Nutrition Diet: How long is brie ok in the fridge?

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA guidelines, most soft cheeses like brie, once opened, should be consumed within 1 to 2 weeks for the best quality and safety. Understanding how long is brie ok in the fridge and the proper storage techniques are crucial for enjoying this decadent cheese and preventing food waste.

Quick Summary

This guide provides clarity on the refrigerated shelf life of brie, outlining optimal storage practices, distinguishing between edible and spoiled cheese, and covering key food safety aspects related to soft cheeses. The article also addresses common questions about storing and freezing brie.

Key Points

Consume Opened Brie Within 1-2 Weeks: After opening, brie should be consumed within 1 to 2 weeks for the best flavor and food safety.
Wrap in Paper, Then Foil: For optimal storage, wrap brie first in cheese or parchment paper, then in aluminum foil or an airtight container to prevent moisture buildup and odor absorption.
Avoid Tight Plastic Wrap: Do not wrap brie directly in plastic film, as it traps moisture and gases, leading to spoilage and a bad ammonia taste.
Watch for Spoilage Signs: Discard brie if it has a strong ammonia smell, dark-colored mold (beyond the white rind), or an excessively runny or dried-out texture.
Freezing Alters Texture: While you can freeze brie for cooking, expect a change in texture and use the thawed cheese within a few days.
Prioritize Pasteurized Brie: Vulnerable individuals should choose pasteurized brie to minimize the risk of bacterial infections like Listeria.
Store in the Crisper Drawer: The crisper drawer offers the best humidity and temperature for storing soft cheeses like brie.

The Shelf Life of Brie: Opened vs. Unopened

Unlike its harder cheese counterparts, brie is a soft-ripened cheese, making it more perishable. The shelf life changes significantly once the original packaging is opened, as exposure to air accelerates the aging process and bacterial growth.

Unopened Brie: A sealed, unopened wheel of brie typically lasts for several weeks, or even a few months, past its 'best by' date if stored correctly in the refrigerator. The date printed on the packaging is an indicator of peak quality, not necessarily the point of spoilage. As long as the packaging remains intact and there are no signs of spoilage, it can be safely consumed.
Opened Brie: Once opened, the clock starts ticking much faster. For optimal quality and safety, plan to consume opened brie within one to two weeks. Some sources recommend even shorter periods, around seven days, depending on the cheese's condition and your personal tolerance. The key to extending this period lies in proper re-storage, which prevents excessive moisture and flavor degradation.

The Critical Difference: Proper Storage Techniques

The way you store brie directly impacts its flavor, texture, and longevity. Improper storage can lead to rapid spoilage and a less-than-pleasant taste.

Here is a list of best practices for storing brie:

Wrap it Right: The most effective method is a two-layer approach. First, wrap the cheese in a breathable material like cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. This allows the cheese to breathe while preventing it from drying out. Second, use a more airtight layer, such as aluminum foil or a resealable plastic bag, to protect it from absorbing other food odors.
Avoid Plastic Cling Film (Directly): Wrapping brie tightly in plastic film can trap moisture and harmful ammonia gases, leading to an unpleasant flavor and promoting the growth of undesirable molds.
Use the Crisper Drawer: The vegetable crisper is the best spot in your fridge for cheese. It offers a higher, more stable humidity level and a slightly warmer temperature compared to the coldest part of the fridge, providing a better environment for soft cheese.
Use an Airtight Container: For opened cheese, place the properly wrapped brie into a plastic or glass airtight container to further protect it from odors and maintain its freshness.
Separate Cheeses: If storing multiple types of cheese, keep them in separate containers. This prevents flavor contamination, especially with stronger-smelling varieties.

Identifying Spoilage: What to Look For

Your senses are the best tool for determining if brie has gone bad. Don't rely solely on the date printed on the package.

Ammonia Odor: A faint, light ammonia smell is normal for brie as it ripens, and should dissipate after being exposed to air for a few minutes. However, a strong, lingering ammonia odor is a clear sign of spoilage.
Texture Changes: Fresh brie is firm on the outside with a creamy, sometimes slightly runny, interior. If the interior becomes excessively liquidy or the texture feels hard and dry throughout, it is past its prime.
Discolored Rind: The white, bloomy rind of brie is an edible mold. However, if you see dark gray, brown, green, or pink patches on the rind, it indicates the presence of harmful mold that should be discarded.

Comparing Brie Storage Methods


Storage Method	Estimated Shelf Life	Impact on Texture	Best For
Proper Wrapping (Paper & Foil/Container)	1-2 weeks (opened)	Best preservation of creamy texture.	Enjoying fresh brie over a few weeks.
Direct Plastic Wrap	1-7 days (opened)	Poor; can trap moisture and create off-flavors.	Very short-term storage, not recommended.
Freezing	Up to 3-6 months	Significantly alters texture; becomes crumbly and dry.	Using thawed brie for cooking (e.g., in sauces or baking).

Nutrition and Safety: Making Smart Choices

Brie can be a flavorful and nutritious addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. As a source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, it offers several health benefits. However, it is also higher in fat and sodium compared to some other cheeses.

One of the most important safety considerations with brie is its pasteurization status. Most commercial brie in the US and Europe is made with pasteurized milk, which means the milk was heated to kill harmful bacteria like Listeria. Unpasteurized (or raw milk) brie, however, carries a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, are advised to avoid unpasteurized soft cheeses. To further reduce risk, especially with unpasteurized versions, baking the brie to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) is recommended. The USDA provides detailed information on handling dairy products safely.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Brie Enjoyment

Knowing how long is brie ok in the fridge and storing it properly are the keys to a safe and delicious culinary experience. By re-wrapping opened brie in a breathable layer followed by foil, storing it in the crisper drawer, and using your senses to check for spoilage, you can ensure you get the most from your cheese. Whether it's enjoyed on a cheese board or melted into a warm dish, proper care ensures that every bite of brie is as good as it was intended to be.

For more detailed information on food safety, you can visit the official USDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A very mild ammonia odor that disappears after the brie sits at room temperature for a few minutes is normal as it ages. However, a strong, persistent ammonia smell indicates the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded.

Yes, the white rind of brie is an edible mold called Penicillium candidum. It is part of the cheese's flavor profile and is perfectly safe to eat.

Yes, you can freeze brie, but it will change the texture, making it more crumbly when thawed. It is best to use frozen and thawed brie in cooked dishes rather than serving it fresh.

The best way to defrost brie is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid using a microwave or oven, as this can negatively impact the texture.

Look for a strong ammonia smell, dark discoloration (like gray or brown patches) on the rind, or an excessively runny or hard texture. If in doubt, it's safest to throw it out.

For soft cheeses like brie, the 'best before' date is a guide for peak quality. However, unlike a 'use by' date, you can often consume it safely past this date if it has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage. Always use your senses to assess its condition.

Plastic wrap can prevent the cheese from breathing, trapping excess moisture and ammonia gases. This can promote the growth of undesirable molds and cause the cheese to develop an off-flavor.