Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Refrigerate
once opened
In the fridgeFridge
3–7 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
4 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
Quick answer
Yes. Vegan cheese lasts 3–7 days in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if vegan 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.
Vegan cheese past the expiration date
Unopened
FoodKeeper gives unopened vegan cheese 4 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.
Opened
Once opened, the printed date no longer applies. Count 3–7 days in the fridge from the day you open it.
How to keep vegan 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 vegan cheese
FAQ
How long does it take for vegan cheese to go bad?
3–7 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can vegan cheese expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened vegan cheese 4 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.
What happens if you eat bad vegan cheese?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep vegan 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