How long does blue cheese last?
Pungent veined cheese.
Blue Cheese shelf life chart
All times are best-quality guidelines based on USDA FoodKeeper and FDA storage data. Actual shelf life depends on temperature stability, packaging, and how the food was handled.
| Storage | Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (40°F / 4°C) | 4 weeks |
| After opening | 2 weeks |
Can you freeze blue cheese?
Freezing blue cheese is generally not recommended. Texture, flavor, and structure change significantly when frozen, and the resulting product is often unappetizing. Refer to the storage chart above for fridge and pantry options.
What to do if…
What if my blue cheese is past the printed date?
What if it smells weird but looks fine?
Can expired blue cheese make you sick?
Yes — but the printed date isn't the trigger. Foodborne illness comes from bacterial growth (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus) or fungal toxins, which depend on storage temperature and time, not the calendar date on the package.
Symptoms of food poisoning typically appear within 6–48 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Severe cases — especially in young children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people — warrant medical attention. The safest practice: when in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently asked questions
How long does blue cheese last in the fridge?
How long does blue cheese last after opening?
How can I tell if blue cheese has gone bad?
Can I eat blue cheese past the "best by" date?
Related shelf-life guides
Signs blue cheese has gone bad
- •Pink, fuzzy white, or black mold (different from blue veins)
- •Ammonia overload
Storage tips
- ✓Blue/green veins = normal; other colors = toss
- ✓Wrap in foil to avoid sharing odor
More dairy & eggs
Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.