Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened package of cottage cheese last? The exact answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of cottage cheese, keep it refrigerated at all times.
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How long does unopened cottage cheese last after the "sell by date" or "best before" date? Cottage cheese will generally keep for about one week after the "sell by" or " best before" date on the package, assuming it has been continuously refrigerated.
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How long does cottage cheese last at room temperature? If kept at temperatures above 40°F, cottage cheese will rapidly develop signs of spoilage; cottage cheese should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
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To further extend the shelf life of opened cottage cheese, freeze it: to freeze cottage cheese, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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Uncreamed (dry) cottage cheese freezes better than creamed cottage cheese, which may become too mushy after freezing.
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Frozen cottage cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor; the thawed cottage cheese will be best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups and casseroles.
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How long does cottage cheese last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - cottage cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does cottage cheese last after being frozen and thawed? Cottage cheese that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; cottage cheese that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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When frozen cottage cheese is thawed, there may be some liquid at the top of the container; simply stir it back into the cheese.
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How can you tell if cottage cheese is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the cottage cheese: if cottage cheese turns yellow or develops an off odor or flavor, it should be discarded for quality purposes; if mold appears, discard the entire package.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
