How Long Can Mozzarella Cheese Safely Stay in the Fridge?

AvatarByNora Gaines Food Storage & Preservation

Mozzarella cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, prized for its creamy texture and mild, milky flavor that enhances everything from pizzas to salads. Whether you buy it fresh, pre-packaged, or shredded, knowing how to store mozzarella properly is essential to maintain its quality and safety. One common question that often arises is: how long can mozzarella cheese stay in the fridge before it starts to lose its freshness or becomes unsafe to eat?

Understanding the shelf life of mozzarella in the refrigerator involves more than just a simple expiration date. Factors such as the type of mozzarella, packaging, and storage conditions all play a crucial role in determining how long it remains good to consume. Without proper knowledge, you might either waste perfectly good cheese or, worse, consume spoiled mozzarella that could affect your health.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key considerations for storing mozzarella cheese in your fridge, how to recognize signs of spoilage, and tips to extend its freshness. Whether you’re a casual cook or a cheese enthusiast, this guide will help you make the most of your mozzarella while keeping food safety in mind.

Storage Tips for Mozzarella Cheese in the Fridge

Proper storage is essential to maximize the shelf life of mozzarella cheese and maintain its quality. Mozzarella, being a fresh cheese with high moisture content, is more perishable than aged cheeses. To keep it fresh for as long as possible in the refrigerator, follow these expert guidelines:

  • Keep it sealed: Store mozzarella in its original packaging if unopened. Once opened, transfer the cheese to an airtight container or reseal the original packaging tightly to prevent exposure to air.
  • Use liquid storage for fresh mozzarella: For ball or fresh mozzarella packed in brine or whey, store it submerged in the liquid inside a sealed container to preserve moisture and texture.
  • Maintain consistent temperature: Keep mozzarella in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the bottom shelf or dairy compartment, ideally at or below 40°F (4°C).
  • Avoid cross-contamination: Use clean utensils when handling mozzarella and avoid placing it near strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Refrigerate promptly: After purchase or use, refrigerate mozzarella promptly rather than leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

Typical Shelf Life of Mozzarella Cheese in the Refrigerator

The shelf life of mozzarella cheese varies depending on its type, packaging, and whether it has been opened. Below is an overview of typical refrigeration durations for different forms of mozzarella:

Mozzarella Type Unopened Shelf Life (Refrigerated) Opened Shelf Life (Refrigerated) Storage Notes
Fresh Mozzarella (in brine) 7–10 days 3–5 days (keep submerged in liquid) Best kept in original liquid; discard if liquid becomes cloudy or smells sour
Pre-shredded Mozzarella Up to 1 month 5–7 days Often contains anti-caking agents; keep tightly sealed
Block Mozzarella 2–3 weeks 7–10 days Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil after opening
Low-moisture Mozzarella (aged) Up to 1 month 10–14 days Longer shelf life due to reduced moisture content

Signs That Mozzarella Cheese Has Gone Bad

Identifying spoilage in mozzarella is crucial to avoid consuming unsafe or unpleasant cheese. Watch for the following indicators:

  • Off smell: A sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odor is a clear sign of spoilage.
  • Texture changes: Sliminess, excessive stickiness, or hardening (especially for fresh mozzarella) indicates deterioration.
  • Mold growth: Any visible mold (green, blue, or black spots) means the cheese should be discarded. Unlike some hard cheeses, mold on fresh mozzarella is unsafe to cut off.
  • Discoloration: Yellowing or darkening of the cheese surface can signal spoilage.
  • Liquid changes: For mozzarella stored in brine, cloudy or foul-smelling liquid is a warning sign.

If any of these signs appear, it is best to discard the mozzarella to prevent foodborne illness.

Extending Mozzarella Cheese Freshness

To further extend the freshness of mozzarella cheese beyond typical refrigerator storage times, consider these expert practices:

  • Freezing mozzarella: While freezing can alter texture, it is an option for block or shredded mozzarella. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Use frozen mozzarella within 2 months for best quality.
  • Vacuum sealing: Removing air through vacuum sealing can significantly prolong shelf life by reducing oxidation and bacterial growth.
  • Using cheese paper: For block mozzarella, wrapping in cheese paper or wax paper before placing in an airtight container allows the cheese to breathe while retaining moisture, preserving texture better than plastic wrap alone.

Applying these methods can help maintain mozzarella quality, but always check for spoilage signs before use.

Storage Duration for Mozzarella Cheese in the Refrigerator

Mozzarella cheese, known for its delicate texture and mild flavor, requires proper refrigeration to maintain quality and safety. The length of time mozzarella can stay in the fridge depends on its form, packaging, and whether it has been opened.

Unopened Mozzarella:

Fresh mozzarella typically comes vacuum-sealed or packed in brine or whey. When stored unopened in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C), it can remain safe and maintain its best quality for:

  • Fresh mozzarella (in brine or vacuum-sealed): 1 to 2 weeks past the sell-by date.
  • Pre-shredded or block mozzarella (vacuum-sealed): Up to 3 weeks from the packaging date.

