How to Store Feta Cheese Properly

July 24, 2025

Knowing how to store feta cheese properly is essential to maintain its signature tangy flavor, crumbly yet creamy texture, and ensure food safety. Whether kept in its traditional salty brine, olive oil, or airtight containers, using the right storage methods preserves freshness, extends shelf life, and reduces waste. This guide highlights why correct storage is crucial and offers simple, sustainable tips on how to store feta cheese effectively for long-lasting enjoyment.

Why Feta Cheese Should Be Stored Properly

Proper storage of feta cheese is essential to maintain its distinctive taste, texture, and safety, ensuring you enjoy it at its best while minimizing food waste.

Importance of Proper Storage for Taste, Texture, and Safety

Preserving Flavor and Freshness: Feta’s tangy, salty flavor is most vibrant when stored correctly. Exposure to air or improper conditions can dull its characteristic taste or lead to off-flavors.
Maintaining Texture: Feta’s unique crumbly yet creamy consistency depends on moisture retention. Poor storage can cause the cheese to dry out, become overly crumbly, or develop an unpleasant sourness.
Food Safety Considerations: Feta is often brined, which naturally helps inhibit microbial growth. However, improper handling or storage temperatures can still allow spoilage bacteria or mold to develop, posing health risks.

Why Feta Cheese Should Be Stored Properly

Preventing Spoilage, Mold, Dryness, and Sourness

Storing feta submerged in its brine or in a similar saline solution helps retain moisture and salt balance, protecting it from drying out and microbial contamination.
In the absence of brine, wrapping feta snugly in food-safe airtight containers prevents exposure to oxygen and moisture loss.
Using eco-friendly storage options, such as compostable paper bowls or kraft boxes lined for moisture, supports zero-waste principles while protecting feta’s quality.
Regularly check for signs of mold or off odors, discarding any cheese that appears spoiled to avoid foodborne illness.

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Preserving Feta’s Signature Crumbly, Creamy Profile

Feta’s crumbly texture arises from the specific balance of moisture and salt; losing this balance through improper storage leads to either overly dry or overly soft cheese.
Keeping feta chilled at consistent refrigeration temperatures (around 4°C/40°F) slows enzyme activity and microbial growth, preserving its texture and flavor longer.

Relevance for Zero-Waste Households and Small Food Businesses

In households aiming to reduce food waste, storing feta properly extends shelf life, allowing full consumption without premature spoilage.
Small food businesses and caterers benefit similarly, preserving product quality and ensuring food safety, reducing economic losses due to spoilage.
Incorporating sustainable storage materials aligns with eco-conscious values, minimizing plastic usage while safeguarding feta’s qualities.

Some Methods of Storing Feta Cheese

Proper storage of feta cheese is vital to preserving its unique flavor, ideal texture, and safety. Choosing the right method can also extend its shelf life, reduce waste, and enhance enjoyment. Below, we explore traditional and alternative storage methods alongside eco-friendly tips to support zero-waste living and responsible consumption.

Store in Brine (Traditional Method)

Why Use Brine?

Feta cheese is traditionally cured and stored in a salty brine, which plays a crucial role in preserving its signature tangy flavor and maintaining its moist, crumbly yet creamy texture. The salt concentration in the brine acts as a natural preservative, preventing spoilage by inhibiting unwanted bacterial growth while balancing moisture content.

How to Make Simple Brine:

A basic homemade brine requires only two ingredients:

1 tablespoon of kosher or sea salt (avoid iodized salt)
1 cup of clean, filtered water (preferably at room temperature)

Dissolve the salt thoroughly in the water. Adjust quantities proportionally depending on your container size.

Storage Instructions:

Cut the feta into manageable blocks or cubes to fit your container.
Fully submerge the cheese in the brine solution, ensuring no part is exposed to air, as this can cause drying or mold. Use a small plate or weight if necessary to keep the cheese submerged.
Store the container in the refrigerator at 4°C (40°F) or below.
Change the brine every 4-7 days to prevent development of off-flavors and maintain freshness.
When stored properly in brine, feta can keep for up to 3-4 weeks without quality loss.

