Experts Reveal the Best Way to Store Cheese and Prevent Spoilage

Ditch the plastic wrap and learn how to properly wrap and store cheese to keep it fresh for weeks.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:38pm

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Cheese experts advise against using plastic wrap to store cheese, as it can suffocate the cheese, degrade its texture, and cause it to spoil faster. Instead, they recommend wrapping cheese in wax paper or parchment first, then loosely covering it with foil or placing it in a container to allow airflow. Proper storage techniques, like minimizing surface area exposure and making clean cuts, can also extend the life of cheese.

Why it matters

Knowing the right way to store cheese can help reduce food waste and ensure you always have a perfectly fresh bite ready, whether it's a creamy brie or a sharp cheddar. With a little know-how, you can keep cheese from going bad prematurely and enjoy its full flavor and texture.

The details

According to John Montez, a certified cheese professional and head monger at Murray's Cheese in New York, the key to storing cheese properly is to ditch the plastic wrap. Cheese is a living organism that needs to breathe, and plastic suffocates it, leading to faster spoilage. Instead, Montez recommends wrapping cheese in wax paper or parchment first, then loosely covering it with foil or placing it in a container. This allows the cheese to maintain its moisture and microorganisms, keeping it fresh for weeks. Minimizing the surface area exposed to air by making clean cuts and leaving the cheese in larger pieces also helps extend its shelf life.

  • Montez has been a certified cheese professional and head monger at Murray's Cheese in New York for over a decade.

The players

John Montez

A certified cheese professional and head monger at Murray's Cheese in New York, with over a decade of experience in the industry.

Murray's Cheese

A renowned cheese shop and affineur located in New York City, known for its extensive selection of artisanal and specialty cheeses.

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What they’re saying

“Cheese is a preserved product. It's high in acid and salt, with much of the moisture removed. It's rare you'd need to throw out a properly stored piece.”

— John Montez, Certified Cheese Professional and Head Monger, Murray's Cheese

“Minimizing the surface area (exposed to air) is going to prevent cheese from drying out or getting moldy.”

— John Montez, Certified Cheese Professional and Head Monger, Murray's Cheese

What’s next

Readers can apply the cheese storage tips from this article to properly preserve their own cheese purchases and reduce food waste at home.

The takeaway

Proper cheese storage is essential to maintaining the flavor, texture, and longevity of artisanal and specialty cheeses. By ditching the plastic wrap and following expert advice, cheese lovers can enjoy their favorite varieties for weeks longer and minimize spoilage.