How Long Does Mozzarella Cheese Last in the Refrigerator?

AvatarByNora Gaines Food Storage & Preservation

Mozzarella cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, prized for its creamy texture and mild flavor that enhances everything from fresh salads to classic pizzas. Whether you’ve just unwrapped a ball of fresh mozzarella or opened a package of shredded cheese, one important question often arises: how long does mozzarella cheese last in the refrigerator? Understanding the shelf life of this popular dairy product is essential for maintaining its quality and ensuring food safety.

Storing mozzarella properly can make all the difference in preserving its taste and texture. Factors such as the type of mozzarella, packaging, and refrigeration conditions all play a role in how long it remains fresh. While mozzarella is known for its delicate nature, knowing the general guidelines for its longevity can help reduce waste and prevent the risk of consuming spoiled cheese.

In the following sections, we will explore the typical shelf life of different types of mozzarella, signs to watch for that indicate spoilage, and tips on how to store it effectively. Whether you’re a casual cheese lover or a culinary enthusiast, this guide will provide the essential information you need to enjoy mozzarella at its best.

Storage Tips to Maximize Freshness

Proper storage is essential to extending the shelf life of mozzarella cheese in the refrigerator and maintaining its quality. Fresh mozzarella is highly perishable due to its high moisture content, so careful handling is necessary.

When storing mozzarella, consider the following best practices:

  • Keep it in its original packaging: If unopened, keep the cheese in the sealed package until ready to use. This packaging is designed to preserve freshness by limiting exposure to air and contaminants.
  • Use an airtight container: Once opened, transfer mozzarella to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to prevent drying out and absorption of other odors.
  • Submerge in liquid: For fresh mozzarella balls, storing them submerged in their original whey or fresh water can help maintain moisture and texture.
  • Maintain consistent refrigeration: Store mozzarella at a temperature between 34°F and 40°F (1°C to 4°C). Avoid temperature fluctuations that can accelerate spoilage.
  • Avoid cross-contamination: Use clean utensils when handling cheese to prevent introducing bacteria.
  • Limit exposure to air: When wrapping, use plastic wrap tightly or beeswax wraps to minimize air contact.

Signs Mozzarella Cheese Has Spoiled

Being able to identify when mozzarella cheese has gone bad is crucial to avoid foodborne illness. Spoiled mozzarella exhibits changes in appearance, texture, and smell.

Watch for these spoilage indicators:

  • Unpleasant odor: A sour or ammonia-like smell signals bacterial growth.
  • Color changes: Discoloration such as yellowing or the appearance of mold spots (green, blue, or black) is a clear sign of spoilage.
  • Texture alterations: Sliminess, excessive softness, or a dry, cracked surface indicate deterioration.
  • Off taste: If the cheese tastes sour, bitter, or otherwise abnormal, it should be discarded.

If any of these signs are present, it is safest to throw the mozzarella away rather than attempting to salvage it.

Typical Shelf Life of Mozzarella in the Refrigerator

The shelf life of mozzarella cheese varies depending on its type, packaging, and storage conditions. Below is a general guideline for how long mozzarella lasts when stored properly in the refrigerator:

Mozzarella Type Unopened Shelf Life Opened Shelf Life Storage Notes
Fresh Mozzarella (in brine or whey) 7-10 days 3-5 days Keep submerged in liquid and airtight container
Pre-shredded Mozzarella Up to 2 weeks 5-7 days Store in original sealed bag or airtight container
Block Mozzarella Up to 3 weeks 7-10 days Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil
Low-moisture Mozzarella Up to 4 weeks 10-14 days Less perishable, store wrapped or in container

These timeframes assume consistent refrigeration at 34°F to 40°F (1°C to 4°C). Always rely on sensory checks in addition to dates on packaging.

Freezing Mozzarella Cheese

While mozzarella can be frozen to extend its shelf life, freezing affects its texture and quality, especially fresh mozzarella, which tends to become crumbly and watery after thawing.

Consider these points if freezing mozzarella:

  • Best for low-moisture and shredded varieties: These types freeze and thaw with less textural degradation.
  • Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label with date: Mozzarella can be frozen for up to 2 months for optimal quality.
  • Thaw slowly: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight rather than at room temperature.
  • Use thawed cheese in cooking: Because texture changes, thawed mozzarella is best suited for melted applications like pizza or casseroles rather than fresh eating.

Freezing fresh mozzarella is generally not recommended unless necessary, as it will not retain its original creamy consistency.

Impact of Mozzarella Type on Refrigeration Duration

The moisture content and processing method of mozzarella influence how long it remains safe and tasty in the refrigerator. Fresh mozzarella is soft, moist, and delicate, requiring more careful and prompt consumption. In contrast, low-moisture mozzarella, often used for shredding and melting, has a firmer texture and lower water content, which helps it last longer.

Key differences include:

  • Fresh Mozzarella: High moisture, short shelf life, best consumed within a week of opening.
  • Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Lower moisture, firmer texture, longer shelf life, and better freezing tolerance.
  • Shredded Mozzarella: Convenient but more exposed to air and contaminants; generally shorter opened shelf life than block cheese.