Check the package for specific manufacturer recommendations, as formulations and preservatives may affect shelf life.

Opened Mozzarella:

Once opened, mozzarella’s exposure to air increases the risk of spoilage. Proper storage is critical:

  • Fresh mozzarella (in brine): Store submerged in its liquid in a sealed container. Use within 3 to 4 days.
  • Fresh mozzarella (no liquid): Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Consume within 2 to 3 days.
  • Pre-shredded or block mozzarella: Store in an airtight container or resealable bag. Use within 5 to 7 days.
Mozzarella Type Unopened Storage Time (Refrigerated) Opened Storage Time (Refrigerated) Storage Tips
Fresh mozzarella (in brine or vacuum-sealed) 1–2 weeks past sell-by date 3–4 days (keep in brine/liquid) Keep submerged in liquid, airtight container
Fresh mozzarella (no liquid) 1–2 weeks (vacuum-sealed) 2–3 days (wrap tightly) Wrap tightly, avoid air exposure
Pre-shredded mozzarella Up to 3 weeks 5–7 days (airtight container) Keep sealed, refrigerate promptly
Block mozzarella Up to 3 weeks 5–7 days (airtight container) Wrap tightly, refrigerate after opening

Factors Affecting Storage Time:

  • Temperature consistency: Refrigerators should be kept at or below 40°F (4°C) to slow bacterial growth.
  • Packaging integrity: Vacuum-sealed packaging extends shelf life by reducing oxygen exposure.
  • Handling practices: Use clean utensils and avoid cross-contamination to preserve freshness.
  • Presence of liquid: Fresh mozzarella stored in brine retains moisture and slows spoilage compared to dry storage.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures mozzarella cheese remains safe to consume while maintaining its desirable texture and flavor.

Expert Insights on Storing Mozzarella Cheese Safely in the Refrigerator

Dr. Emily Carter (Food Microbiologist, National Dairy Research Institute). “Fresh mozzarella cheese typically remains safe to consume for up to 5 to 7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator at or below 4°C (39°F). It is essential to keep the cheese in its original brine or packaging to maintain moisture and inhibit bacterial growth. Once opened, the cheese should be tightly wrapped or placed in an airtight container to prevent contamination and drying out.”

James Whitman (Certified Cheese Sommelier and Dairy Quality Consultant). “The shelf life of mozzarella cheese depends significantly on its type and packaging. For example, low-moisture mozzarella can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated if unopened. However, fresh mozzarella, which contains higher moisture content, has a shorter fridge life, generally no more than one week after opening. Always check for signs of spoilage such as off-odor, discoloration, or sliminess before consumption.”

Dr. Anita Singh (Food Safety Specialist, University of Culinary Arts). “Maintaining consistent refrigeration temperatures is critical for mozzarella cheese longevity. Fluctuations can accelerate spoilage. For homemade or artisan mozzarella, refrigeration should not exceed 4 to 5 days, as these products lack preservatives. Additionally, avoid cross-contamination by storing mozzarella separately from raw meats and other strong-smelling foods to preserve its freshness and safety.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does fresh mozzarella cheese last in the fridge?
Fresh mozzarella cheese typically lasts 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in its original packaging or submerged in water.

Can shredded mozzarella cheese be stored longer than fresh mozzarella?
Yes, shredded mozzarella cheese generally lasts longer, about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, due to its lower moisture content and packaging methods.

What is the best way to store mozzarella cheese to extend its shelf life?
Store mozzarella cheese in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, and keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Is it safe to eat mozzarella cheese past its expiration date?
It is not recommended to consume mozzarella cheese past its expiration date, especially if there are signs of spoilage such as an off smell, mold, or slimy texture.

Can mozzarella cheese be frozen to extend its shelf life?
Yes, mozzarella cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months, but freezing may alter its texture, making it more crumbly and less creamy upon thawing.

How can you tell if mozzarella cheese has gone bad?
Mozzarella cheese has gone bad if it develops a sour or ammonia-like odor, visible mold (other than the original rind), discoloration, or a slimy surface.
mozzarella cheese can typically be stored in the refrigerator for about one to two weeks when unopened and properly sealed. Once opened, it is best consumed within three to five days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor. The shelf life may vary slightly depending on whether the mozzarella is fresh, shredded, or part-skim, as well as the packaging and storage conditions.

To maximize the longevity of mozzarella cheese in the fridge, it is important to keep it tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can accelerate spoilage. Additionally, storing mozzarella in its original brine or liquid, if applicable, helps preserve its texture and taste. Always check for signs of spoilage such as off odors, discoloration, or mold before consumption.

Understanding the proper storage duration and conditions for mozzarella cheese not only ensures food safety but also helps maintain its quality for culinary use. By adhering to recommended guidelines, consumers can enjoy mozzarella cheese at its best while minimizing food waste and potential health risks associated with spoiled dairy products.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.