Eco-Friendly Tip:

Use glass or BPA-free food-grade plastic containers with tight lids to avoid chemical leaching and ensure long-term usability; glass jars are particularly sustainable and easy to clean. Reusing containers also supports zero-waste principles.

Store in Olive Oil

Benefits of Olive Oil Storage:

Immersing feta in olive oil creates an effective seal against oxygen and moisture loss, reducing the risk of spoilage and enhancing creaminess. Olive oil adds a rich, fruity depth to the feta’s flavor, making it a delicious preservation technique often employed in Mediterranean cuisine.

How to Store Feta in Olive Oil:

Cut feta into bite-sized cubes or strips.
Place the pieces in a clean glass jar or eco-friendly airtight container.
Pour extra virgin olive oil over the feta until completely covered, eliminating air pockets.
To infuse flavors, add herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic cloves, crushed chili flakes, or lemon zest. These additions not only enhance taste but may also provide antioxidant benefits.

Refrigeration and Shelf-Life:

Store the jar in the fridge.
Feta stored this way remains fresh and flavorful for up to 2-3 weeks.
Olive oil will thicken in colder temperatures; allow it to come to room temperature briefly before use for easier serving.

Eco-Friendly Consideration:

Glass jars with metal lids are fully recyclable and reusable, making them excellent choices for sustainable storage. Avoid single-use plastics by investing in reusable containers.

Water or Milk Bath

Purpose of Soaking in Water or Milk:

For those who find traditional brined feta too salty, soaking the cheese in water or milk helps mellow its salty intensity while preserving moisture and texture. This is especially suitable for milder palates or culinary uses where a less pronounced salty flavor is desired.

How to Use Water or Milk Bath:

Place the feta in a clean, food-safe container.
Pour cold, fresh filtered water or whole milk over the cheese until fully submerged.
Seal the container tightly and store in the refrigerator.
Replace the water or milk every 2-3 days to ensure freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Shelf-Life and Texture:

This method is best for short-term storage, generally up to 1-2 weeks.
Cheese may soften more quickly than in brine or olive oil and develop a creamier, less crumbly texture.
Milk-bathed feta can add subtle creaminess, good for recipes requiring a softer cheese.

Eco-Friendly Tip:

Choose containers made from recycled materials or reuse glass jars to minimize waste. Compostable kraft paper can be used to cover containers between uses for added sustainability.

Airtight Containers or Wrap

When to Use Airtight Containers or Wrap:

If brining or oil preservation isn't feasible, storing feta in airtight, food-safe containers or wrapped properly provides a practical option for maintaining freshness over several days.

Best Practices:

Wrap the feta loosely in breathable, food-safe materials such as kraft paper, cheese paper, or parchment paper. These materials help regulate moisture without suffocating the cheese, which can happen with plastic wrap.
Place the wrapped feta in a glass or BPA-free plastic airtight container to protect it from refrigerator odors and prevent drying.
Avoid direct plastic wrap contact to reduce condensation and waste.

Recommended Shelf-Life:

Generally, feta stored this way remains good for 5-7 days.
Because it lacks the preservative effect of brine or oil, it is best to consume the cheese quickly.

Sustainable Packaging Suggestions:

Use compostable kraft paper or reusable beeswax wraps for wrapping.
Pair with glass containers or stainless-steel boxes for airtight sealing and reusability.
These methods align with zero-waste living by minimizing single-use plastics and reducing environmental impact.

Freezing Feta Cheese

Freezing feta cheese is a practical solution for extending its shelf life, especially when bought in bulk or when you want to save leftovers for future use. While feta is best enjoyed fresh to retain its optimal texture and flavor, freezing can allow you to preserve it safely and conveniently for up to several months, minimizing waste and maximizing value. Understanding the proper methods and considerations involved will help you get the most out of frozen feta.

Why Freeze Feta Cheese?

Extends Shelf-Life: Fresh feta typically lasts about 5–7 days once opened (or up to 3–4 weeks in brine when refrigerated). Freezing extends that shelf life to about 3 months, buying you valuable time to enjoy the cheese later without spoilage concerns.
Avoids Waste: If you purchase feta in large quantities, freezing portions that won’t be used immediately prevents spoilage.
Convenience: Frozen feta can be thawed as needed, making meal prep and portion control simpler.
Suitable for Various Forms: Both blocks and crumbled feta freeze well, though texture changes may be more noticeable in crumbled form.

