How Long Does Feta Cheese Last?
Feta Cheese lasts 5-7 days when stored in the refrigerator. Freezing extends storage to 2-3 months. Discard if you notice sour or off smell or visible mold growth (other than normal white mold). Store properly to maximize freshness and safety.
Feta Cheese lasts 5-7 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Check for signs of spoilage before consuming after this period.
Refrigerator
5-7 days
Freezer
2-3 months
Not sure if your Feta Cheese is still good?
Use our free checker tool for a personalized safety assessment.
Can I Still Use This Feta Cheese?
Quick decision guide based on how you stored it:
In the fridge
Safe for 5-7 days. Check for spoilage signs before use.
In the fridge (opened)
Use within 5-7 days. Cover to prevent contamination.
Left out at room temp
Perishable — refrigerate within 2 hours or discard.
Left out at room temp (opened)
Opened and unrefrigerated — use immediately or discard after 2 hours.
In the freezer
Frozen quality maintained for 2-3 months. Safe indefinitely if kept at 0°F.
Never use an expired product again — get a free email reminder before your Feta Cheese expires.
Feta Cheese Shelf Life by Storage Method
| Storage Method | Duration | Safety Level |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 5-7 days | CAUTION |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | SAFE |
About Feta Cheese
Feta Cheese shelf life information including storage tips and signs of spoilage.
Signs Feta Cheese Has Gone Bad
- Sour or off smell
- Visible mold growth (other than normal white mold)
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Discoloration or dark spots
How to Store Feta Cheese Properly
- Keep feta submerged in its brine or store in an airtight container with fresh water in the refrigerator.
- Avoid leaving feta cheese at room temperature for extended periods.
- If freezing, wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw in the refrigerator.
Safety Notes & Expiration Risks
Consuming expired feta cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria such as Listeria or Salmonella. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and the elderly are especially at risk.
Common Questions About Feta Cheese Safety
Is feta cheese still safe after being left out overnight?
Feta Cheese left out overnight (more than 2 hours at room temperature) should be discarded. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. Even if it looks and smells fine, harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli may be present at unsafe levels. Do not taste-test to determine safety.
Can you eat feta cheese that smells fine but is past its expiration date?
With feta cheese, do not rely on smell alone. Pathogenic bacteria that cause foodborne illness are often undetectable by smell, taste, or appearance. If feta cheese is past its use-by date, discard it regardless of how it smells. "Best by" dates on lower-risk items indicate quality, not safety — but feta cheese falls into a higher-risk category.
Is freezer-burned feta cheese safe to eat?
Freezer burn on feta cheese is caused by air reaching the food's surface and causes dry, discolored patches. Freezer-burned feta cheese is safe to eat — it is a quality issue, not a safety issue. The affected areas may have an off flavor or dry texture. You can trim away freezer-burned portions before cooking. To prevent freezer burn, use airtight packaging and remove as much air as possible before freezing.
What does it mean if feta cheese has changed color or texture?
Color or texture changes in feta cheese can indicate bacterial growth or chemical breakdown. Gray, green, or slimy surfaces are strong indicators of spoilage. A sticky or tacky feel, unusual film, or off-color liquid are all reasons to discard immediately. Some color change is natural (e.g., slight darkening of red meat due to oxidation), but when combined with an off smell or slimy texture, it signals the product is unsafe.
Was this guide helpful?
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Feta Cheese last?
Unopened feta cheese lasts about 1-2 months in the refrigerator, while opened feta should be consumed within 5-7 days.
Does Feta Cheese expire?
Yes, feta cheese does expire and can spoil if not stored properly or kept beyond recommended times.
How can you tell if Feta Cheese has gone bad?
Signs include a sour or off smell, visible mold growth beyond the normal white mold, slimy texture, and discoloration.
Storage Tools & Guides
Free Storage & Expiration Tools
Related Dairy & Eggs
American Cheese Slices
3-4 weeks
Blue Cheese
3-4 weeks
Brie Cheese
1 week
Butter
1-2 months
Buttermilk
7-10 days
Cheddar Cheese
3-4 weeks
Cheese Whiz
3 weeks
Clotted Cream
3-5 days (after opening)
Condensed Milk
5-7 days
Cottage Cheese
5-7 days
Cream Cheese
1-2 weeks
Cream Cheese Block
1 to 2 weeks after opening