Cheese sticks, also known as string cheese, mozzarella sticks, cheese fingers, or simply cheese strings, are a popular snack food consisting of mozzarella cheese that has been formed into an elongated stick shape. But how long can you leave cheese sticks out at room temperature before they go bad and become unsafe to eat? Here is a comprehensive look at how long cheese sticks last outside the refrigerator and signs that they have spoiled.
Quick Answer
Unopened cheese sticks can be left at room temperature for 2-3 weeks past the printed expiration date on the package. Once opened, cheese sticks will last 3-5 days at room temperature. For best quality, serve cheese sticks within 1-2 days of opening. If cheese sticks develop mold, have an off smell or flavor, or become overly dry and cracked, they should be discarded.
How Long Do Cheese Sticks Last at Room Temperature?
The shelf life of cheese sticks depends on whether the package has been opened or not. Here is how long cheese sticks last in the pantry or at room temperature:
Unopened Cheese Sticks
Properly stored, unopened cheese sticks will typically stay fresh for:
- Pantry: 2-3 weeks past the expiration date on the package
- Counter: 2-3 weeks past the expiration date on the package
The expiration date stamped on the package of cheese sticks is a sell by date, not a safety date. So unopened sticks that have been stored properly can still be consumed for a period after the expiration date, generally 1-3 weeks depending on the product. Be sure to inspect the product before eating and look for signs of spoilage.
Opened Cheese Sticks
Once opened, cheese sticks will keep for:
- Counter: 3-5 days
- Pantry: 3-5 days
The shelf life decreases rapidly once the original packaging is opened and exposed to air. Consume opened sticks within 3-5 days. Properly stored cheese sticks can last up to 7 days, but they will start to dry out and lose their texture after 5 days.
How to Tell if Cheese Sticks Are Bad
Although not a perfect test, your eyes, nose and mouth are generally the most reliable instruments to tell if your cheese sticks have spoiled. Here are some common signs that cheese sticks have gone bad:
Sight
- Mold growth – you may see fuzzy or slimy areas of white, blue, green or black mold developing.
- Discoloration – cheese sticks may start to turn yellow or brown as they deteriorate.
- Dry, cracked appearance – cheese loses its flexibility and moisture as it dries out.
Smell
- Sour, off smells – spoiled cheese sticks will have a distinct sour odor.
- Ammonia or beer-like smell – this is a definite red flag.
Texture
- Slimy or sticky – spoiled cheese will feel abnormally slippery or tacky.
- Hard and dry – fresh cheese sticks should be flexible and easy to peel.
Taste
- Bitter flavors
- Sour, acidic taste
If your cheese sticks exhibit any of those signs, err on the side of caution and throw them out. Don’t take chances with foodborne pathogens.
How to Store Cheese Sticks
To maximize the shelf life of cheese sticks once the package is opened, follow these storage guidelines:
- Keep unused cheese sticks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store opened cheese sticks in the pantry or any cupboard away from sources of heat and light.
- Make sure they remain refrigerated after cooking or being left out until ready to use.
- Do not freeze cheese sticks for long term storage as this causes texture damage.
Can You Freeze Cheese Sticks?
You can freeze unopened packages of cheese sticks, but it is not recommended to freeze cheese sticks after opening. Here are some freezing guidelines for cheese sticks:
Unopened Cheese Sticks
- Place unopened packages in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Opened Cheese Sticks
- Freeze in airtight containers or bags for up to 1 month.
- Thawing will cause texture changes like sogginess.
- Best to avoid freezing opened sticks.
The high moisture content causes cheese to suffer major texture changes when frozen. Thawed cheese sticks will become rubbery and the cheese can separate from the breading. For best quality, thaw cheese sticks overnight in the fridge and use immediately.
Can You Refrigerate Cheese Sticks?
Refrigeration can significantly extend the shelf life of opened packages of cheese sticks. Follow these tips for refrigerating cheese sticks:
- Refrigerate opened sticks within 2 hours of leaving out.
