Bushra Griffith
How long does bagged shredded cheese last after opening? Well, that depends on a few factors. Firstly, the type of cheese – soft cheeses with high moisture content, like mozzarella, tend to spoil faster than harder, aged cheeses. Secondly, storage – bagged shredded cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and ideally not handled with bare hands, to prevent bacterial contamination. Provided these conditions are met, bagged shredded cheese should last between three to four weeks, or until it develops mould, a funny smell, or a slimy texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long is shredded cheese good for once the bag is opened? | Pre-shredded cheese is good for about a week after opening. |
| How long does shredded cheese last in the freezer? | Shredded cheese can be frozen for up to 6 months. |
| How to increase the shelf life of shredded cheese? | It is recommended to store cheese in an airtight container with as little air as possible and no moisture. |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing shredded cheese
First, it is important to use the right type of cheese. Freezing affects the moisture content of cheese, which can alter its texture. Therefore, hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and low-moisture mozzarella, are the best options for freezing. Soft cheeses like mozzarella or gouda may have a strange texture after freezing.
Second, prepare the cheese for freezing by shredding it and placing it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag to minimize freezer burn and preserve freshness and texture. Spreading the shredded cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet before freezing can help prevent clumping.
Third, label the container or bag with the date and try to use the cheese within one to three months. The National Dairy Council recommends that pre-shredded cheese can be safely frozen for up to six months. However, the longer it is stored, the more the texture may be affected.
Finally, when you are ready to use the frozen shredded cheese, it is best to cook with it while it is still frozen. Defrosting the cheese slowly in the refrigerator overnight will help preserve its texture. However, cooking with frozen cheese can mask any textural changes caused by freezing.
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How long shredded cheese lasts in the fridge
Shredded cheese can be stored in the refrigerator and the freezer. In a food service environment, shredded cheese is considered good for consumption for 5 days after opening. However, it can be kept until it is visibly mouldy, as long as the kitchen is not contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
To increase the shelf life of shredded cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to ensure that it is not touched with bare hands as this can introduce bacteria. Instead, it is recommended to shake out the desired amount from the bag.
In the freezer, shredded cheese can be stored for up to 6 months. This can be achieved by transferring the shredded cheese to an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and storing it at a consistent temperature.
Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar or parmesan, tend to have a longer fridge life than soft cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda, which can develop an undesirable texture when frozen.
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Extending the life of a block of cheese
Shredded cheese is good for around five days after opening, but hard cheeses will last much longer. If you're looking to extend the life of a block of cheese, there are several things you can do.
Firstly, it's important to note that hard cheeses last longer than soft cheeses due to their lower moisture content. Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar and parmesan can be frozen, especially if you're going to melt them later on. However, freezing can cause a change in texture, making the cheese more crumbly. To freeze a block of cheese, wrap it in plastic wrap, then put it in a ziploc bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
If you don't want to freeze your cheese, there are other storage methods to extend its life. Avoid plastic wrap, as this can trap moisture and encourage mould. Instead, use breathable wraps like cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper. Wrap the cheese in one of these, then place it in a loosely sealed plastic bag to protect it from drying out. Place the wrapped cheese in a designated cheese drawer or storage box within your refrigerator to maintain optimal humidity and reduce exposure to fluctuating temperatures.
Another storage trick is to use vinegar. Take a clean paper towel, dampen it with white vinegar, and wrap the vinegar-soaked towel around the block of cheese. Then, transfer it to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store it in the fridge. Monitor the dampness of the paper towel and re-wet it with vinegar if it dries out. This trick is best for hard cheeses, as it can cause texture changes in softer varieties.
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How to identify spoiled cheese
Shredded cheese is good for around five days after opening, if stored correctly in the fridge. However, it can be hard to tell if cheese has gone bad, as each type of cheese ages and spoils differently. Here are some ways to identify spoiled cheese:
Appearance
Firstly, check the cheese's appearance. If the cheese has changed colour, this could be a sign of spoilage. The original yellow or orange hue may have faded, or the cheese may have developed patches of different colours or textures. However, some cheeses, such as French soft cheeses, naturally have a white, fuzzy exterior, so it is important to be aware of how the cheese should look. If you are unsure, you can research photos and videos online or ask a cheesemonger. If there is only a small amount of surface mould, you can try trimming it off; if the cheese below is clean and shows no other signs of spoilage, it may still be safe to eat. Other appearance indicators include sliminess, oiliness, and bloated packaging.
Smell
Smell is another key indicator of spoilage. One sign of spoiled cheese is an unpleasant, rancid odour. This results from the release of free fatty acids and specific volatile compounds during the bacterial or microbial breakdown of the cheese. Depending on the type of cheese, it may smell like spoiled milk, ammonia, or a refrigerator/freezer. It is a good idea to smell the cheese when you first buy it so that you know what it should normally smell like.
Taste
Finally, taste can be a reliable indicator of whether cheese has gone bad. Spoiled cheese will often taste sour, with an unpleasant aftertaste. However, it is not recommended to taste cheese if it already looks or smells off, as consuming spoiled cheese can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, loose stools, and even severe food poisoning.
To prevent cheese from spoiling, it should be stored in the refrigerator at around 4-5 degrees Celsius (39-41 degrees Fahrenheit). It should be tightly wrapped to prevent exposure to air, which can cause the cheese to dry out or become contaminated. Plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or airtight containers are good options.
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Food safety considerations
When it comes to food safety considerations for bagged shredded cheese, several factors come into play to ensure the product remains safe for consumption after opening:
Storage Practices: Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality and safety of shredded cheese. Always store the cheese in a refrigerator, maintaining a consistently cold temperature. It is recommended to use an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to minimize air exposure and prevent moisture accumulation. This helps prevent bacterial growth and slows down the spoilage process.
Handling Instructions: To extend the shelf life of shredded cheese, it is essential to handle it with care. Avoid touching the cheese directly with your hands, as hands can be a source of bacterial contamination. Instead, use clean utensils or wear clean disposable gloves when handling the cheese. Additionally, ensure that all other foods stored in the refrigerator are properly covered to prevent cross-contamination.
Expiration Dates and Quality Disclaimers: Bagged shredded cheese usually comes with a "best before" or "use-by" date. These dates are not strict indicators of food safety but rather quality indicators. The cheese may remain safe to consume beyond these dates if stored properly. However, always refer to the product's specific instructions and disclaimers for guidance.
Visual and Sensory Indicators: The presence of visible mold, a slimy texture, or an off-putting smell are reliable indicators that the shredded cheese has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat. If you notice any of these signs, discard the cheese immediately.
Freezing: Freezing is an effective method to prolong the shelf life of shredded cheese. You can freeze shredded cheese for up to 6 months. However, it is important to note that freezing may alter the texture of some softer cheeses, so it is more suitable for harder varieties.
By following these food safety considerations, you can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure that your bagged shredded cheese remains safe for consumption within a reasonable timeframe after opening.
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Frequently asked questions
Bagged shredded cheese will typically stay fresh for about a week after opening if stored in the fridge.
Yes, freezing shredded cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Shredded cheese will usually develop mould, become slimy, or start to smell if it has gone bad. Hard cheeses will generally take longer to mould than soft cheeses.
To maximise the shelf life of shredded cheese, avoid touching the cheese with your hands and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
