Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a shelf-stable food product, so it doesn't need to be refrigerated until it's cooked. Even then, it will last a few days in the fridge. Uncooked boxed macaroni and cheese can last a while if stored correctly, but it can go bad. The best way to tell if your box of macaroni and cheese has gone bad is to look at and smell the pasta and cheese powder or sauce. If there is mould, discolouration, a rancid smell, or an off texture, it has likely gone bad. While commercially packaged macaroni and cheese will have a best before or best when used by date, this is not a safety date but rather the manufacturer's estimate of how long the product will remain at peak quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Up to 2 years unopened at room temperature |
| Storage conditions | Cool, dry area |
| Packaging | Tightly closed |
| Date labels | "Best By", "Best if Used By", "Best Before", "Best When Used By", "Use By", "Sell By", "Freeze By" |
| Date label meaning | Not directly related to food safety; indicates inventory management and peak quality |
| Spoilage indicators | Mold, moisture, bacteria, yeast, discoloration, rancid smell, off texture, clumpy cheese powder |
| Refrigeration | Not required until it becomes leftovers |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking; consume within a few days |
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What You'll Learn
How long does boxed mac and cheese last?
The shelf life of boxed mac and cheese depends on several factors, including storage conditions, packaging, and the product's "best-by" date.
Firstly, it is important to distinguish between uncooked and cooked mac and cheese. Uncooked boxed mac and cheese, with its dried pasta and powdered cheese, can last a while when stored properly. According to some sources, an unopened box can last up to two years when stored in a cool, dry spot. However, it's important to check the "best-by," "best if used by," "best before," or similar dates on the packaging, as these indicate the expected period of peak quality, not necessarily food safety. Food banks like Second Harvest suggest that boxed mac and cheese can even last at least a year past its "best-when-used-by" date.
Once the packaging is opened, the contents should be stored in an airtight container if the original packaging is damaged. This helps prevent issues like stale pasta or funky-tasting cheese powder.
For cooked mac and cheese, time becomes a more critical factor. It is recommended to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. An airtight container can help lock in flavour and prevent bacterial growth. Cooked mac and cheese should be consumed within a few days for the best taste and to minimise the risk of foodborne illness.
To determine if boxed mac and cheese has spoiled, use your senses. Inspect the pasta and cheese powder for any signs of mold, moisture, bacteria, or yeast. Discolouration, tiny spots, clumpy cheese powder, or a rancid smell are indicators that the product has likely gone bad. Similarly, changes in texture, such as crumbly pasta or a slimy feel, can signify spoilage. Trust your senses and refrain from consuming mac and cheese that exhibits these signs of deterioration.
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What are the signs that it's gone bad?
Kraft Mac and Cheese is designed to have a long shelf life, thanks to its dry, processed ingredients and secure packaging. However, it can go bad, and it's important to know the signs to look out for.
Firstly, always check the packaging. If the box is torn or compromised, it may have been exposed to air or moisture, increasing the risk of spoilage.
Next, look at the cheese powder. If it has changed colour, smells strange, or has visible mould, it has gone bad. The cheese powder might also be clumpy instead of loose, which is a sign that it has spoiled.
The pasta itself can also show signs of spoilage. If it is crumbly instead of firm, or if there are any noticeable texture changes, it has likely gone bad.
Finally, trust your senses. If the mac and cheese smells rancid or looks discoloured, it is best to discard it.
To summarise, the key signs that mac and cheese has gone bad are changes in colour, texture, or smell, as well as visible mould or compromised packaging.
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How to store boxed mac and cheese
Boxed mac and cheese is a shelf-stable food product, so it doesn't need to be refrigerated and doesn't require special handling. Even dried pasta, the main ingredient in boxed mac and cheese, is considered non-perishable by the United States Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). However, boxed mac and cheese can go bad, so it's important to store it properly to maximize its shelf life.
Firstly, store unopened boxes in a cool, dry spot. This will ensure that the boxed mac and cheese stays fresh for up to two years. It's also important to keep the package tightly closed at all times to prevent moisture, air, and contaminants from getting inside. Additionally, make sure to store the box away from anything that could puncture or tear it, as well as the cheese pouch.
Once the box has been opened, transfer the contents to an airtight container if the original packaging has been damaged. This will help keep the pasta stale-free and the cheese powder fresh.
If you've cooked the mac and cheese, it's important to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, which should be set between 35°F and 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Cooked mac and cheese will stay fresh in the fridge for a few days, but if you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option.
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How to store cooked mac and cheese
To store cooked mac and cheese, you should let it cool almost completely, then place it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Use an airtight container to lock in the flavour and keep the food fresh. It will last for about 3-5 days in the fridge.
If you want to keep cooked mac and cheese for longer, you can freeze it. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic and aluminium foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
When reheating, ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) to kill off any bacteria. It can be reheated in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
It is important to note that cooked mac and cheese should not be left at room temperature for too long, as this can cause bacteria to grow and decrease its shelf life.
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What do the labels on the box mean?
The labels on a box of macaroni and cheese include a variety of information that is important for consumers to understand. Firstly, there is usually a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before," or "Best When Used By" date. These dates are not related to safety but are the manufacturer's estimate of how long the product will remain at its peak quality. To ensure the best quality, it is recommended to store the box in a cool, dry area and keep the package tightly closed.
Another important label on the box is the nutrition facts panel, which typically includes two columns: "As Packaged" and "As Prepared". The "As Packaged" column refers to the nutritional content of the product as it is in the box, without any additional ingredients or preparation. It includes the dry mix and any other contents of the box, such as cheese sauce mix. This information is useful if consumers want to prepare the product differently, such as using low-calorie milk or no butter, as it provides a baseline for nutrient information.
On the other hand, the "As Prepared" column includes the nutritional information after the product has been prepared according to the package directions, including the addition of ingredients like butter, margarine, or milk. The numbers in this column are generally higher, with more fat and calories, as these added ingredients contribute to the overall nutritional profile.
It's important to note that the nutritional values on the labels are accurate at the time of packaging. However, if the product is stored for an extended period or undergoes processes like freezing, thawing, or cooking, the nutritional content may change over time. Therefore, the figures on the box may differ from those at the time of consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Uncooked boxed macaroni and cheese can last up to two years if stored unopened in a cool, dry spot. Once opened, the contents should be stored in an airtight container.
Yes, boxed macaroni and cheese can go bad. To check if it has gone bad, look for signs of spoilage such as mold, moisture, discolouration, or a rancid smell. If the pasta is crumbly or the cheese powder is clumpy, it has likely gone bad.
The different types of date labels include "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Use By," "Sell By," and "Freeze By." These dates are related to inventory management and indicate peak quality, but they are not direct measures of food safety.
Leftover macaroni and cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for a few days, but be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
