Patrick Oconnell
Cheese sticks, or string cheese, are a soft and fresh type of cheese that is usually sold in vacuum-sealed packaging. They are made from low-moisture mozzarella and are individually wrapped, which means they last very well without refrigeration. However, once the package is opened, it is best to finish the cheese within a week for the best quality. To know if a cheese stick has gone bad, look out for signs of spoilage such as an odd aroma, organic growth, discolouration, or a slimy or greasy texture. If you're unsure, it's best to discard the cheese stick, as consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | 6-8 weeks |
| Extra shelf life | 2-3 weeks |
| Opened package | Consume within 7 days |
| Single-wrapped | Same shelf life as unopened package |
| Signs of spoilage | Odd aroma, organic growth, bluish-grey specks, discolouration, slimy or greasy texture, unusual odours, rancid, sour or putrid taste |
| Best-by date | Date by which flavour and texture are guaranteed |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
String cheese shelf life
String cheese has a long shelf life, lasting for at least 6 to 8 weeks. It can usually be enjoyed 2 to 3 weeks after the best-before date. This long shelf life is because string cheese is made from low-moisture mozzarella, which is less susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage.
The shelf life of string cheese depends on the storage conditions, quality of the cheese, and its ingredients. To maximise shelf life, string cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at all times and the package should only be opened when ready to consume. An unopened package of string cheese will typically last for about 1 week after the sell-by or best-by date. To further extend shelf life, unopened string cheese can be frozen. When freezing, the original packaging should be tightly sealed and placed in the freezer. If freezing for longer than 2 months, the package should be placed inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, string cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time.
Once the package has been opened, it is recommended to finish the cheese within 7 days for the best quality. If the package contains single-wrapped sticks, each stick will have the shelf life of an unopened package.
It is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as an odd aroma, organic growth, or bluish-grey specks on the surface. If you are unsure whether the cheese has gone bad, it is better to discard it as spoiled cheese can cause illness.
Oaxaca Cheese: How Long Does it Last?
You may want to see also
Signs of spoilage
Cheese is a perishable food, meaning it can spoil and harbour harmful bacteria. Consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses, with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. To avoid these health risks, it's important to know the signs of spoilage.
Firstly, check the appearance of the cheese. Signs of spoilage include mould growth, discolouration, and a slimy or greasy texture. Different types of mould can cause different colours and patterns on the cheese, such as blue, red, or white spots. Some moulds on cheese are harmless, but others can be toxic and dangerous if consumed in large amounts. It's important to check for unusual colours, textures, or odours, and discard any cheese that appears spoiled or contaminated.
Secondly, use your sense of smell. While the smell of off cheese varies, it's often described as rancid, sour, or putrid. An odd aroma can be a sign of spoilage.
Thirdly, consider how the cheese was stored. An unopened package of cheese can last in the refrigerator for a long time, especially if it's vacuum-sealed. Once opened, cheese should be consumed within a few days to a week. Hard cheeses tend to last longer than soft cheeses, which can go bad quickly (within a few weeks).
Finally, trust your instincts. If in doubt, it's better to be cautious and discard any cheese that you suspect has gone off.
Cheese Sauce: How Long Does it Last?
You may want to see also
Cheese storage
Cheese is a perishable food that can spoil and harbour harmful bacteria. Consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses, so it's important to know how to store it properly and identify signs of spoilage.
When storing cheese, it's crucial to keep it refrigerated, as this slows down the growth of bacteria and mould. An unopened package of cheese can last in the refrigerator for quite some time, especially if it's vacuum-sealed. Vacuum-sealed cheeses typically have a best-by date, which is the date by which the cheesemaker guarantees the cheese's flavour and texture. However, many aged cheeses may still be good to eat even after this date.
Once a package of cheese is opened, its shelf life decreases. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar or Parmesan, can last up to six months in the refrigerator, while softer cheeses like Brie or cottage cheese tend to spoil more quickly, usually within a few weeks. To prolong the life of an opened package of cheese, ensure that it is properly sealed and stored in the refrigerator.
