How long does soft cheese keep?

United States Reviewed May 2026 Method v1.1 EU/UK: package use-by dates govern

Keep soft cheeses refrigerated at 40 °F (4 °C) or below and use opened packages within about 1 week — or by the printed use-by date if sooner. Best freezer quality is about 2 months, with clear texture loss.

For soft cheeses the printed use-by date is a safety limit in the EU/UK. Fresh soft cheeses are more perishable than hard cheeses because of their moisture content. People at higher risk are advised by official sources to avoid certain unpasteurized soft cheeses — see the official guidance for your region.

Pantry

Not safe

Max 2 h at room temperature

Refrigerator ≤ 40 °F (4 °C)

7 days

Safety guidance · Opened; package date governs if sooner

Freezer 0 °F

1–2 months

Best quality · safe indefinitely

Calculate a date for soft cheese

Starting event Event date

Pick an event and date for a labeled result — never a bare “expiry date.”

Can I freeze it?

Safe, with quality loss

Safe to freeze, but texture suffers: soft cheeses turn crumbly or watery. Best for cooked dishes afterward.

Cream cheese and ricotta separate when thawed — fine in baking, cheesecake filling, or sauces, poor for spreading. Brie-style cheeses lose their creamy texture.

Prepare & portion. Freeze in original unopened packaging or tightly wrapped portions.

Package. Original packaging plus a freezer bag, or airtight containers.

Thaw & use. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and use in cooked or baked dishes within a few days.

Thawing and post-thaw handling

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Expect separation; stir or blend before using in cooked dishes.

Refreezing

Do not refreeze thawed soft cheese. The general rules are in the refreezing guide and the Refreezing Decision tool.

Common mistakes

Ignoring a use-by date on soft cheese because it “looks fine” — in the EU/UK that date is a safety limit.
Freezing brie hoping to serve it on a cheese board later.

Package exception: The printed use-by date governs and is a safety limit in the EU/UK.

Calculate a date for this food Open in Can I Freeze It? Make a label

Source-to-claim map
Soft cheese refrigerator and freezer guidance — USDA FoodKeeper (FoodSafety.gov) · Use-by dates are safety limits — EFSA — Food Date Labelling · All sources · Change history · Report a correction