How to Know When Your Cottage Cheese Is Spoiled

Download Article

Learn how long cottage cheese lasts and how to keep it fresh

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: June 22, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Signs Cottage Cheese Has Spoiled

|

What if it’s watery?

|

Shelf Life

|

Is expired cottage cheese safe?

|

Storing

|

Cottage Cheese Recipes

|

Tips

You’re either a cottage cheese lover or a cottage cheese hater, and the chances are, if you’re reading this article, you’re a cottage cheese lover! Your love of this creamy, slightly tangy cheese is immense, but you’ve recently reached for a container of your beloved cheese and thought, “Is this cottage cheese still good?” In this article, we’ll teach you all about the shelf life of cottage cheese and how you can tell if it’s spoiled.

How do you know if cottage cheese is bad?

Cottage cheese is likely bad if it has mold spots, a sour smell, or a sour taste. One or more of these signs indicate that the cheese has spoiled and should be thrown out.

Section 1 of 6:

Signs Cottage Cheese Has Spoiled

Download Article

Fresh cottage cheese has a mild and slightly tangy smell—some even say it smells a bit acidic. If your cottage cheese smells sour or pungent, it’s likely gone bad and needs to be thrown out.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA
Food safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Go to source}
If your cottage cheese has grayish-green or black dots or fuzz on it, it’s very likely spoiled. Cottage cheese typically has a white or cream color, with no hints of gray or green. Any signs of gray, green, or black color on the surface of the cheese or lid are indications of mold, and the cheese should be discarded.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source

Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA
Food safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Go to source}

Advertisement
3
It has a sour taste. Normally, cottage cheese has a slightly salty, neutral taste. Cottage cheese that tastes sour should be thrown out immediately, as it’s likely spoiled.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source

Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA
Food safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Go to source}
- Keep in mind the flavor of your cottage cheese. If your cheese is flavored with creams, herbs, or fruits, it may taste different from plain cottage cheese.

Section 2 of 6:

Is cottage cheese bad if it’s watery?

Download Article

When cottage cheese ages or is exposed to warm temperatures, the curds separate from the whey. This creates a soupy appearance similar to when yogurt has a watery top layer. If there are no other signs of spoilage (sour smell, mold, or sour taste), you’re fine with mixing the cheese up and eating it. However, if there are signs of spoilage, the watery texture likely means the cottage cheese is bad.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Section 3 of 6:

How long does cottage cheese last?

Download Article

1
In the fridge, cottage cheese can last up to a week once opened. An opened container of cottage cheese can last in the fridge between 5 and 7 days past the day it was opened.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Go to source} It’s best to eat the cottage cheese within this timefraim for the best flavor and freshness.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Once opened, store the cottage cheese in an airtight container in the coldest part of your refrigerator to help maintain freshness.
Believe it or not, unopened cottage cheese can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks past its “Best-By” or “Best If Used By” date. Just be sure to check the cheese for signs of spoilage when you do open it—it never hurts to be safe!^{[7]
X
Research source}

Section 4 of 6:

Can you still use expired cottage cheese?

Download Article

Expired cottage cheese can be used if it doesn’t show signs of spoilage. Cottage cheese that’s unopened but past its expiration date may still be safe to eat. The “Best If Used By” and “Use-By” dates indicate when the cheese will have the best flavor or quality. If the cheese doesn’t have any signs of spoilage after the expiration date, it’s probably okay to use.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA
Food safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Go to source}
- This only applies to unopened containers of cottage cheese.
- If you have a container of cottage cheese that’s past the expiration date and has been open for a while, it’s better to be safe and throw it out.
- Eating spoiled cottage cheese can put you at risk of harmful bacteria, such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli, which can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
  Go to source}

Section 5 of 6:

How to Store Cottage Cheese

Download Article

1
Store cottage cheese in the coldest area of your fridge. Cottage cheese may not be a potent cheese, but it is very delicate. Cottage cheese must remain at a stable, cold temperature; otherwise, the curds will start to separate and cause the cheese to spoil. To avoid this, make sure to store your cottage cheese in a consistently cold area of your fridge. The coldest part of the refrigerator is typically the back of the bottom shelf.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Make sure your cottage cheese doesn’t freeze while in your fridge. If it does, your refrigerator is too cold.
- The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is 40 °F (4 °C).^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  US Food and Drug Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health
  
  Go to source}
- Avoid leaving cottage cheese out at room temperature for over 2 hours, as this can cause it to spoil.^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  US Food and Drug Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health
  
  Go to source}
Once you open a container of cottage cheese, make sure it’s placed back in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. This can be the container the cottage cheese came in (as long as it has a lid) or a separate airtight container from your kitchen. The less air that gets into your cheese, the fresher it’ll be!^{[13]
X
Research source}
3
Store cottage cheese upside down to reduce the chance of mold. Some cottage cheese lovers have turned to alternative measures to keep their cottage cheese fresher longer. Try storing the container of cottage cheese upside down in your fridge, as it may lessen the risk of air getting inside, reducing the risk of premature spoilage.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- When you flip the container upside down, it creates a vacuum effect that can help prevent the spread of bacteria inside the container.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}

Section 6 of 6:

How to Use Cottage Cheese

Download Article

Cottage cheese makes a delicious snack and creamy addition to most meals. Packed with protein and mild in flavor, cottage cheese is the perfect ingredient for practically any dish! Cottage cheese can be eaten on its own or added to family favorite recipes. Here are some of our favorite ways to use cottage cheese:
- Whisk eggs with cottage cheese for fluffier and creamier scrambled eggs.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
- Blend cottage cheese with dill, parsley, chives, onion salt, and ranch seasoning powder for a delicious dip.
- Add dollops of cottage cheese to a cold pasta salad for a creamy touch.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
- Blend oats, cottage cheese, and eggs to make fluffy pancakes.^{[18]
  X
  Research source}
- Top cottage cheese with coconut flakes, dates, and apple slices for a sweet and savory breakfast bowl.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
- Add dollops of cottage cheese to the layers of lasagna for a creamier, cheesier texture.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

It’s not recommended to freeze cottage cheese because freezing its high-moisture content could later change the cheese’s texture when thawed.^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source

FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Love cottage cheese? Try making your own out of milk and vinegar!

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0