- Store in a sealed container or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Use within 5-7 days for best quality and flavor.
- Monitor refrigerated sticks closely for mold growth.
The cold environment of the refrigerator helps slow down the growth of bacteria and mold. Cheese sticks stored in the fridge can gain 1-2 weeks of extra shelf life compared to sitting out at room temperature. Just be diligent about using refrigerated sticks within a week as the texture will degrade over time.
How Long Do Cheese Sticks Last in the Fridge?
Cheese sticks are perishable and have a limited shelf life, even when refrigerated. Here is how long cheese sticks last when properly stored in the refrigerator:
- Unopened: Up to 1 month past the sell by date on the package
- Opened: 5 to 7 days
Always inspect refrigerated cheese sticks before serving and discard any that have mold or look spoiled. Well wrapped cheese sticks can potentially keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but the quality will decline after 7 days.
Do Cheese Sticks Need to be Refrigerated?
Refrigeration extends the shelf life of cheese sticks, but is not strictly required. Many people store unopened packages in the pantry. However, for best safety and quality, observe these refrigeration guidelines:
- Unopened packages can be left unrefrigerated.
- Refrigerate after opening.
- Refrigerate any leftovers or uneaten portion.
- Do not leave cheese sticks unrefrigerated for more than 4 hours once opened.
The intact vacuum packaging prevents bacteria growth in unopened cheese sticks. But after exposure to air, it is highly recommended to refrigerate sticks within 2 hours of opening. Never let cheese sticks or prepared mozzarella sticks sit out overnight without refrigeration.
Can You Leave Cheese Sticks Out Overnight?
It is not recommended to leave cheese sticks out overnight, especially after opening the package. Here are some guidelines for leaving cheese sticks out overnight:
- Unopened packages are lower risk to leave out overnight.
- Opened packages should be refrigerated if left out more than 2 hours.
- Prepared mozzarella sticks should always be refrigerated overnight.
- Discard cheese sticks if left out over 8 hours.
The combination of warm temperatures and time create optimal conditions for fast bacteria growth. Cheese sticks left overnight at room temperature for more than 8 consecutive hours have a high risk of causing food poisoning. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe and throw it out.
Can You Eat Moldy Cheese Sticks?
It is not recommended to eat moldy cheese sticks. Here’s a quick guide to dealing with mold on cheese sticks:
- Discard cheese sticks at the first sign of mold.
- Do not try to scrape off and consume moldy areas.
- Mold below the surface can be hidden from view.
- When cheese sticks show mold, contaminants may have spread.
Mold is a clear sign that cheese sticks have spoiled and the growth of unwanted bacteria has become advanced. While it is generally safe to cut away mold on some hard cheeses, the soft texture of mozzarella means contamination likely goes below the visible mold. Don’t take risks with cheese sticks that have developed mold.
How to Know if Cheese Sticks Are Still Good?
To determine if cheese sticks are still fresh and safe to eat, examine them closely and watch for these signs of spoiled cheese sticks:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration
- Dry, cracked consistency
- Sour or ammonia smell
- Off flavors when tasted
Safely storing cheese sticks is also key. Cheese sticks that have been continually refrigerated are less likely to be spoiled than those left for many hours at room temperature. Observing for any of those warning signs and adhering to the recommended storage times will minimize the risk of consuming spoiled cheese sticks.
Conclusion
When stored properly, cheese sticks can keep for 1-3 weeks beyond the expiration date if the package remains sealed. Once opened, cheese sticks will maintain best quality for 3-5 days out on the counter. Refrigerating opened sticks extends the shelf life for another 5-7 days. Look for visible mold growth, foul odors, change in color or texture, and off tastes as signs that cheese sticks have spoiled. Discard cheese sticks if left at room temperature overnight after opening. With proper storage and careful inspection, cheese sticks can remain safe and tasty to enjoy as a quick snack.