Patrick Oconnell
American cheese is a beloved refrigerator staple, but it doesn't last forever. While freezing is an option, it's generally discouraged as it can alter the texture and flavour, compromising its iconic meltability and making it grainy and crumbly. So, how can you tell if your American cheese has gone bad? The key indicators are touch, smell, and the presence of mould. If your cheese has a slimy texture, a sour odour, or any spots of mould, it's best to throw it out to avoid the risk of food poisoning. Properly stored in the fridge, sliced American cheese can last 2 to 3 weeks beyond its sell-by date, while freezing can extend its shelf life indefinitely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Indications of spoilage | Mould, slimy texture, sour odour, stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhoea |
| Storage conditions | Should be refrigerated at all times |
| Shelf life | 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator, 6-9 months in the freezer |
| Extending shelf life | Wrapping sliced cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify bad American cheese
American cheese is a refrigerator staple, but it's important to know when it has gone bad to avoid any health risks. Here are some ways to identify if your American cheese has spoiled:
Visual Inspection
Fresh American cheese typically has a uniform, vibrant yellow or orange hue. One of the most common signs of spoilage is discoloration, such as dark spots or a dull appearance. Any signs of mold, including green, blue, or white patches, indicate that the cheese is no longer safe to eat.
Texture
Changes in texture can also signify spoilage. If your American cheese has a slimy texture or you notice oil pooling on the surface or a watery film, it's best to discard it. Freezing American cheese can also alter its texture, making it grainy and crumbly, so it's generally not recommended.
Smell
Smell is a definitive way to assess the state of American cheese. A tangy or sour smell deviates from the expected mild, creamy aroma of fresh cheese and indicates fermentation and spoilage. Any strong or rancid odours are clear signs that the cheese has deteriorated and should be thrown away.
Storage
To maintain freshness and prolong the shelf life of American cheese, it's important to follow proper storage practices. After opening, American cheese should be refrigerated immediately and sealed tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. Keeping it dry helps prevent mold growth, and it should be stored at a temperature between 34°F to 40°F (1°C to 4°C).
In summary, identifying spoiled American cheese is crucial for food safety. If you notice any visual, textural, or olfactory changes, it's best to discard the cheese and avoid consuming it to prevent any potential health risks associated with consuming spoiled dairy products.
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Freezing American cheese
Freezing is a great way to preserve American cheese for an extended period. While it may not be recommended by manufacturers due to potential changes in texture and flavour, freezing can be a viable option to prevent waste.
American cheese slices, in particular, have a longer shelf life than other cheeses due to their processing, resisting mould growth. However, if you have more cheese than you can consume before the expiration date, freezing is an option. The individual wrapping of slices makes freezing even more convenient.
To freeze American cheese, start by removing the desired number of slices from their original packaging. You can choose to keep the slices wrapped or unwrap them, placing a piece of parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking. Next, wrap the cheese slices in plastic wrap, ensuring a double layer for added protection. Finally, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing and labelling the bag.
It is recommended to use a vacuum sealer to extend the cheese's freezer lifespan. This appliance extracts all the air and creates a perfect seal, keeping your cheese fresh for longer. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen American cheese, simply remove the desired number of slices from the freezer bag and allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
While freezing is possible, it's important to note that it may affect the texture and meltability of the cheese. Frozen and thawed American cheese tends to become crumbly and grainy, impacting its performance in recipes. Therefore, freezing may be more suitable for applications where the cheese is not the star ingredient or when mixed with other ingredients.
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American cheese shelf life
American cheese is a processed cheese variety that can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It is important to note that freezing American cheese may alter its flavour and texture, making it grainy and crumbly, and affecting its meltability. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume frozen American cheese within cooked dishes.
When stored in the refrigerator, unopened sliced American cheese can be kept in its original deli packaging. To maximise its shelf life, it is best not to open the package until ready to use. Properly stored, sliced American cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months in the freezer, but it can be safely consumed beyond this period.
The shelf life of American cheese in the refrigerator depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, making them more prone to bacterial growth. Generally, unopened hard cheeses do not require refrigeration but will last longer if stored in the fridge.
To determine if American cheese has gone bad, it is important to use your senses. Look for any signs of mould, which indicate that the cheese should be discarded. Touch the cheese to check for a slimy texture, and smell it to detect any sour or off odours. Consuming expired cheese can lead to food poisoning, as it may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Therefore, it is recommended to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese if you have any doubts about its freshness.
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American cheese and food poisoning
American cheese, such as Kraft Singles, can eventually go bad, despite being bolstered by anti-mold preservatives. While freezing cheese can extend its shelf life, it is not recommended as it can alter the flavour and texture, making it grainy and crumbly. Kraft Singles are highly processed, which is why they last a long time. However, they can still go bad.
The clearest indicators of spoilage are touch and smell. If your American cheese has a slimy texture or a sour odour, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded. While some people have reported eating Kraft Singles that were a year out of date without getting sick, it is not advisable to consume expired cheese as it can lead to food poisoning. Eating spoiled cheese can expose you to dangerous bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and chills.
If you suspect that your American cheese has gone bad, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Consuming spoiled cheese can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and loose stools, and in severe cases, it may lead to food poisoning. While it can be tricky to determine if a food has gone bad when it's already stinky and moldy, it's important to trust your senses and discard any cheese that doesn't look, feel, or smell the way you think it should.
In summary, American cheese can go bad, and consuming spoiled cheese can lead to food poisoning. To avoid this, pay attention to the texture and odour of your cheese, and discard it if you have any doubts about its freshness.
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Deli-bought American cheese
If you want to extend the shelf life of sliced American deli cheese beyond three weeks, you can freeze it. When freezing, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for about eight months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
It is important to inspect your cheese before consumption to ensure it is safe to eat, regardless of the best-by date. Deli-bought American cheese can go bad and develop mold, which is a clear sign that it should be discarded. Beyond mold, other indicators of spoilage are touch and smell. If the cheese has a slimy texture or a sour odor, it should be discarded. Eating expired cheese can lead to food poisoning, as it may expose you to harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
Some people have reported consuming Kraft American cheese slices that were a year past their expiration date without getting sick. However, it is not recommended to consume expired cheese, and it is always best to inspect the cheese and ensure it shows no signs of spoilage before consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, American cheese can go bad. It is best to inspect your cheese to make sure it is safe to eat, regardless of the best-by date.
Beyond mould, the clearest indicators of spoilage are touch and smell. Do not eat American cheese that has a slimy texture or a sour odour. If you notice specks of blue or green surface mould on hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots.
Freezing cheese is generally discouraged as it could alter the flavour and texture. However, if you wish to freeze American cheese, wrap the slices tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, place them in heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for about eight months but will remain safe beyond that time.
