How long does shredded cheese last? Have you, at one time or the other, pondered about the duration until shredded cheese spoils? When we rush to cook, we often opt for pre-shredded cheese.
However, it’s crucial to guarantee that the cheese remains both safe and flavorful. It is important that the food you cook at home or buy from the store is safe and of standard quality.
So, how long does shredded cheese last? Shredded cheese is a common ingredient in various dishes, and the duration of its freshness can vary depending on the type you purchase.
In this article, we will not only answer the question How Long Does Shredded Cheese Last? We will also provide valuable storage suggestions to ensure its optimal longevity, address queries concerning expiry dates, and examine the possibility of freezing. Do read on!
What Is Shredded Cheese?
Shredded cheese is an ingredient consisting of semi-soft, grated, or finely cut cheese that finds its application in many culinary creations.
Typically sold in block form, this type of cheese is available in various brands such as gruyere, pepper jack, American cheddar jack, and Mexican varieties.
The block is subjected to spinning to transform the cheese into its shredded form. This involves placing the cheese in heated drums and allowing it to spin, resulting in the cheese breaking apart into flakes or thin strips.
The popular pasta dish mac and cheese has gained widespread recognition for its use of shredded cheese. However, any recipe that requires melting can use shredded cheese as a suitable option.
Unlike hard cheese, shredded cheese does not scatter while melting. This characteristic made it a handy choice for various recipes.
A characteristic difference between grated hard cheese and shredded cheese is that the first has a uniform surface area while the latter has tapered ends.
Shredding makes shreds thinner than how they would be if cut by hand, such as on top of a pizza or salad.
Shredding results in thinner shreds than hand-cut cheese. Shredded cheese is applied in dishes that require cheese-melting, such as tacos, salads, and lasagna.
How Long Does Shredded Cheese Last?
Shredded cheese is a common ingredient in various dishes, and the duration of its freshness can vary depending on the type you purchase.
The cheese packaging often has an expiry date indicated on them. However, in cases where such information is unavailable, it is still possible to estimate the shelf life of the cheese by relying on its texture and taste.
If they’re open but unrefrigerated, they will be good for about four hours before the texture changes significantly enough that when you taste it, there’s a noticeable difference from how it was initially packaged.
When shredded cheese is opened but left unrefrigerated, it is generally safe to consume for approximately four hours. However, after this period, the texture and taste of the cheese may undergo significant changes.
When an unopened pack of shredded cheese is properly stored, it can maintain its quality for about one to two months. However, the shelf life of homemade shredded cheese reduces to approximately six days.
The duration that shredded cheese remains fresh can differ significantly based on whether it is frozen.
When stored in the freezer, shredded cheese can maintain its freshness for approximately six to eight months without experiencing noticeable changes in flavor.
Putting an open pack of shredded cheese in the freezer doesn’t significantly add to its lifespan.
Additionally, shredded cheese stored at room temperature for an extended period will develop a noticeable crumbly texture and sour taste. In this case, consuming it is no longer safe unless you intend to incorporate it into a sauce or cooked dish.
Also Read: Do Sour Patch Kids Have Gelatin? (Answered) and Does Feta Cheese Melt? (Everything To Know)
How To Tell When Shredded Cheese Has Gone Bad?
Here are signs that show that your shredded cheese is bad:
- Age: It is advisable to dispose of an unopened package of shredded cheese if it is several weeks past its expiration date or if it has been opened for above five to six days. While it may still be potentially safe to consume at that instance, it is difficult to determine with certainty, and the initial signs of spoilage can be challenging to detect.
- Mold: If you notice any signs of mold on shredded cheese, it is best to discard the entire package. While cutting out moldy sections from hard cheese is generally acceptable, the same approach cannot be applied to shredded cheese of any kind.
- Smell: If your cheese no longer possesses its characteristic cheese aroma, emits a peculiar odor, or has a sourish scent, it indicates that the cheese has gone bad and is no longer suitable for consumption.
- Texture: Although texture changes are less common in shredded cheese, discarding it if you notice any alterations in its texture is generally recommended.
Asides from these common indications, you might notice some white crystals on your cheese. If that happens, be assured that it is not spoilage but rather a natural breakdown process and is safe to consume.
