How Long Does Brie Cheese Last? [Shelf Life Guide]

Originating from Brie in northern France, the Brie cheese is one of the most popular cheese versions globally.

Brie cheese carries a mild creamy flavor, which is why many people have them in their kitchen. However, you might not be sure about the shelf life of Brie cheese.

While molds can help you determine spoilage in other foods, Brie cheese comes with white molds, making the molding method literally not convincing.

You will have to rely on other signs and symptoms to determine the state of Brie cheese, and we will list all of them later in the article.

So how long does Brie last? Does Brie go bad? Or what are the signs of bad Brie? If these questions sound familiar, this article is for you.

If you want to learn about shelf life, storage methods, or signs of spoilage, you might want to stick around this article.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

How Long Does Brie Last? Does Brie Go Bad?

When it comes to the shelf life of cheese in general, you need to consider one thing – softer cheese goes bad quickly.

Since Brie falls in the soft cheese category, the shelf life of Brie is very short. Whether opened or unopened, Brie cheese usually lasts for about two weeks depending upon its storage conditions.

Brie cheese typically comes with a “best by” date, and many producers recommend using it within the stipulated time to enjoy peak quality.

Brie cheese’s maturing process continues even after you open the package, which is why they can differ in taste and texture over time.

Since Brie continues to mature, you might want to consume it within two weeks to get the best quality. However, Brie cheese will taste fine for some time, even after the best before date has elapsed.

Here a few tips and tricks that you can use to store Brie cheese to retain maximum peak quality for extended periods.

• Always store Brie in your refrigerator. Warmer or room temperature can speed up the fermentation process and spoil the Brie cheese quickly.
• If you have an unopened Brie cheese package, it would be best to store it that way. Original packaging comes with ideal storage conditions, which are best for the cheese.
• Once opened, make sure you use wax or parchment paper to wrap the Brie cheese tightly. An airtight wrap will ensure that the moisture stays in, which retains the flavors of the cheese.
• Never use plastics to wrap the cheese, as they can ruin the flavors.
• Never freeze Brie cheese as it becomes crumbly and changes the texture.
• Use a cheese drawer to store the Brie cheese.

By following the steps mentioned above, you can retain Brie cheese’s quality and flavor for extended periods.

However, it would be best to consume it within two weeks to enjoy maximum freshness.

How to Tell if Brie is Bad?

As we mentioned earlier, Brie has a short shelf life, and so you might want to consume it quickly. Since Brie is a white mold cheese, checking for mold developments is not ideal for determining spoilage signs.

Although eating spoiled Brie will not kill you, it can give an unpleasant food poisoning experience, undoubtedly not the thing you would like.

If you are unsure about your Brie’s condition, using a quick sniff test will help you determine its state. Here are a few signs that indicate that your Brie cheese has gone bad.

• Mold changing color. If the white film that rests on Brie’s surface changes color, it is a warning sign that your Brie has gone bad. The mold usually develops green and blue spores, which is a clear sign of spoilage. It would be best to toss your Brie cheese out of your fridge as it can contaminate other food products.
• Cut a slice. If the outer surface of your Brie cheese looks okay, cutting a portion and examining it for any color discoloration will help you determine its state. Additionally, the cheese can also exhibit a texture change, which is a clear sign of spoilage.
• Sniff test. Like most food products, Brie cheese also releases a putrid and off smells when it has gone bad.  If your Brie is not giving out its usual smell, it is better to get it out of your kitchen and avoid consuming it.

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