All About Feta cheese
Your complete guide to feta cheese - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Feta cheese Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for feta cheese in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Frozen2-3 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
While freezing stops bacterial growth, quality degrades over time. Signs of quality degradation include freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), a more crumbly, mealy, or grainy texture after thawing, and potential loss of flavor intensity. It will not show typical spoilage signs like mold or off-smells while frozen.
How to Check
Check for freezer burn before thawing. After thawing, assess the texture. If it's excessively crumbly, dry, or mealy, it's still safe but best used in cooked applications where texture is less critical.
Storage Tips
Feta cheese can be frozen, but its texture will become more crumbly and less creamy upon thawing, making it less ideal for fresh applications like salads. It's best suited for cooked dishes (e.g., casseroles, baked goods). To freeze, drain well, pat dry, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator. Do not refreeze once thawed.
Unopened in Fridge (original packaging)Up to 'best by' date, typically 1-2 months or longer
Signs of Spoilage
Unusual bulging of the packaging, a strong off-odor detectable even through the seal (rare), or visible mold if the seal has been compromised.
How to Check
Always check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date. Visually inspect the packaging for any damage or signs of air entry. If the package looks swollen, it's a sign of gas production from spoilage bacteria.
Storage Tips
Keep refrigerated at 34-40°F (1-4°C). Do not store at room temperature. The brine or vacuum seal is key to its extended shelf life before opening.
Opened in Fridge (stored in brine)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or unusually soft texture, a distinct sour, pungent, or ammonia-like smell that is much stronger or different from its usual tangy aroma. Visible mold (fuzzy, discolored spots like green, pink, or black). The brine becoming cloudy, thick, or showing signs of growth.
How to Check
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Smell Test: Feta has a characteristic tangy smell. A strong, unpleasant, 'off' or ammonia-like odor indicates spoilage.
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Visual Inspection: Look for any mold growth on the cheese or the surface of the brine. Check for discoloration (yellow, pink, green) on the cheese itself.
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Touch Test: If the cheese feels slimy or excessively mushy when you pick it up, it's likely bad.
Storage Tips
Transfer opened feta and its brine to a clean, airtight container. Ensure the cheese is fully submerged in the brine; this is crucial for preventing mold and preserving freshness. If the original brine isn't enough, you can make a light salt water solution (1 teaspoon of salt per cup of water) to cover the cheese.
Opened in Fridge (drained/crumbled)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Hard, dry, or excessively crumbly texture (beyond its normal crumbly nature). A strong, sour, or ammonia-like smell. Visible mold, especially on exposed surfaces. Yellowing or pink discoloration.
How to Check
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Smell Test: Similar to brine-stored feta, an 'off' or unpleasant pungent smell is a clear indicator.
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Visual Inspection: Look closely for any fuzzy mold spots or discolored areas.
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Texture Test: If it's become excessively dry, hard, or chalky, its quality has degraded significantly. If it feels slimy, it's spoiled.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to minimize air exposure and prevent drying out. While convenient, storing feta without brine significantly shortens its shelf life and makes it more prone to spoilage. Best to consume quickly or store in brine if possible.