String cheese lasts 5 months in the fridge.
Shelf life at a glance
Bars show the longest recommended time for each place. Scale runs from 1 hour to 2 years.
- 1Use within days
- 2Keeps a week or two
- 3Keeps for months
- 4Keeps a long time
Based on the longest fridge or pantry time.
About 60 more days in the fridge.
About 30 more days in the fridge.
Past the recommended fridge time. Even if it looks and smells fine, throw it out.
Past the recommended fridge time. Even if it looks and smells fine, throw it out.
Counted from the day it was cooked, opened or bought. Assumes a fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder.
String cheese storage times by method
| Method | Duration | Temperature | Container | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 5 months | ≤ 40°F / 4°C | Airtight | at or below 40°F (4°C) |
Where to store string cheese
Keep it on a middle shelf, not the door: the door warms up every time it opens.
String cheese shelf life, answered
How long does string cheese last in the fridge?
5 months at 4°C (40°F) or colder. Keep it sealed so it does not pick up moisture or odours.
How long does string cheese last in the freezer?
Not listed. FoodKeeper gives no freezer time for string cheese.
How long does string cheese last at room temperature?
It is not meant to be kept at room temperature. Refrigerate it.
How long is string cheese good for past the expiration date?
String cheese past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How can you tell if string cheese is bad?
Ammonia or a sharp sour smell beyond the cheese's usual aroma. Slimy surface, or very dry and cracked all the way through. Darkened or yellowed edges, or new colours that are not part of the cheese.
Signs string cheese has gone bad
Smell
Ammonia or a sharp sour smell beyond the cheese's usual aroma.
Texture
Slimy surface, or very dry and cracked all the way through.
Colour
Darkened or yellowed edges, or new colours that are not part of the cheese.
Mould
On hard cheese, cut 1 inch around the spot. On soft or shredded cheese, discard.
Can you freeze string cheese?
- 1Step 1
Cut or portion into blocks of ½ lb or less, or freeze shredded cheese in its bag.
- 2Step 2
Wrap in plastic, then a freezer bag, pressing out air.
- 3Step 3
Thaw in the fridge; it will be crumblier, so use it melted or cooked.
String cheese left out overnight
String cheese is not a high-risk food, but a night out shortens its fridge life. Refrigerate it and use soon.
Best-by and use-by dates on string cheese
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened string cheese 5 months in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
String cheese past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to store string cheese
- Wrap in wax or parchment paper, then loosely in plastic, so it can breathe.
- Store in the cheese drawer or a lower shelf at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Use a clean knife each time to avoid introducing mould.
String cheese vs similar foods
- String cheese 5 months
- Shredded cheese 1 month
- Hard cheese 3–4 weeks
- Cheddar cheese 3–4 weeks
- Cream cheese 2 weeks
- Brie 1–2 weeks
- Cottage cheese 1 week
Same scale as the timeline above: 1 hour to 2 years.
Check any food in seconds: when your leftovers expire, and whether something left out is still safe.
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All cheese → Does it go bad? hub → Leftover calculator →Freezer time calculator →Left-out checker →