Buying cheese in bulk is one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries. but only if you know how to store it properly. If cheese goes moldy, dries out, or gets freezer burn, those savings disappear fast.
Why Proper Cheese Storage Matters
Cheese is one of those ingredients most families always have on hand. Whether you use it for meals or snacks, it’s a good item to have on hand. That being said, it is commonly wasted when it isn’t stored correctly.
Storing cheese the right way can help to reduce food waste, avoid mold and spoilage, and stretch sale prices further to allow you to save money on groceries.
Buying cheese on sale is a smart move. Block cheese in its unopened, factory sealed packaging typically lasts 6 - 8 months. The timeline begins once you open it. When you freeze cheese or store it in glass, it extends that time even longer. That gives you plenty of time to use it if you store it properly.
Buying Cheese in Bulk to Save Money
I usually buy medium cheddar cheese because it freezes well and doesn’t get crumbly like sharp cheddar. Block cheese is also more versatile and cheaper per pound than pre-shredded cheese and it stores much better.
If I’m buying smaller blocks, I’ll often buy one for now and one for later and freeze the unopened block. With a five-pound block, it is best to cut it into smaller pieces before storing it.
How to Store Cheese in the Refrigerator
After shredding cheese myself, I store it in a glass jar with a metal lid in the refrigerator. The metal lid creates an airtight seal, which is key to preventing moisture and mold. Using this method, shredded cheese stays fresh for over two months in the fridge.
Blocks of cheese can be stored in glass jars or snapware glass containers. I cut the larger blocks into pieces that fit easily into the container. I only store what we’ll use in the next couple of weeks in the refrigerator. Any extra cheese beyond what I think we will use in that amount of time goes into the freezer. This keeps cheese accessible for daily meals while preventing the rest from spoiling.
If you want to learn more about fridge organization for other types of foods be sure to check out this video.
Save Money on Groceries
If you're looking for more tips to save money on groceries, also consider your produce! If you want to learn how to wash and store produce so that it stays fresh for weeks, check out the Zero Waste Produce Guide. It has step by step instructions for 75 of the most popular fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It is available on Amazon and in The Cross Legacy Shop.
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