How to Freeze Feta Cheese Properly

Freezing requires proper preparation and storage to best preserve feta’s qualities and avoid common pitfalls such as freezer burn, loss of texture, or flavor dilution.

Preparation

Drain Excess Moisture:
If your feta is stored in brine, remove it from the brine and gently pat dry with paper towels. Reducing surface moisture helps prevent ice crystal formation and sogginess after thawing.
Portioning:
Cut larger blocks into smaller, meal-sized portions or cubes before freezing. This allows you to thaw only what you need without repeatedly freezing and thawing the cheese, which can degrade quality.
Crumble if Preferred:
For recipes that use crumbled feta, you can crumble the cheese before freezing. Spread it thinly on a tray and freeze for a short time, then transfer the crumbles into storage containers or bags to avoid clumping.

Packaging Options

Proper packaging is critical to maintaining feta quality in the freezer.

In Brine:
Freeze feta blocks submerged in a simple homemade brine (1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt dissolved in 1 cup filtered water). This keeps the cheese moist, helps preserve salt balance, and prevents freezer burn. Use freezer-safe airtight containers for submersion.
In Olive Oil:
Submerging feta cubes in extra virgin olive oil creates a protective barrier against air exposure and freezer burn. Adding herbs or spices infuses extra flavor during storage. Use glass jars or BPA-free containers suitable for freezing.
Vacuum Sealed:
Vacuum sealing the feta (block or crumbles) removes air, significantly reducing oxidation and freezer burn. This method is especially effective for crumbled feta or smaller portions but requires access to a vacuum sealer and suitable bags.
Wrapped and Bagged:
If vacuum sealing isn’t available, tightly wrap feta pieces in plastic wrap or parchment paper to reduce direct air exposure, then place in a heavy-duty freezer bag with excess air squeezed out. Label with date to keep track of storage duration.

Storage Duration

Optimal Freezing Time: Feta cheese maintains best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. Beyond this timeframe, texture changes such as increased crumbliness or dryness and flavor fading may occur.

Thawing Tips

The way you thaw frozen feta affects its texture and taste.

Thaw Slowly:
Transfer frozen feta from the freezer to the refrigerator and thaw slowly overnight or for about 12 hours. This gradual thaw reduces moisture loss and texture deterioration.
Restore Moisture and Flavor:
If you notice dryness or mild flavor loss after thawing, briefly soak the feta in brine or drizzle with olive oil to rehydrate and enhance taste before serving.
Avoid Room Temperature Thawing:
Thawing feta at room temperature can lead to uneven thawing, increased risk of spoilage, and texture breakdown.

Optimal Fridge Conditions for Storing Feta Cheese

Maintaining the right refrigerator environment is crucial for preserving the freshness, texture, and safety of feta cheese. Below are best practices to ensure your feta stays flavorful and safe to eat.

Ideal Temperature: 0–4 °C (32–40 °F)

Keep your fridge temperature between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius (32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit) to slow bacterial growth and enzymatic activity that can cause spoilage.
This temperature range maintains feta’s creamy yet crumbly texture while protecting its tangy flavor.

Store in the Coldest Part of the Fridge (Not the Door)

Avoid storing feta in the fridge door, where temperatures fluctuate frequently due to opening and closing.
Instead, place feta in the coldest section of the fridge, typically near the back or on lower shelves, where the environment remains consistently cool.
Stable temperatures prevent premature drying, mold growth, or spoilage.

Use Sealed Containers to Avoid Moisture Loss and Cross-Contamination

Store feta in airtight, food-safe containers to lock in moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Well-sealed containers also avoid the absorption of other fridge odors and reduce risk of contamination from other foods.
Containers made from glass or BPA-free plastic are ideal for this purpose.

