use. Rule: The total time perishable food is at room temperature should not be more than 2 hours.

Factors That May Extend Shelf Life (Slightly)

Proper storage: Following the storage tips mentioned earlier is the best way to get the longest possible shelf life.
Lower fridge temperature: Keeping your fridge at the lower end of the safe range (closer to 35°F/1°C) can slow down spoilage. Do not freeze fresh mozzarella though, as it ruins the texture. Low-moisture types can be frozen, but quality changes.

How Long is Mozzarella Good For? A Quick Summary

It helps to have a general idea for quick reference. This is how long is mozzarella good for in typical conditions after opening.

Type of Mozzarella	Unopened Shelf Life	Opened Shelf Life (Approximate)
Fresh Mozzarella	Until Use By/Expiration Date (Short)	3-5 days
Low-Moisture Block	Until Best By Date (Maybe 2-4 wks past)	1-2 weeks
Low-Moisture Shredded	Until Best By Date (Maybe 1-2 wks past)	5-10 days
Low-Moisture Balls	Until Best By Date (Maybe 2-4 wks past)	1-2 weeks

Remember, these are just guides. Always check for signs of spoiled mozzarella before using it.

Considering Freezing Mozzarella

Can you freeze mozzarella to make it last much longer? Yes, you can, but the results vary a lot depending on the type.

Fresh Mozzarella: Freezing is not recommended for fresh mozzarella. The high water content forms ice crystals. When it thaws, the cheese becomes watery, grainy, and loses its smooth texture. It won’t be good for eating fresh or in salads. It might still be usable for cooking where the texture changes aren’t as noticeable (like in sauces), but expect a big drop in quality.
Low-Moisture Mozzarella (Block or Shredded): This type freezes better than fresh mozzarella. Freezing stops bacteria growth, so it can last for several months (up to 2-3 months is a good rule of thumb, though it can be safe for longer). However, freezing and thawing can still affect the texture. It might become a bit more crumbly or less smooth when melted.
- How to freeze block mozzarella: Wrap the block very tightly in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer-safe bag or wrap it again in foil. Remove as much air as possible.
- How to freeze shredded mozzarella: You can freeze it directly in its original bag if it is unopened. If opened, put the bag inside a freezer bag or transfer the cheese to a freezer-safe container. Try to press out excess air.
- How to thaw: Thaw frozen mozzarella slowly in the fridge. It can take about 24 hours for a block. Do not thaw it at room temperature. Once thawed, use it within a few days. Do not refreeze thawed mozzarella.

Freezing is a way to extend storage time greatly, but it is best used for mozzarella you plan to cook with, not for enjoying fresh.

Mozzarella Use-By Dates vs. Quality

It’s worth repeating: the date on the package, especially “Best By,” is often about quality, not strict safety. Unopened mozzarella storage time past the printed date can be longer than you think, if stored correctly.

For unopened low-moisture mozzarella:
* Block: Can often be good for 2-4 weeks past the “Best By” date.
* Shredded: Can often be good for 1-2 weeks past the “Best By” date.

But this is not a guarantee. Always use your senses. Look for mold, smell for bad odors, check for sliminess. If it looks, smells, or feels wrong, it is spoiled, no matter the date.

For fresh mozzarella, the “Use By” date is a much better guide because it spoils faster. Don’t push past that date by more than a day or two, and only if it shows absolutely no signs of spoilage. Opened fresh mozzarella shelf life is very short.

Best Way to Keep Mozzarella Fresh: A Summary

To get the most out of your mozzarella and keep it safe to eat, follow these steps:

Choose the right type: Know that fresh mozzarella spoils very fast. Low-moisture types last longer.
Check the date: Pay attention to “Use By” dates, especially for fresh cheese.
Refrigerate immediately: Get your mozzarella into the fridge as soon as you get home.
Store at the right temperature: Keep your fridge between 35-40°F (1-4°C).
Wrap it right:
- Fresh: Keep submerged in its liquid in an airtight container.
- Block/Shredded: Wrap tightly or put in an airtight container/bag to keep air out. Use cheese paper first for blocks if you have it.
Keep it clean: Use clean tools to avoid adding bacteria.
Store away from odors: Cheese absorbs smells.
Check before using: Always look, smell, and feel the cheese for signs of spoilage.

Following these mozzarella cheese storage tips gives you the best chance of keeping your cheese fresh and safe for as long as possible. How long is mozzarella good for really depends on how well you take care of it after buying it.

Interpreting Shelf Life in Different Scenarios

Let’s consider some real-life examples.

Scenario 1: You bought a container of fresh mozzarella balls packed in water. The “Use By” date is next Tuesday. You open it on Monday. How long does it last? It will likely be good only until Thursday or Friday (3-5 days after opening). Keep it covered in its liquid in the fridge.
Scenario 2: You bought a large block of low-moisture mozzarella. The “Best By” date was last week. It is unopened. How long can it last? If stored well (still sealed in its original package, kept cold), it could be good for another week or two. Open it, check for mold or bad smells. If it looks and smells fine, it is likely okay. Once opened, use it within 1-2 weeks.
Scenario 3: You opened a bag of shredded mozzarella for pizza night 5 days ago. The “Best By” date is still 3 weeks away. How long does it last? Since it’s been 5 days since opening, it might be good for a few more days, perhaps up to 10 days total after opening. Check for mold (which can look like white fuzzy spots mixed with the cheese or green spots) and smell it before using.
Scenario 4: You have a half-block of low-moisture mozzarella you opened 3 weeks ago. It’s been wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Is it still good? Probably not. Opened block mozzarella fridge duration is usually 1-2 weeks. Even if you don’t see obvious mold, it might be past its prime or starting to grow bacteria you can’t see. It’s safer to discard it.

