Andy Montoya
It's hard to let go of cheese, but when does shredded cheese go from a tasty treat to a health risk? The shelf life of shredded cheese depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of cheese, how it's been stored, and the best before or sell by dates. Hard cheeses like Parmesan or Romano tend to last longer than semi-hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda, which have higher moisture content. An unopened package of shredded cheese will usually last about a week after the sell by date, but if it's stored in the freezer, it can last for up to 8 months and even beyond. However, freezing may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese. The best way to determine if shredded cheese has gone bad is by checking for mould or an off odour, flavour, or appearance. If it's mouldy, throw it out, and if it smells bad, it's best to discard it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unopened shredded cheese life in the fridge | 1 week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date |
| Opened shredded cheese life in the fridge | Until it's mouldy or smells bad |
| Opened shredded cheese life in the freezer | Indefinitely |
| Unopened shredded cheese life in the freezer | 8 months for best quality |
| How to identify if shredded cheese is bad | If it has mould or an off odour, flavour or appearance |
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What You'll Learn
Shredded cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
When freezing shredded cheese, it is important to remove as much air as possible from the packaging before sealing and placing it in the freezer. This can be done by pressing down on the bag to remove excess air or using a vacuum sealer. If storing shredded cheese in the freezer for longer than a month, it is recommended to transfer it to a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
Cheeses that are best suited for freezing are semi-firm to firm blocks with no rind and are typically intended to be melted, such as cheddar, Jack, Colby, mozzarella, and Swiss. These cheeses have lower moisture content, which means they are less likely to form ice crystals that can damage their structure during freezing. Softer cheeses with higher moisture content, such as mozzarella or Gouda, may not be ideal for freezing as they can become crumbly and mealy in texture.
Once shredded cheese has been frozen and thawed, it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, mac and cheese, or pizza. Freezing may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese, so it may not be suitable for plain consumption or cheese boards.
By freezing shredded cheese, you can extend its shelf life and reduce food waste. It is important to note that frozen cheese may not have the same texture or taste as fresh cheese, but it can still be safely consumed and used in various recipes. Proper storage methods and freezing temperatures are crucial to maintaining the quality and safety of frozen shredded cheese.
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It's safe to eat until it grows mould
The safety of consuming shredded cheese past its expiration date depends on a few factors. Firstly, it's important to differentiate between unopened and opened packages of shredded cheese. Properly stored, an unopened package of shredded cheddar cheese can last for about a week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date. On the other hand, once the package is opened, shredded cheese tends to dry out quickly in the fridge.
To extend the shelf life of shredded cheese, it can be frozen. Frozen shredded cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months but will remain safe to consume beyond that time frame. It's important to note that freezing may alter the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it more suitable for cooked dishes.
When it comes to determining if shredded cheese is safe to eat, the most important indicators are mould, odour, and appearance. If mould is visible, the entire container of shredded cheese should be discarded, as mould can produce dangerous toxins. Additionally, if the cheese develops an off odour or an unusual appearance, it should be thrown away.
In summary, it is generally safe to consume shredded cheese until mould appears or other signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant smell or altered appearance, are present. Proper storage, such as keeping the cheese in an airtight container and preventing moisture, can also help extend its shelf life.
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Hard cheeses last longer than semi-hard
Hard cheeses have a longer shelf life than semi-hard cheeses. This is due to their lower moisture content, which is a result of their longer ageing process. Hard cheeses can last anywhere from two to four months unopened and properly refrigerated. Once opened, they can last about four to six weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly. Examples of hard cheeses include cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda.
On the other hand, semi-hard cheeses have a slightly shorter shelf life due to their higher moisture content. They can last about one to three weeks when properly stored in the refrigerator. Some semi-hard cheeses include manchego, Gouda, and provolone.
To further extend the shelf life of hard or semi-hard cheeses, they can be frozen. Frozen hard cheeses, such as shredded cheddar, will maintain the best quality for about eight months but will remain safe beyond that time. Freezing semi-hard cheeses can also increase their shelf life, but the freezing process can affect their texture and microstructure.
It's important to note that the best way to determine if a cheese is still good is to examine its appearance, odour, flavour, and texture. If the cheese has developed an off odour, flavour, or appearance, or if mould appears, it should be discarded. Proper storage practices, such as keeping cheese in its original packaging or wrapping it in parchment or cheese paper, can also help extend its shelf life.
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Proper storage is key to longevity
If you're not planning on using the shredded cheese right away, freezing is a great option. Frozen shredded cheese can last for up to 8 months and remains safe beyond that time. However, freezing may alter the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it better suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles. To freeze shredded cheese, tightly seal the original packaging and place it in the freezer. If you plan to freeze it for longer than 2 months, it's recommended to use a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
For those who prefer to buy blocks of cheese and shred them themselves, proper storage is still crucial. Remove the cheese from its plastic wrap and wrap it in parchment paper, then a paper towel, before placing it in a plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, and store it in the refrigerator. This method can help keep the cheese fresh for months without drying out or developing mould.
Additionally, it's important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consumption. If the shredded cheese has developed an off odour, flavour, or appearance, it should be discarded. If mould is visible, the entire container of shredded cheese must be thrown away, as mould can produce dangerous toxins.
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It's coated in cellulose to stop sticking
Pre-shredded cheese is coated in cellulose to prevent the cheese shreds from sticking together. Cellulose is a cheap additive made from cotton and wood pulp. It is used as an anti-caking agent to block out moisture that would otherwise cause the cheese to clump together. Other anti-caking agents include potato starch and calcium sulphate.
While cellulose is said to offer the same health benefits as the insoluble fibre found in vegetables, it can negatively impact your recipes. This is because it may stop the cheese from melting properly, resulting in an undesirable texture. For example, your homemade mac and cheese may be less creamy with separated cheese sauce instead of long, stringy pieces of cheese.
However, not all dishes will be ruined by cellulose. Shredded cheese can still be great as a topping for quick dishes like tacos or scrambled eggs.
To avoid the additive, you can shred your own blocks of cheese. This also lets you use the cheese before it goes bad, as shredded cheese tends to dry out quickly in the fridge. If you do opt for pre-shredded cheese, you can extend its shelf life by freezing it.
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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.
Yes, shredded cheese can be frozen. If stored properly, shredded cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.
Shredded cheese has gone bad if it has mold on it. If mold appears, discard all of the shredded cheese.