Recommend Kraft or Food-Safe Bowls for Short-Term Storage

For short-term storage or daily use, food-safe kraft paper bowls or compostable bowls offer a sustainable and practical option.
These eco-friendly bowls help maintain feta’s moisture without plastic waste, aligning with zero-waste living principles.
When using kraft or compostable bowls, cover feta with a breathable food-safe wrap or place the bowl in a sealed container to protect from drying out and external odors.

Signs Feta Has Gone Bad

Feta cheese is beloved for its distinctive tangy flavor and crumbly texture, but like all dairy products, it can spoil if not stored properly or kept for too long. Recognizing the signs of spoilage is essential for food safety and to avoid unpleasant taste experiences. Below are comprehensive indicators visual, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory that will help you determine if your feta cheese has gone bad.

Visual Signs of Spoiled Feta

Mold Growth:
While some types of cheese have edible mold as part of their character (e.g., blue cheese), mold on feta is usually a sign of spoilage. You might notice green, black, blue, or even pink fuzzy patches forming on the surface, especially if the cheese has been exposed to air or stored improperly.
Mold can penetrate beyond the surface of soft cheeses like feta, so even cutting off the visibly moldy section is unsafe and not recommended.
Yellowing or Discoloration:
Fresh, high-quality feta cheese is typically bright white or slightly ivory in color. If you observe yellow stains, brown spots, or any strange hues such as pinkish or grayish patches, this indicates microbial growth or chemical changes affecting the cheese’s integrity.
Discoloration can also suggest temperature abuse or that the cheese is past its prime.
Dry, Cracked Appearance or Excessive Wetness:
Feta should maintain a balance of moisture and firmness. Cheese that looks cracked and overly dry may have lost too much moisture, causing unpleasant hardness or chalkiness. Conversely, excessive pooling of liquid, cloudiness in the brine, or a slimy surface film are warning signs of spoilage and bacterial contamination.

Texture Changes to Watch For

Slimy or Sticky Surface:
A fresh feta’s texture is crumbly but moist not slimy, sticky, or gummy. When feta becomes slimy, it typically indicates bacterial overgrowth. Such a texture can also mean the cheese was stored beyond a safe temperature or for too long.
Overly Dry, Crumbly, or Rubbery:
While crumbling is natural for feta, excessive dryness that leads to brittle, chalky texture is a sign the cheese is aging poorly or has been dehydrated due to exposure to air.
On the other end, a rubbery or tough texture may indicate chemical breakdown or oxidation, also making it less palatable.

Smell and Taste Indicators of Spoiled Feta

Unpleasant or Off Odors:
Fresh feta presents a clean, salty, mildly tangy smell with subtle dairy undertones. Any change toward a strong sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odor suggests spoilage.
A musty or fermented smell beyond normal tanginess is also a red flag.
Sour, Bitter, or Off-Taste:
If your feta tastes harshly sour, bitter, metallic, or otherwise unpleasant beyond its natural sharpness, this might indicate bacterial or yeast growth altering the cheese’s chemistry.
Discard immediately if the taste deviates significantly from the normal briny, tangy profile.

Additional Considerations and Safety Tips

Brine Condition:
If your feta is stored in brine, monitor the liquid’s clarity and smell. Cloudy brine with sediment or off odors signals spoilage. Changing the brine regularly can help, but if spoilage occurs, discard the cheese.
Shelf-Life Awareness:
Even under optimal refrigeration (0–4 °C), opened feta typically lasts about 5 to 7 days, or up to 3–4 weeks if kept submerged in fresh brine. Be mindful of dates and storage conditions.
Cross-Contamination Prevention:
Avoid dipping utensils used for other foods directly into the cheese or brine container to minimize bacteria introduction.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out:
Since spoiled feta can harbor harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella, it’s safer to discard cheese showing any questionable signs. Food poisoning risks outweigh the cost of wasted cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How Long Does Opened Feta Last?

