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  4. Cottage cheese

How long does cottage cheese last?

Cottage cheese keeps about 2 weeks in the fridge from the day you buy it, and about 1 week once opened. The USDA doesn't recommend freezing it.

FoodFridgeFreezer
Cottage cheese2 weeksfrom purchaseOpened: 1 weekNot recommended

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if cottage cheese has gone bad

  • A sour, yeasty or bitter smell beyond its usual mild tang.
  • Mold of any color: throw out the whole tub.
  • Yellowish curds, or a lot of watery liquid with a slimy texture.

How to store cottage cheese

  • Keep it on a fridge shelf, not in the door, with the lid tightly closed.
  • Use a clean spoon every time.
  • Write the opening date on the lid: the week starts then.
  • Some people store the tub upside down to limit air contact; it works only if the lid seals well.

Can you freeze cottage cheese?

The USDA doesn't recommend it: the curds turn grainy and watery when thawed. If you do freeze it, use it only in cooked dishes like lasagna, casseroles or pancakes, and drain the liquid first.

Questions

How long does cottage cheese last once opened?

About 1 week in the fridge, within the date on the tub.

Can you eat cottage cheese after the date?

It's a fresh cheese, so stay close to the date. If it smells sour, looks yellowish or shows mold, throw it out.

Is the liquid in cottage cheese normal?

Yes, a little whey is normal: stir it in. A lot of liquid with a sour smell means it's going off.

Add cottage cheese to ShelfLife when you open it, and get a reminder before the week is up.

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Related foods

  • RicottaFridge: 2 weeks
  • YogurtFridge: 1–2 weeks
  • Cream cheeseFridge: 2 weeks

More in dairy and eggs

Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.

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