Is Blue Cheese Moldy, and Can You Eat Moldy Blue Cheese? (2024)

Blue cheese is a common type of cheese that’s known for its strong smell and distinct flavor.

Although most people have tried blue cheese, many are unfamiliar with how it’s made and whether it can go bad.

This article takes a closer look at what blue cheese is, how it’s made, and whether it’s safe to eat moldy blue cheese.

Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mold.

Certain types of mold produce compounds called mycotoxins, which are considered toxic to humans (1).

These mold spores can grow on foods due to spoilage, and they’re typically fuzzy and white, green, black, blue, or grey (2).

However, unlike these types of mold, the varieties of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese don’t produce toxins and are considered safe to consume (3).

During the cheesemaking process, Penicillium is added after the curds have been drained and rolled into wheels. The blue cheese is then left to age for 2–3 months before it’s ready to enjoy.

Penicillium is responsible for the distinct taste and smell of blue cheese, along with its signature blue and green veins and spots (4).

summary

Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mold that’s responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mold, Penicillium does not produce toxins and is safe to consume.

Like other types of cheese, blue cheese can go bad if it’s not properly stored.

Therefore, it’s important to store blue cheese tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.

If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator.

You can also freeze blue cheese to help extend its shelf life even further.

Although freezing blue cheese may slightly alter its texture and appearance, it remains safe indefinitely when frozen.

summary

Blue cheese can go bad if it’s not stored properly. If wrapped and refrigerated, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks. Frozen blue cheese can last indefinitely, although freezing it may slightly alter its texture and appearance.

If you notice any signs of spoilage on your blue cheese, you should discard it immediately.

In particular, fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface of blue cheese may indicate that it has gone bad.

Additionally, cheese that develops a strong odor similar to ammonia may be spoiled.

Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, which causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps (5, 6).

Certain types of mold also produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can suppress immune function, cause digestive distress, and even contribute to cancer (1).

Storing blue cheese properly and practicing food safety is the best way to prevent these negative side effects and enjoy blue cheese safely.

summary

Blue cheese should be discarded if there are any changes in its appearance or smell. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and increase exposure to harmful mycotoxins.

Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance.

Unlike other types of mold, the types of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese do not produce mycotoxins and are considered safe to consume.

However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it’s important to practice basic food safety practices and store blue cheese properly.

Is Blue Cheese Moldy, and Can You Eat Moldy Blue Cheese? (2024)

FAQs

Is Blue Cheese Moldy, and Can You Eat Moldy Blue Cheese? ›

Yes, blue cheese is made with mold. Some people find this troubling (some even go so far as to describe it as tasting like feet) despite the fact that this particular mold is not only safe for human consumption, but could even be healthy.

Can you eat blue cheese if it's moldy? ›

Safety. If you notice any signs of spoilage on your blue cheese, you should discard it immediately. In particular, fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface of blue cheese may indicate that it has gone bad. Additionally, cheese that develops a strong odor similar to ammonia may be spoiled.

What does spoiled blue cheese look like? ›

Fresh blue cheese already has mold in it, which is typically blue or green in color. However, you want to pay attention to the color of the creamy part of the cheese. It's normally a white, beige, or yellow shade. If you notice that it's started to turn pink, brown, or green, your blue cheese has likely spoiled.

Is the mold in blue cheese beneficial? ›

Blue cheese is a fermented cheese that uses Penicillium roqueforti mold cultures. However, unlike other types of mold, these cultures are nontoxic and safe for human consumption. Blue cheese can help promote bone health, dental health, and heart health.

What cheese is blue cheese without the mold? ›

Stilton is another world-famous blue cheese…or at least Blue Stilton is. (White Stilton, a lesser-known cheese made without the mold, is creamy, open-textured, and used for blending with fruits to make dessert cheeses.)

Is it OK to cut blue mold off cheese? ›

Discard any soft cheese showing mold. For hard cheese, such as Cheddar, cut off at least 1-inch around and below the mold spot (keep the knife out of the mold itself). After trimming off the mold, the remaining cheese should be safe to eat. Re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap and keep refrigerated.

What is the brown mold in blue cheese? ›

The blue mold in blue cheese is actually a type of Penicillium mold. When exposed to air, the mold can continue to grow and can start to break down the cheese, causing it to turn brown. This is a natural process that occurs as the mold consumes the cheese.

Will bad blue cheese make you sick? ›

Eating blue cheese that's gone bad could cause some problems. Some research has shown that eating spoiled cheese could lead to food poisoning and cause symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Can you get sick from moldy cheese? ›

However, any time you see black or dark red mold growing on any cheese, throw it away, Png said. It's rare but it can be toxic. “Other than that, the only real consequences of ingesting most molds will be an unpleasant taste and texture,” she said.

What is the difference between good mold and bad mold? ›

Explain the difference between good mold and bad mold. Good mold: specific and controlled mold added to blue cheese to give flavor. Bad mold: all other molds that grow uncontrolled on cheese.

Who should not eat blue cheese? ›

Cheese can be part of a healthy diet, but it's still high in salt and saturated fat, so eat it in moderation. People who are prone to headaches or migraine may want to limit or avoid blue cheese. Aged cheeses, like blue, are a common headache trigger.

Is blue cheese good for your heart? ›

Not only does blue cheese reduce cholesterol, but studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of blue cheese can improve heart health. It prevents inflammation in the arteries and blood clotting in the veins and arteries, therefore eliminating the risk of many heart diseases like stroke.

Can dogs eat blue cheese? ›

No, never give your dog blue cheese. The fungus involved in making blue cheeses such as Stilton can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. If your dog ingests this, they may develop the following symptoms: Vomiting.

What is another name for blue cheese? ›

blue cheese, any of several cheeses marbled with bluish or greenish veins of mold. Important trademarked varieties include English Stilton, French Roquefort, and Italian Gorgonzola. How is Gorgonzola cheese made? Most blue cheeses are made from cow's milk, but Roquefort is made from the milk of the ewe.

How to best eat blue cheese? ›

Blue cheeses with stronger flavors tend to go well with a bite of something sweet: slices of fresh pear or apple, a handful of grapes, dried figs or honey.

How to tell if blue cheese dressing is bad? ›

Spoilage is often noticeable by:
  1. Visible Mold: Any mold growth on the dressing or under the cap is a clear sign of spoilage.
  2. Off-putting Smell: A sour or unusual odor indicates that the dressing should be discarded.
  3. Change in Texture: If the dressing becomes too thick, clumpy, or separated, it should not be consumed.
Mar 9, 2024

Can you eat blueberries with white mold? ›

Dr. Rajapakse says to throw out the ones that look visibly moldy as well as any that might have been in direct contact.

Why is my cheese turning blue? ›

Blue discoloration in fresh mozzarella cheese (FMC) is a defect caused by certain biotypes of Pseudomonas spp.

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