Block Cheese: Longer-Lasting Than Shredded, Here's Why

When it comes to cheese, there are several factors that determine how long it lasts. The type of cheese, how it's stored, and whether it's been shredded or left in a block all play a role in its longevity. In general, hard cheeses tend to last longer than soft varieties due to their lower moisture content, making them less prone to spoilage from bacteria. This also means that hard cheeses can be left unopened without refrigeration, although their lifespan will be extended if they are chilled.

Block cheese is more cost-effective

Secondly, block cheese tends to be fresher than pre-shredded cheese. Food distributors ensure that block cheeses are fresh and properly aged before they reach the consumer. Pre-shredded cheese, on the other hand, may have been shredded weeks or longer before it is purchased, leading to a potential loss of freshness and quality.

Thirdly, block cheese is a whole food without any added ingredients or preservatives. In contrast, pre-shredded cheese often contains additives such as potato starch, corn starch, powdered cellulose, and Natamycin to prevent clumping and moulding. These additives can affect the melting properties of the cheese, making it harder to achieve a consistent melt. By choosing block cheese, you avoid these unnecessary additives and preservatives, making it a healthier option.

Additionally, block cheese has a longer shelf life than shredded cheese. Hard cheeses, such as blocks of cheddar or Parmesan, can last for months when properly stored, while shredded cheese is more prone to spoilage due to increased surface area exposure to air and oxidation. Block cheese can be cut into smaller pieces, wrapped tightly, and stored in the refrigerator, extending its shelf life.

Lastly, purchasing block cheese and shredding it yourself can result in a better-quality product. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as consistently or taste as fresh as freshly grated block cheese. By shredding your own cheese, you can ensure the best possible flavour and texture for your dishes.

Block cheese is fresher

Block cheese is also free of additives and preservatives, which are added to pre-shredded cheese to prevent clumping and moulding. Block cheese is a whole food without any added ingredients, making it healthier and more nutritious.

In addition, block cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese. The additives and preservatives in pre-shredded cheese can make it harder for the cheese to melt evenly. Freshly shredded block cheese has nothing inhibiting the heat from breaking down the protein molecules, resulting in a smoother, more consistent melt.

Furthermore, block cheese tends to be fresher because it is properly aged before being sold. Reputable distributors ensure that their block cheeses are fresh and that mozzarella, for example, is aged for about two weeks before it reaches the consumer. This ageing process enhances the flavour and texture of the cheese, making it taste better.

Finally, block cheese can be more cost-effective than pre-shredded cheese. With block cheese, you have more control over the price you pay. You can negotiate a "cost-plus" contract with your distributor, tying the price per pound of cheese to a specific market or exchange. This gives you transparency and the best possible pricing. On the other hand, the pricing of pre-shredded cheese is arbitrarily set by the manufacturer and distributor, and there is less flexibility for the consumer.

Block cheese is a whole food

In addition to being a whole food, block cheese offers other advantages over pre-shredded cheese. For one, block cheese is fresher since it is shredded daily, whereas pre-shredded cheese may have been shredded weeks prior. Block cheese also melts better on pizzas due to the lack of additives, which can inhibit the breakdown of protein molecules during the melting process.

However, there are some disadvantages to using block cheese. Firstly, it requires additional equipment and labor to shred the cheese, which can increase costs. Secondly, there are safety concerns associated with using equipment to shred cheese, as there is a potential for employee injury. Thirdly, it can be more challenging to achieve a consistent blend when using multiple types of cheese, as they need to be shredded and mixed together manually. Finally, block cheese requires more storage space and can be more prone to molding if not stored properly.

Overall, while block cheese offers the advantages of being a whole food, fresher, and melting better, it also comes with certain drawbacks related to equipment, labor, safety, blend consistency, and storage. The decision to use block cheese or pre-shredded cheese ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the pizza business owner.

Block cheese melts better

Block cheese is also a more cost-effective option. With block cheese, you are in control of the price you pay for the product. You can ask your food distributor for a 'cost-plus' contract, meaning the price you pay per pound of cheese is tied to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Block and Barrel Market, or Block Market for short.

In terms of freshness, block cheese is also superior. Block cheese has no added ingredients, whereas pre-shredded cheese contains potato starch, corn starch, powdered cellulose, and Natamycin to prevent it from clumping and moulding. Block cheese is a whole food without additives or preservatives, which are generally agreed to be better for you.

However, there are some disadvantages to block cheese. Firstly, shredding block cheese requires equipment, which can be expensive. Secondly, there is the added labour cost of shredding the cheese. Thirdly, there are potential safety issues when using equipment to shred cheese, such as employee injury. Finally, block cheese requires more storage space than pre-shredded cheese, as it needs to be stored in plastic tubs rather than bags.

Pre-shredded cheese requires less labour

Pre-shredded cheese is a convenient, time-saving option for those who don't want to go through the hassle of shredding blocks of cheese themselves. It's an excellent choice for pizzerias and food businesses that need to streamline their operations and reduce labour costs.

When you opt for pre-shredded cheese, you eliminate the need for additional labour to shred the cheese. This can result in significant cost savings for businesses, especially considering the rising hourly wages. By choosing pre-shredded cheese, businesses can avoid the expense of hiring, training, and paying employees specifically for cheese shredding.

Additionally, using pre-shredded cheese helps improve safety in the workplace. When shredding large quantities of cheese, there is a risk of employee injury. Pre-shredded cheese eliminates this concern, as there is no need to operate potentially hazardous equipment. This not only enhances employee safety but also reduces potential liabilities for businesses.

Pre-shredded cheese also offers consistency in the blend. For pizzerias that use a blend of multiple cheese types, pre-shredded options ensure a consistent mix. With block cheese, employees would need to shred and mix different cheeses during prep or on the makeline, which may result in variations in the blend from pizza to pizza. Pre-shredded cheese, manufactured to exact specifications, guarantees a uniform blend for every pizza.

Moreover, pre-shredded cheese simplifies storage. It comes in plastic bags that are easy to store and require no additional tubs. On the other hand, block cheese needs to be shredded into plastic tubs, which can be costly, requiring an investment in extra containers and lids. Pre-shredded cheese helps reduce storage space and eliminates the need for purchasing and maintaining additional storage equipment.

While block cheese has its advantages, pre-shredded cheese certainly has its place, especially in the food service industry. By reducing labour, improving safety, ensuring blend consistency, and simplifying storage, pre-shredded cheese can help streamline operations and reduce costs for businesses.

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