Best Grated Parmesan Cheese: Honest Reviews and Buyers Guide for 2026

If you've ever had your grated parmesan cheese unexpectedly go bad on you right when you're about to use it for your latest Italian masterpiece, you're not alone.

And if you're like other folks, you might be wondering how to avoid it. How long does grated parmesan cheese last? Are there different kinds of grated parmesan? Do some last longer than others? And what are some ways you can make it last even longer? For all that and more, read on!

How Long Does Grated Parmesan Cheese Last Unopened?

Luckily, parmesan cheese tends to last longer than many other cheeses. Since it's dry aged, it has very little moisture, which helps prevent bacteria from forming.

When you buy grated parmesan cheese at the grocery store, there are two main kinds. One is in the refrigerated section and the other is shelf stable, usually coming in a plastic cylinder (often KRAFT brand) container with a green lid and holes for shaking at the top.

Here's how long each kind of cheese lasts unopened:

Refrigerated Grated Parmesan: Unopened, this cheese will last 10-14 days if stored in the fridge.

Shelf-Stable Grated Parmesan: Unopened, this will last around a year and about three months beyond the expiration date. Since this cheese is dehydrated, it has a very long shelf life. Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place.

How Long Does Grated Parmesan Last in the Fridge?

Once you open the containers of grated parmesan, they'll go bad a little quicker. Here's how long each kind of cheese lasts once opened:

Refrigerated Grated Parmesan: Once opened, this cheese lasts up to 10 days in the fridge.

Shelf-Stable Grated Parmesan: Once opened, this cheese should be stored in the fridge. Under refrigeration, it will last up to 6 months, but will taste best if eaten within 2 months.

How Long Does Parmesan Last if You Grate It Yourself?

Of course, having grated parmesan doesn't mean you have to buy it pre-grated. You can always buy blocks, or wedges, of parmesan and grate them by hand whenever you need some grated cheese.

It's a little more labor intensive, but fresh grated cheese tastes much better than pre-grated.

Once you grate the block, it will last about a week in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. The whole block of cheese itself lasts 2-3 months in the fridge when stored properly.

The best way to store the block is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper, then in a sealed plastic bag in the vegetable crisper.

What's the Best Way to Store Grated Parmesan Cheese?

Grated parmesan cheese, whether you bought it refrigerated or not, should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge once opened. Since parmesan is already a low moisture cheese, it can dry out very quickly if uncovered.

If you have space in your fridge, the best place to store your grated parmesan is actually in the vegetable crisper. That's because this is the most humid part of the refrigerator, and the moisture helps keep the dry cheese fresher for longer.

Also, if you dip into your container of grated parmesan, be sure to use clean utensils and/or clean hands to avoid introducing new bacteria into the container.

How Long Does Grated Parmesan Cheese Last in the Freezer?

Freezing grated parmesan cheese is a great way to extend its life. When frozen in an airtight container or sealed bag, it will last up to 18 months in the freezer!

Keep in mind that freezing grated parmesan will make it a little bit softer, so it's probably better suited for dishes where the cheese melts, such as a minestrone soup or lasagna.

How to Tell When Your Cheese Has Gone Bad

If the grated parmesan in your fridge is moldy, slimy, or has a sour smell or taste, it's time to throw it out.

Even if there's just a little bit of visible mold on the surface, there could be many more spores in the cheese that are too small to see with the naked eye. Food poisoning is no fun, so it's always better safe than sorry.

Do You Need to Follow Expiration Dates with Grated Parmesan Cheese?

Like most foods, grated parmesan is almost always safe to eat a little beyond the expiration date. Since there is so little moisture in parmesan cheese, that rule is even more true here.

A container of shelf-stable cheese lasts for about three months beyond the expiration date. For a tub of refrigerated grated parmesan, it will be safe to use for around a week after the expiration date.

Of course, if the cheese shows any visible signs of decay or smells sour, throw it out. Don't take chances with your health!