Can You Eat Shredded Cheese That Has Mold Growth?
It is not enough to cut out the parts of the cheese with mold, as mold can spread mycotoxins, which can harm human health when consumed in significant quantities.
Furthermore, even if the mold is not dangerous, its presence suggests that the cheese is bad and should not be eaten.
It is advisable to prioritize caution and throw away any cheese exhibiting mold growth to minimize potential health dangers.
Proper storage of shredded cheese in the freezer or refrigerator and using it before the expiry date are important practices to curb mold growth.
How to Store Shredded Cheese
If you want your shredded cheese to last longer, it is vital to store them properly. Below are some suggestions on how to keep shredded cheese:
-
Refrigerator
It is important to refrigerate shredded cheese at all times. The recommended temperature range for storing shredded cheese is between 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid air exposure, it is advised to shelf the cheese in its original packaging or a properly sealed container.
-
Freezer
To prolong the shelf life of shredded cheese, it is possible to freeze it. Freezing shredded cheese can effectively curb the growth of mold and preserve its freshness for an extended period.
To do this, transfer it into a freezer bag or an airless container, eliminating as much air as possible before sealing it. Shredded cheese can maintain its quality in the freezer for approximately 6 months when properly frozen.
Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that the consistency of the cheese can be affected by freezing. After the cheese has been thawed, it might acquire a crumbly texture or experience a slight loss of flavor.
Instead of using frozen shredded cheese as a topping, you would make the best of it by incorporating it into cooked meals.
To ensure food safety, it is crucial to thaw frozen shredded cheese in the refrigerator, as this helps prevent any potential risks.
Health Benefits of Shredded Cheese
Shredded cheese, as a dairy product, is abundant in calcium and zinc, making it a rich source of nutrients. It also contains significant amounts of phosphorus, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and other macronutrients. Thus, there is no need to hesitate to incorporate shredded cheese into your daily meals.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, some other benefits associated with consuming shredded cheese include strengthening teeth and bones, lowering the potential for cardiovascular illnesses, lowering tissue inflammation, managing blood pressure fluctuation, enhances the creation of thyroxine hormones.
To derive the benefits of consuming shredded cheese, you can explore side dishes such as pancakes, omelets, and egg tarts that incorporate the cheese. Additionally, many cheese options are available depending on your dietary choices, including goat, cheddar, feta, mozzarella cheese, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions-How Long Does Shredded Cheese Last?
How Do You Know if Shredded Cheese Has Gone Bad?
Cheese that displays abnormal colors like greenish or yellowish spots emits a sour odor or becomes slimy on the surface is likely spoiled.
Is It Better To Freeze Shredded Cheese?
Opting for pre-shredded cheese is generally a reliable choice. You can conveniently freeze it in its original packaging. Alternatively, you can shred a block of cheese and freeze it for later use.
How Do You Preserve Shredded Cheese?
You can store shredded cheese in its original packaging, often including a resealable feature or plastic bags. Minimizing the air in the bag before tightly sealing it is important.
Whenever possible, it is advisable to avoid freezing shredded cheese. Purchasing only the amount of cheese you intend to use within its designated shelf life is recommended.
Also Checkout: Can You Freeze Factor Meals? (Everything to Know) and How Long Can Sour Cream Sit Out? (Explained)
Conclusion- How Long Does Shredded Cheese Last?
Shredded cheese is an ingredient that can be incorporated to enhance the texture and flavor of various dishes. To maintain its freshness and ensure safety, it is crucial to understand the proper methods of storing and handling it.
Shredded cheese can remain fresh in the refrigerator for approximately two weeks when stored correctly. However, it’s worth noting that soft cheeses like goat and feta cheese have a shorter shelf life and may only last a few days. Before consuming cheese, it’s important to inspect it for the presence of sour odor, discoloration, or mold, which are indications of spoilage.
To extend the shelf life of shredded cheese, storing it in a sealed container in either the refrigerator or the freezer is advisable. Frozen shredded cheese can maintain its quality for up to six months. It is essential to thaw the cheese correctly and dispose of spoiled portions.
By following these guidelines, you can preserve the freshness and safety of your shredded cheese.