Parmesan cheese (grated) lasts 12 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 180 more days in the fridge.
About 90 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.
Parmesan cheese (grated) storage times by method
| Method | Duration | Temperature | Container | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 12 months | ≤ 40°F / 4°C | Airtight | at or below 40°F (4°C) |
| Freezer | Not recommended | 0°F / -18°C | Freezer bag or wrap | texture or safety suffers |
Where to store parmesan cheese (grated)
Keep it on a middle shelf, not the door: the door warms up every time it opens.
Parmesan cheese (grated) shelf life, answered
How long does parmesan cheese (grated) last in the fridge?
12 months at 4°C (40°F) or colder. Keep it sealed so it does not pick up moisture or odours.
How long does parmesan cheese (grated) last in the freezer?
Not recommended. Freezing parmesan cheese (grated) is not recommended; texture breaks down or the result is unsafe to rely on.
How long does parmesan cheese (grated) last at room temperature?
It is not meant to be kept at room temperature. Refrigerate it.
How long is parmesan cheese (grated) good for past the expiration date?
Parmesan cheese (grated) past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How can you tell if parmesan cheese (grated) 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 parmesan cheese (grated) 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 parmesan cheese (grated)?
Parmesan cheese (grated) left out overnight
Parmesan cheese (grated) 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 parmesan cheese (grated)
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened parmesan cheese (grated) 12 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
Parmesan cheese (grated) past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to store parmesan cheese (grated)
- 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.
Parmesan cheese (grated) vs similar foods
- Parmesan cheese (grated) 12 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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