Frederic Melton
Cheese is a beloved dairy product that adds flavour to a variety of dishes. However, it is a perishable food item that can go bad. Bagged cheese, in particular, may come with a best-by date, but it can still be consumed after this date if stored properly. The shelf life of cheese depends on factors such as the type of cheese, storage methods, and quality control during manufacturing and transportation. To extend the life of bagged cheese, it is important to store it properly in the refrigerator, using appropriate wrapping materials, and maintaining the correct temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | Below 40°F (4°C) |
| Storage location | Top or middle shelf, or in a drawer |
| Storage wrapping | Wax, parchment, or cheese paper |
| Freezing | Possible, but not recommended for soft cheeses |
| Freezing duration | 6 months at 0°F (-18°C) or below |
| Expiration dates | Not always accurate, use senses to check |
| Hard cheese shelf life | 3-4 weeks |
| Soft cheese shelf life | 7 days |
| Cheddar cheese shelf life | 1-2 weeks |
| Parmesan cheese shelf life | Indefinite |
| Brie cheese | Can develop ammonia buildup |
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What You'll Learn
The best way to store bagged cheese
Hard cheeses can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 weeks. To store hard cheese, wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and place it on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. You can also store hard cheese in a lidded glass container. If the lid has a vent, keep it open; if it doesn't, keep one corner lifted to allow the cheese to breathe.
Soft cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 7 days. They should be stored in tight-fitting food storage containers or wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta should be stored in airtight containers and consumed within 1–5 days.
Regardless of the type of cheese, it should be stored in the coolest and darkest part of the refrigerator, such as the vegetable crisper. This helps maintain a stable temperature and prevents spoilage. It is also important to note that cheese should not be stored in plastic wrap as it can cause moisture buildup and mould growth. Instead, opt for porous materials like wax or parchment paper.
Additionally, grated cheese can be stored in the freezer. Place the cheese in a tightly sealed package and put it in the freezer. If freezing for longer than 2 months, use a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, shredded cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months but will remain safe to consume beyond that.
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How to identify if bagged cheese has gone bad
It's important to know how to identify if bagged cheese has gone bad, as it can spoil even before the best-by date. Here are some ways to identify if bagged cheese has gone bad:
Check for mould
If you notice any specks of blue or green surface mould on hard cheese, it's best to cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots. While a healthy immune system can handle accidentally ingesting a mouldy spot, it's important to monitor for symptoms of food poisoning, such as vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea. White specks or crystallised patches on aged hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are typically normal and safe to consume. These spots are usually calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in the cheese combines with calcium.
Trust your senses
Your senses of smell and taste are often more reliable than expiration dates when it comes to identifying if cheese has gone bad. If the cheese has an unpleasant odour or taste, it's best to discard it.
Check for dryness
Some cheeses, like Cheddar, will dry out before they mould. While dry cheese can still be used in recipes that call for melted cheese, it's important to note that it has likely passed its peak quality.
Examine the cheese colour and texture
If the cheese has changed colour or developed an unusual texture, it's best to discard it. This could indicate bacterial growth or other spoilage.
Check the storage conditions
Proper storage is crucial to prevent bagged cheese from going bad. Cheese should be stored in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). It should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain moisture and placed on the top or middle shelf, above raw meats, poultry, and fish. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as they can dry out the cheese.
By following these guidelines, you can better identify if bagged cheese has gone bad and make an informed decision about whether to consume it or discard it.
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The shelf life of bagged cheese
Soft cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella, have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses. Once opened, soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks. On the other hand, hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss can last for about a month in the fridge. Freezing can extend the shelf life of cheese, but it is not recommended for soft cheeses, as they do not freeze well. Hard cheeses can be frozen for up to six months to a year, maintaining their quality and safety.
To ensure the freshness of bagged cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). After opening the package, transfer the cheese to a porous wrapping, such as wax, parchment, or cheese paper. This helps maintain moisture and allows the cheese to breathe. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as they can dry out the cheese.
Additionally, the quality of bagged cheese can be affected by manufacturing and transportation conditions. Quality control issues or improper storage during these stages can cause the cheese to go bad before its expected shelf life.
It is always advisable to inspect your cheese before consumption. Use your senses of smell and taste to determine if the cheese has gone bad. Look for signs of mould, but keep in mind that white specks on aged hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Gouda are typically calcium lactate crystals and safe to consume.
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The effects of freezing bagged cheese
Bagged cheese can be frozen, but it is important to note that the quality of most cheese does suffer as a result of freezing. Ice crystals form in the cheese during freezing, which affects the cheese's structure, texture, and taste. The water content in the cheese freezes and expands, and when it thaws, the water contracts, causing fluctuations in consistency and a drier, more crumbly texture. The harder the cheese, the better the flavour will be once thawed, as there is less moisture content.
Freezing bagged cheese can extend its life, but it is best to only freeze cheese for up to two months, as the quality will begin to degrade. To freeze bagged cheese, it is recommended to seal the cheese in its original packaging and place it in the freezer. If freezing for longer than two months, it is advised to place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
When thawing bagged cheese, it is important to do so in the refrigerator, and it is recommended to use the cheese within two to three days of pulling it from the freezer. Previously frozen cheese performs best when grated, crumbled, or melted, as the texture and consistency will have changed. It is not recommended to use previously frozen cheese in dishes that rely on the creamy texture of fresh cheese, such as Caprese salad or deli sandwiches.
While freezing bagged cheese can extend its life, it is important to consider the potential impact on quality, texture, and taste. The type of cheese also plays a role in how well it will freeze, with softer cheeses suffering the most from time in the freezer.
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The best types of cheese to freeze
Freezing is not the best storage method for cheese, but it can be a good solution if you have a lot of cheese that you don't want to throw away. The texture and taste of the cheese will be affected by freezing, and it is best to use frozen cheese for cooking rather than eating it plain. However, some cheeses freeze better than others.
Low-moisture, aged cheeses with a developed protein structure tend to freeze well. Examples of such cheeses include parmesan, cheddar, asiago, pecorino, Colby, Colby Jack, Butterkäse, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Havarti, Muenster, and gouda. These cheeses are best frozen in vacuum-sealed packages to protect them from freezer burn.
Cheeses with high moisture content, such as cream cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese, and full-fat mozzarella, do not freeze well and can become grainy or crumbly after thawing. However, low-moisture, part-skim varieties of mozzarella can be frozen with better results.
Blue cheese is also a good candidate for freezing, as it can be finely grated and served frozen on top of salads, creating a tangy and melting experience.
Shredded cheddar cheese can be frozen in its original packaging or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and it will maintain its best quality for about 8 months.
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Frequently asked questions
An unopened package of shredded cheese will last for about a week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package. Once opened, hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase, while soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks.
Bagged shredded cheese should be kept in the fridge at all times and sealed until ready to use. To further extend its shelf life, you can freeze it.
Yes, you can freeze shredded cheese to extend its shelf life. If freezing for longer than 2 months, use a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, shredded cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that.
Your senses are the best indicator of whether cheese has gone bad. If it smells or tastes odd, it's best to throw it out. Also, if you notice mould on hard cheese, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mould. If you accidentally ingest mould, monitor yourself for symptoms of food poisoning like vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea.