In terms of identifying spoilage, there are several signs to look out for. Firstly, check for any changes in appearance, such as mould growth, discolouration, or a slimy or greasy texture. While some moulds on cheese are harmless, others can be toxic and dangerous if consumed. Unusual colours, textures, or odours are indicators of unsafe mould growth. Additionally, spoiled cheese may emit a rancid, sour, or putrid odour. If the cheese has an odd aroma or any organic growth, it's best to discard it.
It's important to note that the smell of spoiled cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and the stage of spoilage. Taste can also be an indicator, with off cheese tasting bitter, acidic, or unpleasantly sour. If you're unsure whether the cheese has spoiled, it's always better to err on the side of caution and discard it.
The Long Shelf Life of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Best-by dates
Best-before dates are the dates by which a producer can guarantee the flavour and texture of their product. Many aged cheeses may still be good to eat after their best-before date. However, there is no single answer for how long an unopened package of cheese will last in the refrigerator, as every type of cheese has its own shelf life. In general, hard cheeses tend to last the longest (up to six months), while fresher, softer cheeses like cottage cheese and queso blanco spoil much more quickly (usually a few weeks). Once the package is opened, there are several factors that affect how long the cheese can last in the refrigerator. These include the storage conditions, the quality of the cheese, and its ingredients.
String cheese, for example, typically has a pretty long shelf life of at least 6 to 8 weeks, and it usually stays good for an extra 2 to 3 weeks. If the package is opened and the sticks are not individually wrapped, it is recommended to finish the cheese within around 7 days for the best quality. If the sticks are single-wrapped, each one will have the shelf life of an unopened package. It's important to note that these are estimates, and the actual shelf life may vary depending on the care taken to store the cheese properly.
Vacuum-sealed cheeses often come with best-before dates, which indicate the period during which the cheesemaker guarantees the cheese's quality. However, it's important to remember that best-before dates are not the same as expiration dates. After the best-before date, the cheese's flavour and texture may start to deteriorate, but it may still be safe to consume.
To determine if a cheese stick is past its best-before date, it's crucial to inspect its appearance, smell, and texture. Signs of spoilage can include an odd aroma, organic growth, bluish-grey specks, mould growth, discolouration, and a slimy or greasy texture. If there is any doubt about the cheese's quality, it's always better to discard it to avoid potential health risks associated with consuming spoiled cheese.
The Laughing Cow Cheese: Safe Unrefrigerated?
You may want to see also
Health risks of spoiled cheese
Cheese is a living thing, much like fresh produce. The cultures or molds that give cheeses their distinctive flavor are living organisms that can die and start rotting. While it's easy to tell that a weird smell or a fuzzy patch on a fruit means it's no longer safe to eat, it can be tricky to determine if cheese has gone bad when it's already kind of stinky and moldy.
Unopened packages of cheese can last in the refrigerator for quite some time, especially if they're vacuum-sealed. Vacuum-sealed cheeses come with best-by dates, which indicate the period during which the cheesemaker guarantees the cheese's quality. However, many aged cheeses may still be good to eat even after the best-by date.
The shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type. Hard cheeses can last up to six months, while softer cheeses like cottage cheese, queso blanco, Brie, and chèvre tend to spoil within a few weeks. Once opened, the shelf life is significantly reduced, and proper storage becomes crucial.
Spoiled cheese may exhibit signs such as mold, off odors, or unusual textures. Consuming spoiled cheese can lead to food poisoning, which can vary in severity. Most cases are mild and resolve on their own, but vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of more severe symptoms. If you experience any adverse health symptoms after consuming cheese, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Cheese Blocks: How Long Do They Last?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If you see spots of mold, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the areas with mold and the rest of the cheese stick should be fine to eat. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda are safe to eat. These spots are most likely calcium lactate crystals.
If a mild cheese like Monterey Jack or American smells strong like blue cheese or Limburger, it's time to throw it away. If the cheese smells like ammonia, similar to cat urine, it's likely gone bad.
If the cheese tastes sour or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely gone bad.
An unopened package of cheese can last in the refrigerator for quite some time, especially if it's vacuum-sealed. Vacuum-sealed cheeses come with best-by dates on the packaging, which is the date through which the cheesemaker has determined the cheese will remain good to eat.