Once feta cheese is opened, its shelf life depends heavily on storage conditions:

Typical Shelf Life:
When stored properly in the refrigerator at an ideal temperature range of 0–4°C (32–40°F), opened feta generally lasts 5 to 7 days.
Extension with Brine:
If feta is kept submerged in fresh brine (a saltwater solution), this shelf life can extend significantly, often up to 3 to 4 weeks. The brine acts as both a preservative and moisture sealant, maintaining the cheese’s flavor and texture.
Proper Storage Tips:
Always store feta in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorption of other odors in the fridge. If you don’t have brine, you can add a homemade version (1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt dissolved in 1 cup filtered water) to keep feta fresh longer.
Spoilage Signs:
Despite proper storage, check for mold growth, off-putting smells, color changes, or texture alterations before use. If any spoilage signs appear, discard the cheese immediately to avoid foodborne illness.

2. Can I Freeze Crumbled Feta Cheese?

Freezing feta is a practical way to preserve unused portions, especially for crumbled or bulk feta:

Yes, Freezing is Possible:
Both block and crumbled feta can be frozen effectively. Crumbled feta is convenient as it can be portioned easily for recipes without needing extra handling.
Preparation for Freezing:
- Dry Excess Moisture: Pat crumbled feta dry carefully with paper towels to reduce surface moisture that can cause ice crystals.
- Pre-Freeze on Tray: Spread the crumbled feta thinly on a baking tray and freeze for 1–2 hours to prevent clumping. Once firm, transfer the crumbles into an airtight, freezer-safe container or vacuum-sealed bag for storage.
- Alternatively, you can freeze feta submerged in a homemade brine or extra virgin olive oil within freezer-safe glass jars or BPA-free containers to help maintain moisture and flavor.
Shelf Life in Freezer:
Frozen feta retains quality for up to 3 months. Beyond this, texture and flavor degradation may occur.
Thawing Tips:
Thaw feta slowly in the refrigerator overnight to preserve texture. After thawing, feta might become slightly crumblier and less creamy but remains ideal for salads, cooking, or baked dishes. To restore moisture and flavor, briefly soak it in fresh brine or drizzle olive oil before serving.

3. What Can I Use if I Discarded the Original Brine?

If you've discarded the original brine and want to store or rejuvenate your feta, you can easily prepare a simple saline solution:

Basic Homemade Brine Recipe: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of kosher or sea salt (avoid iodized salt which can affect taste) in 1 cup of clean filtered water at room temperature. Stir until completely dissolved.
Usage:
- Place the feta in a clean, airtight container.
- Submerge the cheese fully in this homemade brine to maintain moisture and preserve its signature salty tang and crumbly, creamy texture.
Maintenance:
Change the brine every few days (ideally every 4–7 days) to keep it fresh and prevent off-flavors, mold, or spoilage bacteria growth.
Benefits:
Fresh brine helps feta retain its flavor balance, prevents drying out, and inhibits microbial contamination, especially if you plan to store it longer than a few days.

4. Is Room-Temperature Feta Storage Safe?

Storing feta cheese at room temperature is generally unsafe and not recommended:

Ideal Storage:
Feta should always be kept refrigerated at 0–4°C (32–40°F) to inhibit bacterial growth and maintain quality. This temperature range slows down enzymatic activity and microbial spoilage that can cause cheese deterioration or foodborne illness.
Risks of Room Temperature Storage:
- Leaving feta out at room temperature for more than 2 hours dramatically increases the risk of growth of harmful bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella, which can survive and multiply at warmer temperatures.
- Prolonged room-temperature exposure can also cause the cheese to dry out, lose flavor, and undergo undesirable texture changes.
Exceptions:
In some culinary contexts, feta may be served at room temperature for brief periods to enhance flavor and texture (e.g., as a salad topping). However, utmost care must be taken to avoid extended exposure beyond 2 hours, especially in warm or humid conditions.
Safe Practices:
Always return unused feta promptly to the refrigerator and keep it well-sealed. Avoid leaving feta outdoors during picnics or gatherings for extended times.

Conclusion

To enjoy feta cheese at its freshest and safest, learning how to store feta cheese correctly is key. Traditional brine storage keeps it moist and flavorful for weeks, while olive oil, water baths, or airtight containers offer practical alternatives. For bulk purchases, freezing is an effective way to prolong usability. Always refrigerate feta at 0–4°C and consider eco-friendly storage options to support both quality and sustainability. Regularly inspecting for spoilage signs ensures you relish fresh feta while minimizing waste and environmental impact.