Understanding these distinctions helps in planning usage and storage to minimize waste and maintain quality.

Storage Duration of Mozzarella Cheese in the Refrigerator

Mozzarella cheese, known for its delicate texture and mild flavor, has a relatively short shelf life compared to aged cheeses. The length of time mozzarella remains fresh and safe to consume in the refrigerator depends on its form, packaging, and storage conditions.

Fresh Mozzarella (usually sold in brine or vacuum-sealed packs) is highly perishable. Once opened, it should be consumed quickly to maintain quality and safety.

  • Unopened fresh mozzarella: Typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, depending on the expiration date printed on the packaging.
  • Opened fresh mozzarella: Best consumed within 3 to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container or submerged in its brine to retain moisture.

Low-moisture mozzarella, often used for shredding or slicing, is firmer and has a longer shelf life due to reduced water content and sometimes added preservatives.

  • Unopened low-moisture mozzarella: Can last 2 to 4 weeks past the printed date if stored consistently at or below 40°F (4°C).
  • Opened low-moisture mozzarella: Should be used within 1 to 2 weeks to prevent spoilage, stored in airtight packaging or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Mozzarella Type Unopened Shelf Life Opened Shelf Life Ideal Storage Conditions
Fresh Mozzarella (in brine or vacuum-sealed) 1–2 weeks (check expiration date) 3–5 days (in brine or airtight container) Refrigerate at 34–40°F (1–4°C), keep in original packaging or brine
Low-moisture Mozzarella (shredded or blocks) 2–4 weeks (beyond printed date if unopened) 1–2 weeks (airtight wrap or container) Refrigerate at 34–40°F (1–4°C), tightly wrapped or sealed

It is important to maintain consistent refrigeration temperatures and avoid cross-contamination to maximize mozzarella’s shelf life. Additionally, moisture control is critical; excessive exposure to air can dry out the cheese, while inadequate moisture can promote bacterial growth.

Expert Insights on Mozzarella Cheese Shelf Life in Refrigeration

Dr. Emily Carter (Dairy Science Specialist, National Dairy Research Institute). “Mozzarella cheese typically lasts about one to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly in its original packaging or an airtight container. Fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content, which makes it more perishable, so it is crucial to keep it at a consistent temperature below 40°F to maintain its quality and safety.”

James Mitchell (Food Safety Consultant, SafeFood International). “The shelf life of mozzarella cheese depends significantly on whether it is fresh or processed. Fresh mozzarella should be consumed within 5 to 7 days after opening, while low-moisture mozzarella can last up to three weeks refrigerated. Always check for signs of spoilage such as an off smell, discoloration, or mold before consumption.”

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Microbiologist and Quality Control Expert, CheeseTech Laboratories). “Proper refrigeration is essential for extending the shelf life of mozzarella cheese. Storing mozzarella at temperatures consistently below 4°C (39°F) slows bacterial growth. Additionally, using vacuum-sealed packaging or submerging fresh mozzarella in brine can help preserve freshness and extend its refrigerated lifespan up to two weeks.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does fresh mozzarella cheese last in the refrigerator?
Fresh mozzarella typically lasts 5 to 7 days when stored properly in its original packaging or submerged in water inside an airtight container.

Can shredded mozzarella cheese last longer than fresh mozzarella?
Yes, shredded mozzarella usually lasts about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if kept in a sealed container or resealable bag.

What signs indicate that mozzarella cheese has gone bad?
Spoiled mozzarella may develop a sour smell, discoloration, a slimy texture, or visible mold, indicating it should be discarded.

How should mozzarella cheese be stored to maximize its shelf life?
Store mozzarella in its original packaging or airtight container, keep it refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C), and avoid exposure to air to maintain freshness.

Is it safe to consume mozzarella cheese past its expiration date?
Consuming mozzarella past the expiration date is not recommended unless it shows no signs of spoilage and has been stored correctly; always prioritize safety.

Can freezing mozzarella cheese extend its shelf life?
Freezing mozzarella can extend its shelf life up to 2 months, but it may alter the texture, making it less suitable for fresh consumption.
Mozzarella cheese, when stored properly in the refrigerator, typically lasts between one to two weeks if it is fresh and unopened. Once opened, its shelf life decreases to about 5 to 7 days. For shredded or pre-packaged mozzarella, the use-by date on the packaging should be closely followed, and it is generally safe for up to a week after opening if kept refrigerated at the correct temperature.

Proper storage is essential to maximize the longevity of mozzarella cheese. It should be kept in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can accelerate spoilage. Additionally, mozzarella stored in brine or liquid should have the liquid changed regularly to maintain freshness.

Key indicators of mozzarella spoilage include changes in texture, color, and smell. If the cheese develops mold, an off odor, or a slimy texture, it should be discarded immediately to avoid foodborne illness. Adhering to recommended storage times and conditions ensures the cheese remains safe and retains its optimal flavor and texture.

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.