These examples show that how long is mozzarella good for is not just about the date, but also about the type of cheese and when it was opened.

Grasping Why Mozzarella Goes Bad

Cheese spoilage is a natural process. Bacteria and mold are always present in the environment. Even if the cheese is made under clean conditions, tiny amounts are there. They are also in the air.

Bacteria: In cheese, bacteria can multiply over time, especially if the temperature is not cold enough. Some bacteria can produce off flavors, smells, and textures. Others can make you sick.
Mold: Mold spores are in the air. They land on the surface of the cheese. If there is moisture and food (which cheese provides), they grow.
Enzymes: Natural enzymes in the cheese also continue to work after it is made. Over time, they can break down fats and proteins in ways that change the texture and flavor, leading to spoilage.
Oxidation: Exposure to air can cause fats in the cheese to break down, leading to off flavors (like rancidity). This is why tight wrapping is important.

Fresh mozzarella spoils fastest because its high moisture content is a perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow quickly. Low-moisture types last longer because there is less water for these microbes to use.

Making the Most of Your Mozzarella

To avoid waste, buy only the amount of mozzarella you expect to use within its typical opened shelf life. If you know you won’t use a large block or bag of shredded cheese quickly, consider buying a smaller size.

If you have leftover cheese that is nearing the end of its safe life but still looks and smells good, you can use it up in cooked dishes like:
* Pizza or flatbreads
* Baked pasta dishes (like lasagna or baked ziti)
* Melted on sandwiches
* In quesadillas

Cooking the cheese can kill some bacteria, but it won’t fix bad flavors or textures from spoilage, and it won’t destroy toxins that some molds produce. So, only cook with cheese that is still safe, not cheese showing signs of spoilage.

Final Thoughts on Mozzarella Freshness

Keeping mozzarella fresh is simple once you know the basics. Pay attention to the type of cheese, the date on the package, and how you store it once opened. Remember that fresh mozzarella needs extra care due to its short opened mozzarella shelf life. Low-moisture types are more forgiving but still need to be wrapped well. Always trust your eyes and nose. If it looks or smells bad, don’t take a chance. By following these mozzarella cheese storage tips, you can enjoy your cheese safely and reduce food waste. Knowing how long is mozzarella good for in different situations helps you plan your cooking and shopping better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

h4: Can I eat mozzarella right after the “Best By” date?

Yes, often you can, especially low-moisture block or shredded mozzarella. The “Best By” date is about quality. Check for signs of spoiled mozzarella (mold, bad smell, sliminess) before eating it. If it looks and smells fine, it is usually safe for some time after that date.

h4: Should fresh mozzarella always be stored in liquid?

Yes, the best way to keep fresh mozzarella fresh after opening is to keep it submerged in liquid, like the original liquid it came in, or a light saltwater solution. This helps keep its texture and prevents it from drying out or spoiling quickly.

h4: What does mold on mozzarella look like?

Mold can look like fuzzy spots that are white, green, blue, or sometimes black. On fresh mozzarella, throw it away if you see any mold. On low-moisture blocks, you might be able to cut mold off, but it’s often safer to discard the whole piece. Shredded mozzarella with mold should always be thrown away.

h4: Can I freeze fresh mozzarella?

It is not recommended. Freezing fresh mozzarella ruins its texture due to its high water content. It becomes watery and grainy when thawed. It might be usable in cooked dishes, but the quality will be much lower.

h4: How long does opened shredded mozzarella last?

Opened shredded mozzarella shelf life is typically 5 to 10 days in the fridge, if stored properly in a sealed bag or container.

h4: Is slimy mozzarella safe to eat?

No. Sliminess is a sign of bacteria growth. If your mozzarella feels slimy, you should throw it away.

h4: Does storing mozzarella in the fridge door make it spoil faster?

Yes. The temperature in the fridge door changes more than on the main shelves. Store cheese on a shelf inside the fridge for a more stable cold temperature, which helps it last longer.

h4: What is the best way to keep mozzarella fresh after opening?

The best way depends on the type. For fresh mozzarella, keep it in its liquid in an airtight container. For block or shredded low-moisture mozzarella, wrap it tightly or put it in an airtight container/bag to keep air out. Proper wrapping and cold temperature are key mozzarella cheese storage tips.

h4: How long is block mozzarella good for after opening?

Opened block mozzarella fridge duration is generally 1 to 2 weeks when wrapped well and stored in the fridge.

h4: Can I get sick from eating slightly spoiled mozzarella?

Eating cheese with certain types of mold or bacteria can make you sick. Even if you don’t see mold, bad bacteria can grow. If the cheese has an off smell, taste, or texture, or is past its expected opened shelf life, it’s safest not to eat it.