How long does mozzarella cheese last in the fridge?

Unopened, opened, and frozen

The single fridge number above is a planning figure. Most of the questions people actually ask about mozzarella cheese turn on whether the package has been opened, so those windows are listed separately here.

Unopened

Low-moisture block or shredded: up to the printed date, typically 1 to 2 months. Fresh mozzarella in liquid: about a week

Opened or cut

Block or shredded 2 to 3 weeks; fresh mozzarella 3 to 5 days, kept in its liquid

Freezer

About 180 days at best quality. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely at 0°F; the window is about texture and flavour.

How to store it

Block: rewrap tightly after each use, or shred and freeze the extra. Fresh mozzarella: keep it in its liquid (or fresh, lightly salted water) in a sealed container. Shredded freezes well; fresh mozzarella goes rubbery.

How to tell if mozzarella cheese has gone bad

Dates are estimates; these are the checks that actually decide it. When more than one of these is present, throw it out rather than tasting to find out.

• Mould spots
• Sour or ammonia smell
• Slimy surface, or cloudy, thick liquid around fresh mozzarella
• Dry, cracked, yellowing edges on a block

How to use this window

Record when the item entered your kitchen and check it during your regular weekly inventory review.

Well Stockd does not know when this food was harvested, packed, purchased, opened, prepared, or moved between storage locations. Record the relevant opened, prepared, or refrigerated date, follow package directions, keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below, and use the official item listing when food safety is in question.