Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
1 week
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not recommended
texture or safety suffers
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
2 weeks
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not recommended
texture or safety suffers
Quick answer
Yes. Cottage cheese lasts 1 week in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if cottage cheese is 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.
Cottage cheese past the expiration date
Unopened
FoodKeeper gives unopened cottage cheese 2 weeks 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.
Opened
Once opened, the printed date no longer applies. Count 1 week in the fridge from the day you open it.
How to keep cottage cheese fresh longer
- 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.
More about cottage cheese
FAQ
How long does it take for cottage cheese to go bad?
1 week in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can cottage cheese expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened cottage cheese 2 weeks 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.
What happens if you eat bad cottage cheese?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep cottage cheese from going bad?
Wrap in wax or parchment paper, then loosely in plastic, so it can breathe.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number