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Hard cheese, cheddar type (opened) shelf life
Hard cheese, cheddar type (opened) keeps 3-4 weeks in the fridge, 6 months in the freezer. Spoilage signs and the safe-handling notes, from the USDA Cold Food Storage Chart.
Storage at a glance
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Fridge (0-4 °C) | 3-4 weeks |
| Freezer (-18 °C) | 6 months |
Signs it has gone off
Mould, ammonia smell, slimy surface.
Safe handling
A small mould spot on hard cheese can be cut off 2 cm around; soft cheeses cannot be salvaged.
Storage times are guidance, not a guarantee. If it looks or smells wrong, do not taste it to check.
Source: USDA Cold Food Storage Chart / FDA-USDA FoodKeeper · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
How long does hard cheese, cheddar type (opened) last in the fridge?
3-4 weeks — stored sealed, at 4 C or below.
Can you freeze hard cheese, cheddar type (opened)?
Yes — about 6 months for quality. Frozen at a constant -18 C it stays safe longer; the time is about taste and texture.
How do you know when hard cheese, cheddar type (opened) has gone off?
Mould, ammonia smell, slimy surface. Trust the signs over any date.
Milk (opened)
Fridge: 5-7 days · freezer: 1-3 months
Yogurt (opened)
Fridge: 1-2 weeks · freezer: 1-2 months
Butter
Fridge: 1-3 months · freezer: 6-9 months
Soft cheese, brie type (opened)
Fridge: 1 week · freezer: —
Cream cheese (opened)
Fridge: 2 weeks · freezer: —
Cottage cheese (opened)
Fridge: 1 week · freezer: —
Know the shelf life, plan the week
TempoLife puts the food plan next to your goals, so what you bought gets eaten, not binned.